KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw has lauded the efforts of manufacturer Consolidated Bakeries, which is introducing a new line of reduced gluten and no-gluten added products made from cassava flour, to the market.

During the courtesy call on the minister at his New Kingston office yesterday, the company outlined plans to shortly introduce its newest line F1RST, which will see a cassava bread, made of wholly Jamaican input as well as chocolate and banana flavoured N’UFFINS — a play on the fact that no gluten will be added to the muffins.

“This is truly an impressive move which also demonstrates the sort of innovative thinking that we need,” Shaw said of the Ms Birdie maker’s new line of products.

Shaw’s ministry said that through its niche marketing strategy, Consolidated Bakeries is hoping to roll out other products under its new line supported by the purchase of locally grown and produced cassava flour.

It further added that Shaw, since taking up the helm at the ministry has been strongly advocating for local manufactures to, as much as possible, use locally grown crops to create value-added products to support local farmers and drive economic growth.