KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than 600 care packages were recently prepared by over 40 Salada Foods staff members at the company’s headquarters in Kingston, for farming communities in St Elizabeth impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The initiative brought the curtain down on the company’s 2025 production year at its Bell Road manufacturing plant. It was led by Salada Foods General Manager Tamii Brown and included teachers and students from the company’s adopted school, Jebb Memorial Basic School.

“Salada exists within an ecosystem, one that feeds and is fed by a tight-knit circle of people, communities and partners. Our farmers are a vital part of that ecosystem; when they hurt, we hurt too. These care packages reflect that shared connection and our deep commitment to supporting farmers, families and neighbours, particularly during challenging times,” Brown explained.

The care packages contained essential food and hygiene items and also featured Salada’s newly launched sorrel hibiscus beverage, a traditional Jamaican drink introduced by the company in November 2025.

Students from Jebb Memorial Basic School were among the volunteers who helped prepare the packages for delivery to farming communities across St Elizabeth.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green visited the company during the packing exercise and commended the initiative.

“I appreciate Salada and the intervention, especially as we approach the Christmas season. A number of our farmers are back out there [on the farms], but remain in very difficult circumstances. This does take a big burden off of them to have these items to carry them through the season,”  Green said.

The relief effort replaced Salada’s traditional end-of-year staff party, with the company opting instead to provide practical support to farmers following the hurricane’s impact.

However, the company later turned its focus inward to recognise staff contributions through its departmental ‘Gem Awards’.

The awardees were Akeele Johnson from Warehouse; Duane Taylor from Sanitation; Anthony Anglin from Production; Peter Collins from Engineering and Maintenance; Richard Thomas from Accounts; and Karimah Shepherd from Quality and Laboratory.

“Our Gems have shown exceptional hard work, dedication and a willingness to go above and beyond this year. They truly exemplify what it means to be a member of Team Salada,” Brown shared.