In Jamaica’s vibrant food landscape, Genteel Brands Manufacturing Company Limited — marketed under the Flavours of Jamaica label — is blazing a bold new trail in the gourmet industry as it pushes a line of uniquely flavoured peanuts and nut butters that authentically captures the essence of culture.

Since the time of its market debut in 2022, the company has taken an unconventional approach, transforming locally grown peanuts into a much-sought-after culinary delight. With inventive flavours such as coffee, Scotch bonnet pepper and lime, the entity now offers a growing product line, one that is not only distinctly Jamaican, but also health-conscious and exciting to the palate.

“The products have all natural ingredients to meet the health-conscious consumer’s taste. Culture plays an important role when selecting each flavour to be used. Each product is thoughtfully created to evoke a sense of cultural pride and bring joy to every bite, whether it is enjoyed at home or shared with friends. The aim is to make things that are truly Jamaican and evoke nostalgia,” CEO Dalton Bryan told the Jamaica Observer recently as he shared details about his business venture.

The products, also borne from a desire to fill a gap in the market, he said, aims to bring joy and pride to snack lovers everywhere. “My primary target market includes Jamaicans here at home, those in the Diaspora, and other customers in the global marketplace. I also aim to attract not only traditional nut lovers but also health-conscious snackers, fitness enthusiasts and anyone seeking to entice the palate with new and exciting flavours.”

Although still in its early stages, the business is now making steady strides. Starting with local pop-up shops and social media-driven sales, the brand has now found shelf space in prominent Jamaican retailers, such as General Foods, Super Valu Fresh Foods, Lee’s Supermarket, John R Wong, and Loshusan Supermarket.

“A major achievement for me is to be given the chance by selected supermarkets to display my products on their shelves. When I see customers taking them up and putting them in their shopping carts and paying for them, that, for me, is very fulfilling and always make me feel happy and grateful,” Bryan noted while beaming with pride.

Like many start-ups, Genteel Brands has also faced its fair share of challenges, ranging from limited access to distribution channels, packaging supplies, production equipment, and funding. Yet, despite these hurdles, Bryan remains optimistic about his company’s future.

The business is currently funded through a mix of personal savings and has also been a recipient of grant support from State entities such as HEART/NSTA Trust and the Development Bank of Jamaica.

Currently operating from a Jamaica Business Development Cooperation’s (JBDC) incubator, the CEO said the plan is to secure a modern state-of-the-art production facility. Being able to achieve this, he said, will allow for increased production and the creation of more job-to-be-done opportunities.

“My vision is to see the products embraced by the local market and being exported globally. Exports are the key to growth. Anywhere peanuts and peanut butter are consumed, I would like my products to be represented in that market,” Bryan said of other growth objectives, while calling for stronger strategic partnerships and investment to further propel the brand onto the international stage.

As innovation continues to drive the brand’s momentum, Bryan spoke of new products in the pipeline through which he wants to further grow the brand. One such development is the launch of a ready-to-eat salt mackerel rundown in coconut sauce, packaged in easy-to-open cans.

“New products are always being considered to grow the brand, and this traditional Jamaican product will soon be launched to capture a new market segment,” he stated.

Genteel’s uniquely flavoured peanut butter is great with crackers or just about anything.

Dalton Bryan, owner and CEO of Genteel Brands Ltd, photographed with some of his products during a pop-up event.

With inventive flavours such as coffee, Scotch bonnet pepper and lime, the company now offers a growing product line that is distinctly Jamaican.

Peanut butter products manufactured by Genteel Brands