JAMAICAN manufacturers are targeting a bigger share of the US$800-billion food and beverage market in Japan.

Richard Pandohie, former president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, led a delegation to the just-concluded 49th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX Japan 2024), Asia’s largest food trade show in Tokyo, Japan, where Jamaican food products were introduced to patrons.

Associated Manufacturers Limited (Walkerswood), Seprod Limited, Jamaican Teas Limited, and Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Limited are the companies that made the trip and set up under the banner of the national pavilion, “Taste of Jamaica”, with the objective of showcasing the vibrant flavours and rich culinary heritage of Jamaica to the Asian market.

Walkerswood introduced its jerk seasonings, green seasoning, curry paste, and pepper sauces, with the sampling of jerk chicken prepared using its seasoning. Jamaican Teas Limited had its variety of teas and soup mixes, with samples of their soups given for tasting. Seprod Limited presented its festival mix, Delite sorrel juice drink, and Supligen liquid meal supplements. Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Limited exhibited its premium coffee-infused rum cakes and chocolates.

Pandohie highlighted that Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee has been a tremendous success in Japan, paving the way for other Jamaican products to get a piece of Japan’s US$800-billion food and beverage market.

“I am excited and nervous about the business possibilities, but just being here is already a win. We are demonstrating that Jamaica is about enhancing bilateral trade with Japan, especially in the year that both countries are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. We are demonstrating that Jamaican companies are serious about doing business on the biggest platforms globally,” Pandohie said in a release.

With a primary emphasis on boosting exports and broadening market penetration, the delegation aims to leverage the robust demand in Japan for Jamaican products, including coffee, rums, spirits, seasonings, and condiments.

The release added that several companies within the delegation finalised meetings with potential buyers.

Organised by the Japan Manufacturers Association (JMA), FOODEX Japan attracts over 70,000 visitors, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, wholesalers, grocery stores, food service and hospitality industries, fast-food chains, convenience stores, distributors, importers, agents, and brokers. The four-day trade show boasts more than 2,500 exhibitors from over 70 countries, offering a dynamic platform for international trade and collaboration.