How did you land the job?

I joined Wisynco at a very crucial point, when we were on the brink of expanding our grocery portfolio having recently acquired the Kellogg's brand, and the opportunity existed for further growth. Wisynco are, after all, the Innovators. I was initially employed in the Sales Department, where I was given an intimate understanding of our products and the way both our consumers and customers interacted with our extensive brand portfolio. This exposure energised me when I was recruited by Zachary Harding, the then director of marketing, whom I had worked with previously at Red Stripe. The opportunity arose for a position in Marketing for the Business Development Executive — Groceries, and I relished the opportunity to further expand my scope in the food-manufacturing, consumer goods industry.

How long have you been in the job?

I have been at Wisynco for six years, but in marketing for five. I've had the pleasure of working with many international brands in the past — Kellogg's, Unilever (Ice Cream), ConAgra and General Mills. However, for the last two years I have focused exclusively on our confectionery lines — Hershey, Nestlé, Ferrero Rocher and the cold storage product line, including Nestlé Ice Cream, Butterball, Nestlé Frozen (Lean Cuisine, Digiornio, Hot Pockets, etc) and Borden Cheese and two shelf stable brands — Bumble Bee & Herr's.

What's great about your job?

The ability to get up every single morning and know that you are doing something that you truly love is definitely fulfilling. The consumers are the heartbeat and pulse of our industry, and when we are meeting their needs it gives great personal satisfaction. Every day is a new horizon, something new and exciting to learn and to accomplish. Meeting new and interesting personalities only helps to further concretise my belief that I am doing what I was meant to do.

Tell us something that we might not know about the brands you represent.

Nestlé Ice Cream is one of the most innovative and exciting brands. Whenever "Nestlé Ice Cream" is mentioned, it's always synonymous with a smile. This time of year is not only special to us as a company from a sales perspective; it is also the time when we give back to our consumers by way of supporting treats across the island. Take Home is the largest contributor to the brand, including Nestlé Blue (eight flavours), Buckingham (five flavours) and Gold Edition (14 flavours) which accounts for over 50 per cent of our sales. Coming soon we will be launching three new flavours in our Novelty line: Crunch, Strawberry Fruit Bar and Nesquick. These come on the heels of the successful launch of Peel- A-Pop in June of this year. Nestlé will continue to be innovative with our line of products as we always aim to please our consumers and share in those special family moments. In addition, we recently relaunched the Mon Cheri line of products under the Mother brand — Ferrero Rocher — with a new design which commenced distribution in the Jamaican marketplace November 2012. We have had overwhelming support for the brand and it definitely materialised in sales. It only means that we will continue to grow this portfolio with the perfect gift ideas for the special occasions.

What makes your brands attractive options for those who have several choices on the shelves?

When you understand what your consumers' needs are, then you will be able to tailor programmes to ensure you meet these needs. With our present economic climate, consumers are more guarded when spending, and so are looking for value for money and brand quality. If you can deliver these two hallmarks and ensure the consistency and availability in the market, then you will continue to create adorers of your brand.

Where can consumers find out more about your brands?

There are various ways: they can log on to Wisynco's website www.wisynco.com ; join our Facebook page @ www.facebook/wisynco or go to the brand's respective pages; or contact Wisynco at 1-888-WISYNCO.

Wisynco Business Development Executive Samartha Harris has six gift

baskets stocked with goodies for six lucky Thursday Life readers. Each

basket comes complete with a packet of Ferrero Rocher Assorted

chocolates, a packet of Hershey Chocolate Mint canes, a packet of After

Eight mint chocolates, a packet of Jolly Rancher Soft and Chewy Sours, a

packet of Pot of Gold assorted nuts, a packet of Pot of Gold caramels, an

Ice Breaker Winter Green, 2 Tic Tac keyrings, 3 Tic Tac Whistles, a bag of

Herr’s Natural Kettle potato chips, and a Bumble Bee

Apron.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

To win, simply answer the following question:

What are three confectionery brand lines that

Samartha Harris represents?

The first six Thursday Life readers to send the correct

answer by e-mail to

marketingpromotion@jamaicaobserver.com by

tomorrow, Friday, December 21, will win a gift basket

from WISYNCO.

Please include your name, occupation and contact

number.