The GraceKennedy Group (GK), in search of growth for its bottled water business, said it is now looking at a range of authentic Jamaican fruit-flavoured water products with which it hopes to whet the palate of consumers.

Group CEO Don Wehby, speaking at a recent investor briefing, cited otaheite apple and June plum among some of the locally grown fruits being eyed for use.

“We’re going to be innovative, having bought the UniBev factory to see what we can come up with as we continue to please our consumers and grow our revenue base,” he said, while noting the profitability and growth of both Catherine Peak and 876 spring water subsidiaries.

“One of GK’s objectives is to consistently excite our consumers with new and innovative products. We are considering a range of flavours to cater to different preferences. This includes both traditional flavours and exciting new options inspired by Jamaica. Some flavours may be tailored to specific markets based on local taste preferences. We will continuously look to add and change our flavour selections to stay ahead of ever-changing consumer trends,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Following the purchase of Unibev’s operation in 2023, GK touted its acquisition as critical to the advancing of the conglomerate’s position as a key player in the local spring water market.

As a contract manufacturer, Unibev specialises in offering fully integrated beverage solutions with operations across all aspects of the manufacturing process involved, from the sourcing of raw materials to packaging. Recently growing its production capacity to 50 per cent, the company is also now better able to increase its supply of water in the local market through the two premium water brands.

876, marketed as an alkaline spring water, was acquired by GK in 2021, prior to that it was produced by Unibev and sold by World Brands Limited, a GK subsidiary. It is produced in sizes ranging from 330 ml to five-litre bottles. Catherine’s Peak, in which GK now controls 70 per cent, with the other 30 per cent owned by previous owners Spike Industries Limited, also carries sizes up to five litres.

“We are the market leader in the spring water category, having two of the biggest spring water brands. We aim to give every single Jamaican a spring water option that fits their lifestyle. Our focus on delivering strong innovations in the spring water category aims to deliver options for consumers across both brands. We believe consumers deserve the best options and Catherine’s Peak and 876 both deliver on this,” Wehby said.

Prioritising investment in the area, he said the food and financial group, which also prides itself on delivering the highest quality food products, will also continue to improve production levels in order to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to meet the growing demand.

“I’ve asked Frank James [CEO of GK Foods Domestic] and his team to look at the possibility of tetra-pack to see if that’s also a possibility for Catherine’s Peak, so we’ll have to do some cost benefit analysis on that,” Wehby further indicated.