Marketing Manager – Trade Winds Citrus Limited

How did you land the job?

It’s quite an interesting story. I had applied and interviewed for the position previously in 2008, but I accepted another offer from an overseas beverage company, then I was contacted by Trade Winds. However, I was already in the position, so I missed that opportunity. Then last year, I wanted a change of industry and saw the publication for the very position open once more. The stars were aligned as three short interviews later, I was the new marketing manager for Trade Winds Citrus Limited.

How long have you been in the job?

I’ve been in the role for over four months, though it feels like four years. This particular market does have its share of demands so I had to hit the ground running as soon as I had taken up the position.

What’s great about your job?

My job is awesome. It allows me to interact with persons from different walks of life. I have the opportunity to interact with consumers, suppliers, factory workers, farmers. I’m glad for the support of my Trade Winds family. I have room to explore my creativity in this role as well as to empower my staff. One day I’m in office preparing budgets and the next I’m in one of our many orange groves. My job is very spontaneous and I love every minute of it.

Tell us something we might not know about the Trade Winds Citrus brands you represent?

Consumers aren’t aware that Trade Winds also manufactures Wakefield juices and Freshhh Drinks and Juice Drinks as they view it as competition to Tru-Juice, however, this is how diverse our offerings are as we can appeal to any budget and still offer a product that has the same attention to detail in a state-of-the-art facility using our premium ingredients each with a twist to appeal to a wide consumer base. We are located in Bog Walk, St Catherine; YES, I make the commute every day from St Andrew. We pride ourselves in the fact that we are a community-based company and the majority of our employees are from neighbouring communities.

Why are Trade Winds Citrus products attractive options for consumers?

The Trade Winds product line appeals to all demographic as it serves to satisfy consumers on an emotional and economic level. We offer a product range that takes into consideration the consumers’ spend, lifestyle, health options with our NSA (No Sugar Added) line. Our Tru-Tea iced tea brand is for the fitness fanatics and it also doubles as a detox option. Freshhh Drinks and Juice Drinks is for the person who uses price to determine their spend while Calico Jack is a ready-to-drink rum punch that appeals to all demographic and is perfect for all social drinking occasions. Wakefield is the affordable alternative to Tru-Juice; it is the drinking occasion builder and our official drink mixer brand that still offers an affordable quality product. For the family-oriented consumers, Tru-Juice, our flagship brand, is the healthy, premium family product that has over 20 flavours to choose from; this is also endorsed by the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ). Trade Winds is the only ‘Tru-Jamaican’ juice company and we always encourage the support of our local industry.

Where can consumers find out more about your brands?

Our products can be found in supermarkets, wholesales, convenient stores, hotels, restaurants and just about anywhere juices are sold. We’re on Facebook with 3 pages Tru-Juice, Freshhh and Calico Jack, or they can visit our website at www.tru-juice.com. We have recently rolled out a campaign for our TRU-LY Loyal customers on all our Facebook pages that help us to interact closely with our consumers and give back to our loyal customers. To join our TRU-LY Loyal membership club, all you have to do is send an email to tradewindstrulyloyal@gmail.com and you will have access to exclusive Trade Winds promotions and a chance to win tickets to sponsored events, gift packages, product testing and a whole lot of other exciting perks.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Trade Winds Citrus Marketing Manager Shama Johnson has six gift baskets to give away to six lucky Thursday Life readers.

Each gift basket will include a 1.89-litre bottle of Tru-Juice, 1.89-litre bottle of Wakefield Orange Juice, a 750-ml Calico Jack Rum Punch, a 1.89-litre bottle of Tru-Tea Iced Tea and a 1.89-litre of Freshhh Juice Drink. Also, winners will receive a mood bottle, a lid cup, a car visor, a mouse pad, a 2013 Trade Winds calendar, a tote bag, a drawstring bag and a Calico Jack T-shirt.

(See today’s THURSDAY LIFE Page 3 for Question)

To win, simply answer the following question:

E-mail the correct answer to: marketingpromotion@jamaicaobserver.com by 12:00 noon tomorrow, Friday, January 25, 2013. Please include your full name, occupation and company and telephone contact.