Joel Harris holds a… Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies, specialising in marketing, from the University of the West Indies (UWI). His passion is to manufacture and promote natural premium authentic Jamaican products that will be beneficial to the health and well-being of his customers.

I started Shavuot Farms because…

While investigating potential international markets, I was alarmed at the perception by distributors that Jamaican products were classified as substandard by their packaging and product quality within certain food industries. As a result, Shavuot International was founded out of the need to create unique authentic premium Jamaican products that would help to empower consumers by encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle, while uplifting brand Jamaica. My main focus was to create packaging that had an international appeal with emphasis on quality in sourcing and manufacturing.

I also saw a need for social enterprising to employ single mothers and youth who are at risk, especially in the community of Wynter’s Pen, Spanish Town, by creating a joint venture programme with New Horizons that hosted a Heart Trust programme. It is my hope that through our success we will uplift brand Jamaica, the health and well-being of our customers, and enrich the lives of many Jamaicans through training and employment in local communities.

I introduced the soursop mix because…

I had the opportunity to create a line of soursop products that were currently not provided by local manufacturers. I discovered through research that soursop has been recognised as a new super food and I wanted to add a product line under the brand. Soursop contains many beneficial properties that are well known throughout the world, such as lowering blood sugar levels, anti – cancerous and anti- stress agents. Soursop has been used for many herbal remedies within our folk history but has not been fully developed as part our daily dietary habits. Hypertension and diabetes are two lifestyle conditions that have affected the lives of many Jamaicans due to intakes of high sodium and starch. With the help of the soursop line of products I do believe through the many testimonials and research that people can help to prevent and manage those lifestyle diseases.

What has the response been to the soursop mix…

Phenomenal! I have been receiving positive responses and expressions of interest from as far away as China and Suriname. They have stated that the product is convenient to enjoy with their daily meals and has helped to regulate their blood sugar levels. It has also sparked a revolution in creating new meals and dishes utilising the flavour of the soursop powder.

There is too..

The Scotch Bonnet Pepper Powder which is perfect to introduce a kick to your meal.

One day, I got the idea to create Scotch bonnet pepper flakes that would replace the red pepper flakes that are imported. Our pepper powder came by an accident of using the wrong mesh to grind the dried peppers for entry into the Taste of Jamaica competition. After reviews the chef explained that not only was the powder form perfect for cooking, but they loved it, and copped a national award. Since then we have been getting positive feedback based on our premium products and high-value sourcing and manufacturing standards.

Who are your main customers…

My main customers are between the ages of 25-45 who are cooking enthusiasts as well as people who love or are willing to try naturally grown Jamaican products.

Are there plans to expand your offerings…

I am currently investigating new ways in which to create new product offerings and I’m exploring a line of teas, drinks and iced teas.

My first breakthrough came when…

I wanted to utilise the excess soursop ingredients that I was receiving from making my soursop tea line. After further research and refinement there was increased demand for my powders. This gave me further impetus to focus on increasing my line and the quality of my product offering.

Mine is a successful product because…

Soursop is well known throughout the Caribbean and Latin American countries and in the diaspora. My soursop powder is milled and blended to perfection that allows for versatility in various cooking applications as well as beautifully packaged for international markets. My product is truly an authentic Jamaican product that should be a part of every household.

Jamaicans should support my product because…

It is truly authentic. It is rich in quality, health benefits and flavour that can be used as a supplement to daily meals. Plus, each sachet sold helps me to train and employ more single mothers and youth who are at risk.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have…

Started to produce and sell my soursop powder earlier.

Lend your support by purchasing the soursop mix at MegaMart and all Hi Lo supermarkets or by contacting:

Shavuot Foods

Joel Harris

(876) 809 2344

Shavuotfarms@gmail.com