Several local food purveyors are among the 18 companies shortlisted for Continental Baking Company’s (CBC) latest initiative The Bold Ones — New Champions of Manufacturing.

Speaking at the launch of the programme recently at the Knutsford Court Hotel, CBC Chairman Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson informed that this thrust is a bid to create more market opportunities and help small business owners to make greater contributions to the manufacturing sector with respect to increased advertising presence.

“The productive sector is the backbone of any country, and given the changing economic paradigms in Jamaica, we are increasingly understanding the importance and possibilities of this sector,” Hendrickson said insisting that today’s manufacturing sector must move from its kind of cottage-industry approach to reflect a greater level of professionalism.

“Partnership is also critical among manufacturers in enhancing competitiveness,” said Omar Azan, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association.

“As a private sector, we need greater collaboration between manufacturers to compete in our local market and on the world stage,” Azan added, ahead of praising the programme.

The Bold Ones programme, which costs some J$25 million, is slated to run for a year and includes the following food service companies: Chocolate Dreams, Pastry Passions, Country House Products, Home Choice Enterprises, The Jamaican Herb and Spice Company, The Jerk Place & Restaurant, Local Spice and Spur Tree Spices Jamaica.

The companies were shortlisted based on a list of criteria, which encompasses: practising business for less than seven years, employing five or more persons and being tax compliant. All the companies listed use indigenous resources, a key element in how the goods are marketed.

“We say ‘Buy Jamaican’, but do we?” posed Chocolate Dreams entrepreneur Michelle Smith who believes this programme is a better way of ensuring that consumers do so.

“I think it’s a wonderful initiative… it’s a major task and I think it’s a tremendous effort to get [minor manufacturers] out there into the wider market,” Smith added.

Safiya Burton-Chisholm, owner of Pastry Passions, also praised the initiative, pointing out that CBC demonstrates an active interest in not just developing their brands, but the wider manufacturing sector.

“I’m most looking forward to the mentorship aspect…taking notes from those who have done it better and found success.”

“Marketing assistance,” said Lloyd Sterling of The Jerk Place who pioneers a guava-based jerk sauce, “is tough to come by and it’s such a vital need too…so I’m welcoming the idea of getting our products on the map.”

But while several of the smaller food industry players are praising the knowledge from more established companies, Local Spice CEO Marvin Stuart is looking forward to the support and development he’ll get from his other 17 batchmates.

“I believe there’s room in the industry for everyone, and what’s great about this is that we can all learn from each other and at the same time.”