ORGANICA Whole Foods has officially opened its second location in Jamaica, aiming to promote healthier meal alternatives and cater to a diverse range of dietary needs. The new store, located at 34 Upper Waterloo Road, seeks to provide affordable options while emphasising a commitment to wellness.

“We keep wellness simplified. That’s a part of our motto. It’s not about making big changes; it’s about starting with small steps. Changing the one thing you eat the most and ensuring it’s the cleanest option available.” Abbi-Gaye Phillipps, co-founder and managing director, shared the store’s philosophy during the grand opening.

Founded in 2022, Organica’s first store opened at Orchid Village Plaza. The Phillipps family, with backgrounds in engineering and technology, has long prioritised healthy eating and describes their wellness journey as family-inspired, especially after becoming parents. This shift led them to prioritise nutritious, home-made food options and expand their offerings to meet Jamaica’s growing demand for healthier choices.

“We would make all our food from scratch. Like, you know, all the food from scratch, read labels, and we just wanted to make sure that they had more nutritious options,” said Abbi-Gaye.

While Jamaica has deep agricultural roots, the founders note that the culinary landscape is evolving. Growing consumer preferences for specialised products have created a demand among fitness enthusiasts, wellness advocates, and individuals with dietary restrictions. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, increasing the appetite for healthier choices. Notably, sales of fermented foods — known for their gut health benefits — have surged at Organica.

“People are becoming more aware, and we are on an educational campaign with all our partners. They [Jamaicans] want to do better and need better options, and we are here to provide those,” Abbi-Gaye said while speaking with the Jamaica Observer.

The founders of Organica describe their entry into the wellness industry as smooth, driven by a strong sense of purpose and a focus on meeting consumer needs. They noted that while the health food sector itself posed few barriers, they faced the usual challenges of balancing time and priorities. However, their passion for wellness, combined with a skilled team and knowledgeable advisors, enabled them to navigate these hurdles.

The new location, approximately 1,500 square feet, was established in response to customer requests for more accessible shopping experiences, offering ample space for customers to browse and shop comfortably. Organica carries over 7,000 products, with more than 2,000 tailored to specialised dietary needs. The store often collaborates with medical and naturopathic doctors to assist customers in finding appropriate products based on recommended lists and dietary restrictions.

“We want to provide healthy alternatives for our customers, which includes options for those with dietary restrictions,” Krishna Phillipps, director and owner, explained. “Whether you have coeliac disease and need gluten-free products or follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, we have options for you,” Abbi-Gaye added.

Organica is also looking to expand further, with potential plans for additional locations in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Recently, the company launched its website and membership programme, offering new members a 10 per cent discount on their next purchase in November. Additionally, Organica has launched its loyalty programme and plans to introduce e-commerce options.