Starting this week, Thursday Food introduces a new feature we’ve titled “Branded”. We will shine the spotlight on the talented brand managers of foodie-related organisations. They, after sharing their stories, will afford lucky readers each week the opportunity to win products (like these wonderful gift baskets from Kraft and Eve) from the managers’ companies.

Eve Brand Manager Wendy Wallace.

How did you land the job?

When I left Air Jamaica in September 2008 I was unemployed until I got a job at Facey Commodity Pharmaceutical in May 2009 as a promotions coordinator. I actually came for an interview for an accounting job as I have a bachelor’s in accounts with a minor in economics and management studies. When my interview was through, I stopped by the human resources manager and told her I was unemployed and seeking a job. She asked me how I knew I didn’t get the job I came for and I told her I was ensuring that if I didn’t, I would have something else in place. She then informed me that there was a position available but it did not require an MBA, as I have an MBA in Marketing from Mona School of Business. I told her it didn’t matter as I was not working at the time. She then took me to speak to the General Manager for the Pharmaceutical Division and I got the job. I began in May 2009 and in November of that same year a Brand Manager position became vacant over by the Merchandise Division. I applied even though I had no marketing experience and I got the position and have been here since.

How long have you been in the job?

I have been doing it for approximately two years and six months.

What’s great about your job?

The greatest thing about my job is that I don’t have to sit at a desk eight hours per day. No two days are the same. I like going into the trade to see what is happening with my products and see how I can grow my brand. I also like the daily challenge that comes with it and the opportunity to meet new people.

Tell us something that we might not know about the Eve Brand.

The Eve brand has been around for 43 years and it is owned and distributed by Facey Commodity. Eve has a wide array of products from powder seasoning to tin products, syrups and so much more.

Where can consumers find out more about your brand?

They can log on to www.faceycommodity.com to learn more.

Wendy shares a quick, delicious recipe with our readers.

EVE Sweet Corn Fritters

Ingredients:

2 cups Eve Whole Kernel Corn

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 egg

1 teaspoon Lider magarine melted

2 cups flour

2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup Serge milk

icing sugar (optional)

Method:

Chop finely Eve Whole Kernel Corn

Add salt, pepper, well-beaten egg, melted butter, milk, flour and baking powder

Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into deep hot fat

Fry 2-3 minutes or until golden brown

Drain onto paper towels

Dust lightly with icing sugar (optional)

Brand Manager for Kraft Melissa Bennett.

How did you land the job?

I was working at Facey’s sister company when a friend mentioned that Facey was looking for a Brand Manager for Kraft. I decided to research the brand and was surprised to realise how many brands are owned by Kraft Foods! I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to locally represent such a dynamic company, with some of the world’s leading brands. I applied for the job and here I am today.

How long have you been in the job?

Close to a year-and-a-half.

What’s great about your job?

The job is multifaceted, so no two days are ever alike. I enjoy meeting so many different people and hearing what our brands mean to them. For example, the Tang Consumer promotion has allowed us to positively impact so many Jamaicans. Winners have recounted how the competition has changed their lives, from giving them the opportunity to meet their basic daily needs to owning their own homes. For Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence, Tang is proud to do its part by giving back to local charities through this year’s competition.

Tell us something that we might not know about Kraft.

When most people hear Kraft they automatically think macaroni and cheese… but what they may not be aware of is that most (if not all) households have at least one Kraft product without even realising it! Some of the most popular Kraft-owned brands locally are Tang, Kool Aid and Oreo.

Where can consumers find out more about your brand?

Consumers can visit our website at www.kraftrecipes.com where they can learn about the wide variety of brands and get great recipe ideas. Or they can call Facey Commodity at 923 – 9331 and ask for our Customer Service department.

Melissa’s Recipe Pick:

It is summer and people do a lot of entertaining at home so I will give you a delicious recipe that is easy to make and great to eat!

Philadelphia Chicken Spread

Ingredients:

1 8oz pack of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

1 tbs onion grated

1 grilled chicken breast diced into small chunks

Method:

Allow Philadelphia Cream Cheese to soften.

Mix in chicken and onion.

Use as a spread on Club Social Crackers or Nabisco Premium Crackers.

Here’s your chance to win gift baskets, compliments of Eve and Kraft. Simply tell us the name of the company that distributes the Eve and Kraft brands in Jamaica. E-mail the correct answer by noon tomorrow, Friday, June 22 to marketingpromotion@jamaicaobserver.com

You must too, include your full name, occupation, and telephone number.