Devon House enters ice cream distribution deal with UK patty franchise
DEVON House I-Scream has partnered with Jamaica Patty Company (JPC) of the UK in its first distribution deal in an overseas market.
Under the agreement, the ice cream will be produced for the patty company under licence in the UK.
JPC launched its first location in Covent Garden in London in March as part of a roll-out plan that targets 50 retail stores across the UK.
The relationship with the Jamaica Patty Company presents a powerful opportunity for our ‘I-Scream’ to significantly expand our presence outside of our shores and to serve an even broader range of customers,” said Janette Taylor, executive director of the Devon House Development Company Limited (DHDCL).
“This allows us a tremendous opportunity to pursue areas which will bring new revenue as we continue on a path to self-sustainability,” said Vikram Dhiman, chairman of the finance & audit committee of DHDCL. “This partnership will also serve as a benchmark for future agreements with other entities who are desirous of partnering with and promoting a wholesome, flavourful, iconic Jamaican product.”
Jamaican-born Brit Theresa Roberts and husband Andrew invested US$500,000 ($56 million) to start a Jamaican patty franchise in the UK.
Along with seven different patty flavours, JPC offers Blue Mountain Coffee, rum cake, soups, juices such as coconut water and soursop, and other Jamaican food items, Andrew told Caribbean Business Report yesterday from the Roberts’ Tryall Country Club home in Hanover, Jamaica.
“The model is designed to tap into the growing UK trend for fast casual dining and has been designed to allow rapid expansion once the first store is producing an acceptable sustainable profit margin,” Andrew told the Observer some months ago, noting that JPC is Theresa’s brainchild.
While the UK is generally seen as an attractive market for local businesses because of its relatively large Jamaican Diaspora and growing West Indian population, JPC’s target market is mainstream UK consumers. The plan is to initially expand to about 15 stores in London and then roll out throughout the UK with the ultimate goal to create a chain of around 50 stores, according to Andrew.
