Local businesses have a big opportunity to gain international exposure this week, with over 200 overseas buyers expected to converge on the island for Expo Jamaica 2010 at the National Arena.

Expo Jamaica, which will run from Thursday to Sunday, is presented through collaboration between the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) and the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

The database of buyers is comprised of a diversified group of international interests with varying demands of the Jamaican marketplace. For some of these buyers, it will be their first look at what the local market has to offer, for others it will be a look at expanding their line of ‘Product of Jamaica’ offerings.

Canadian businessman Hal Campbell, for instance, told Sunday Finance that his goal at Expo Jamaica 2010 will be “…to source unique products that will appeal not only to the local retail outlets in Canada but to the specialty food outlets where we already have a presence”.

Campbell and his wife are the owners of Blue Mountain Flame Distributors, an importer/distributor of authentic Jamaican gourmet products. The company currently imports 90 per cent of its products from Jamaica which results in a 20 foot Container every two months. It presently distributes, among other items, soy beverages, spices, calalloo, mackerel, pepper sauces, crushed scotch bonnet, Irish moss drinks, coconut cream and powder, and Blue Mountain Coffee to over 250 stores in the greater Southern Ontario region as well as the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Registered as a corporation, Blue Mountain Flame has been in business for over eight years and had CDN$120,000 in sales in 2008.

Eve Sales Corporation is another company that already has deep linkages with the local market. It has been doing business in Jamaica since 1969 and will be coming to Expo Jamaica to peruse the offering of agro-processors. Located in the Bronx, New York, the company’s product line includes some of the hottest selling sauces and marinades; seasonings and condiments.

Among the many other pockets of overseas interests will be a delegation of 12 to 14 buyers from the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce (JAUSACC), to be led by Chamber President Marie Gill.

“I look forward to a strong showing as we gear up to take part in the biennial trade mission to EXPO Jamaica at the National Arena in Kingston, June 17 to 20. We hope that by joining forces, we will make an even bigger impact with our presence and our voices, as we work to brand Jamaica and increase Jamaica-US trade,” said Gill in the organisation’s Annual Luncheon book last month.

The Expo is also a big boost for JAMPRO, which has been moving vigorously to secure export business for the local manufacturing sector. Admitting that Jamaica has production issues, JAMPRO manager of export promotion Berletta Henlon-Forrester has made it clear that although the country was unable to compete in mass marketing, its products had a place in niche markets.

“Many of the products we do in Jamaica are more targeted to the high end, niche market and not necessarily suited to larger retail chains. We do have capacity issues and so some products we try to place them in the more high value niche markets,” she said at an Observer Monday Exchange meeting of reporters and editors recently.