Walkerswood, Jamaica’s flavour empire for over 30 years, signalled its commitment to boosting gastronomic tourism opportunities in Jamaica with the appointment of world-renowned chef Wenford Patrick Simpson as the brand’s official culinary ambassador at a ceremony at the Walkerswood Factory in St Ann on Wednesday, October 24. Among the attendees were key players in the local culinary industry, including Jamaica Food & Drink Festival bloggers, and several journalists.

Born in St Ann, Jamaica, Simpson shares a connection to the same land from which the Walkerswood brand has sprung. Chef Simpson, who began pursuing the culinary arts from an early age, has demonstrated a passion for bold Caribbean flavours, and the warmth that goes along with that.

From his position in coveted kitchens across the world, including high-end Sony Hall in New York City where he presides as executive chef, to his impending Food Network show, Chef Simpson has always created opportunities to encourage people to experience food differently, to explore flavours freely, and to savour every second of life.

His commitment to creating, connecting and educating makes him the perfect ambassador to build a world in which local homegrown flavours can be exported and explored in kitchens all across the globe. This includes reuniting the diaspora with the flavours of home, and introducing these flavours to an even broader audience.

“Chef Simpson has a way of creating the most incredible flavours out of what seems like a simple array of ingredients,” said Sean Garbutt, group marketing director for Associated Manufacturers. “But beyond that is his gift for inspiring you to believe you can do the same. Walkerswood has always focused on authenticity and quality. We’re the real Jamaican deal! With our ingredients and his culinary brilliance, we can really put Jamaica on the map as a premium gastronomic destination. And that’s an outcome that could only be great for everyone involved.”

Garbutt bestowed the official culinary ambassador jacket upon Chef Simpson at the official ceremony. Simpson’s appointment will see him embarking upon a school tour, visiting institutions across the nation and delivering guest lectures, including one at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).