THE company behind some of Jamaica’s most recognised product labels is Labels Craft Jamaica Limited (LCJ).

With roots in Barbados, the regional label specialist expanded to Jamaica in 2014, responding to growing demand from its Jamaican client base and the country’s expanding manufacturing sector.

“Many of their customers were already based in Jamaica, so it made sense to move closer to them for faster service and better delivery,” explained Keisha Anderson, operations manager at LCJ, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Founded over 30 years ago by Barbadian brothers Paul and Jules Evelyn, the company, whose parent name is Caribbean Label Craft, focuses exclusively on label printing and now operates in Barbados, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic location primarily supports logistics, allowing for quicker and more cost-effective shipping across the region.

Here in Jamaica, LCJ started small, with just nine employees and one printing press in a tiny facility in Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew. Today, it operates out of an 11,200-square-foot facility, 12 kilometres away in Ferry, St Andrew, with three printing presses and a 30-member team. The company’s client base has also expanded rapidly; from just 20 customers in its first year, which were mostly businesses that transitioned from Barbados to Jamaica, to now serving more than 1,500 local brands. In Jamaica, getting operations up and running came with its share of challenges. The biggest? Finding technically skilled workers in such a specialised industry.

“What we do is very technical,” Anderson said. “Our machines are computerised and rely on precision, so we had to be strategic in finding and training the right people.”

Training included sending local staff to Barbados for two-month sessions and bringing in overseas technicians to help build technical capacity on-site. For LCJ, the company’s proudest milestone came early, securing its first order and turning a profit in less than a year. While marketing efforts are largely coordinated by the parent branch in Barbados, the Jamaica team credits its success to the strength of its local business development executives (BDEs). These front-line staff, Anderson says, are not just salespeople; they’re problem solvers.

“If a customer is having a problem, they’re there to walk through it and fix it. Right now, they’re our best marketing tool,” she explained.

This approach is what Anderson believes sets Labels Craft Jamaica apart from the competition. The company doesn’t just take artwork and print. It evaluates every design, provides guidance on aesthetics, materials, and compliance, and makes tailored recommendations to help clients meet the requirements of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica ­— the agency responsible for developing and applying standards for various commodities, processes, and practices, as well as providing services like certification, testing, and calibration.

“If a client brings us a label design and it isn’t compliant, we tell them. If the font size is off or if key information is missing, we advise on how to correct it,” she told the Business Observer.

“We guide them through every detail, from the text and layout to choosing the right label material for the best finish.”

Anderson added that many clients come in unsure of what they truly need. That’s where the team’s advisory role becomes most valuable. While LCJ remains known for its high-quality self-adhesive labels — those typically found on product containers — the company is preparing to broaden its offerings by entering the unsupported and flexible packaging space. The move will allow LCJ to produce speciality labels used for products like bottled water and energy drinks. These types of unsupported labels are seen on brands such as WATA and 876 Water, where the label appears to be part of the packaging itself. Beyond labels, LCJ is also getting ready to roll out flexible packaging solutions by April 2026, targeting items like snack food bags and drink pouches in form fill seal bags.

“We’re currently reviewing machine specs, visiting suppliers, and getting our technicians involved in testing so we can choose the right equipment,” Anderson said.

And while the local expansion is underway, there’s talk of entering the Florida market within the next four to five years.

“It’s not finalised, but it’s on the table,” she noted.

LCJ is part of the Goddard Group, which is listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange, but Anderson noted that there are currently no discussions around listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Despite the company’s rapid growth, it continues to support small businesses, something it sees as core to its identity. LCJ has partnered with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) to offer consultation and label solutions for micro and small entrepreneurs, helping them navigate compliance and design.

“We don’t turn away small clients,” Anderson explained. “Even if they come in with 100 labels instead of the 500 minimum, we’ll still work with them. We show them the price difference at different quantities so they can plan and grow.”

Turnaround time for most orders is five to seven business days. However, LCJ has been flexible in meeting urgent requests. If the design files are ready, the team may add an extra shift to expedite production, often without charging additional fees. The company emphasises this level of service because, in their view, labels are what ultimately sell the product.

“Your label is the gateway to your business. No matter how good the product is, if the label doesn’t attract attention, people won’t pick it up. People buy with their eyes,” said General Manager Dr Marlon Farquharson.