KINGSTON, Jamaica – In 2013, Jordan Dawson decided to take the plunge in fulfilling a long-held dream of starting a business that would be focused on buying and selling fresh, local produce like mango, breadfruit and ackee to international markets.

Hailing from St Thomas, there was no shortage of farmers to choose from in terms of securing supplies.

But, at the very outset, he stumbled upon a significant roadblock—he needed some way to move the goods around.

“I borrowed my father’s vehicle to buy the mangoes, pack it in a makeshift packing house to start off and drive it to the airport,” he tells JIS News.

It is a small, but important gesture that the managing director of Dawson Trading Company Limited holds dear to his heart as it was the launchpad he needed to get the business going.

Today, Dawson has transformed his small business, which had initial revenue of $300,000 annually, into a thriving trading company earning more than $100 million annually.

“We’re one of two exporters [from Jamaica] that export to the United States (US) right now for Jamaican mangoes. We also export to Canada and the United Kingdom (UK),” the young entrepreneur says.

What began as a modest venture focused on fresh produce has blossomed into a business that now encompasses a diverse product line, with value-added offerings and a robust export network.

The company’s growth trajectory has been marked by diversification and innovation, commitment to quality and strategic investments. From fresh produce to the introduction of the ‘Easy Pickings’ brand featuring flash-frozen Jamaican agricultural delights, Dawson Trading Company has carved a niche for itself in the market.

“When a person buys Easy Pickings, they’re buying Jamaican,” boasts Dawson, underlining the essence of the brand’s connection to its roots.

The product range includes mango chunks, passion fruit, ackee and breadfruit, with plans for expansion into root crops and other produce.

The managing director acknowledges the challenges of managing costs and financing but expressed optimism about expanding capacity.

While capital-intensive, due to the nature of the flash-frozen products, Dawson Trading Company has managed its finances organically, without external equity injections.

Dawson credits a large part of the business success to access to government grants, including the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) innovation grant.

The support received has enabled the company to translate innovations into tangible outcomes that have propelled its growth.

Dawson candidly acknowledges the myriad challenges inherent in the business landscape, emphasising the importance of resilience, innovation and adept management to navigate these obstacles successfully.

Recognising Jamaica’s potential for agricultural excellence, he emphasises the need to carve out unique niches and capitalise on the country’s strengths.

Rigorous adherence to food-safety standards, including tests conducted by bodies like the Scientific Research Council (SRC), underscores the company’s commitment to quality and compliance.

“I strongly believe in systems and in taking a proactive approach… because so many things are thrown at you all the time to move forward,” he tells JIS News.

While the company has yet to fully leverage digital platforms for sales and marketing, recognising the untapped potential in this domain, systems are in place for accounting and operational efficiencies.

In-house storage facilities have streamlined logistics operations, although  Dawson expresses interest in exploring enhanced digitisation possibilities in the future.

Moreover, Dawson Trading Company has set its sights on exploring new avenues for growth and market access.

As the company charts a course towards continued growth, innovation, and sustainability,  Dawson’s business journey stands as a testament to the power of support from family no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

With that helping hand his father provided, he was motivated to overcome challenges and realise his vision.

As a result, Dawson Trading Company Limited now exemplifies the fusion of entrepreneurship, agricultural prowess, and commitment to quality that propels businesses towards enduring success.

– JIS