PRESIDENT of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jason Russell has welcomed the decision of the operators of Organica Whole Foods to set up shop in Montego Bay, describing the move as a strong vote of confidence in the city’s economic potential.

“When somebody from outside looks at a space and do the maths and see that it is worth spending that money and come to your city, it means a lot,” Russell told the Jamaica Observer on Saturday.

With two locations in the Corporate Area, Organica set up a third store in Freeport, Montego Bay, last December with the official opening taking place on Saturday, January 31.

“Of course, we here [in Montego Bay] invest here because that’s all we know sometimes, but when somebody has choices, and not just in Jamaica, and they choose your city, it tells you that the numbers are right and we must take a lesson from that,” added Russell.

He argued that while some St James-based entities are exploring opportunities outside the parish, the growth potential in Montego Bay remains significant.

“There is a lot of promise [with] Montego Bay poised for growth and for expansion, and we at Pier One have expanded in Montego Bay and we probably plan to expand again because Montego Bay is hot,” declared Russell who operates the popular Pier One Restaurant and Bar, which has been undergoing rehabilitation and expansion work in recent times.

Organica, a lifestyle and wellness company, has taken over space at Southern Cross Circle in Freeport and has signalled its intention to establish a strong presence in the western city.

According to Russell, the store’s arrival will significantly expand the range of health-focused options available to residents and visitors.

“A lot of people know, based on the Internet and based on social media, what healthy eating looks like but they don’t have the options, they are not able to go to a regular supermarket and pick up organic stuff whether it be gluten-free or vegan stuff, not much options,” said Russell.

“Knowledge is key but the actual physical things, to be able to access at a good price, is very important,” added Russell.

Meanwhile Founder and managing director of Organica Abbi-Gaye Phillipps said the decision to expand westward was a straightforward one based on the brand’s growth trajectory.

“We saw it as a very natural path to expanding Organica brand and we thought that going to the west would allow us to service the whole island,” said Phillips as she pointed out that the Montego Bay outlet maintains the brand’s carefully curated approach to wellness retail.

“We are a very concentrated space of health food and healthy options so every item in here is a very specially curated list of products. We select each item personally so they are going to find the healthiest and best options in our space,” added Phillips.

She underscored that Organica offers a wide range of grocery items, vitamins, supplements, herbs and teas, made with organic and natural ingredients.

“That’s our focus, healthier lifestyle options and healthier options for food,” declared Phillips.

On Saturday, patrons gathered inside the new store to explore the offerings and sample products from its wellness bar.

Among those impressed was St James resident Jhenelle-Monét Francis, who described herself as “obsessed” with the store.

“I love it. It’s clean, it’s fitting of like an holistic brand, gluten-free, just very healthy,” said Francis.

“The whole set-up, the aesthetics and the product offerings are definitely appealing, especially as a gym-goer and somebody who is definitely taking their nutrition seriously this year,” added Francis.

Another customer, Andrea Buddle, expressed her joy at having the opportunity to shop at a top natural food store in Montego Bay.

“I’m impressed because I think Montego Bay needs something like this. A lot of persons on the vegan side tend to have to go into Kingston to get whatever they need but we have this here right at our finger tips,” said Buddle.

Director of Organica Whole Foods Krishna Phillipps (left) makes a point to president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jason Russell (centre), at the official opening of the Montego Bay location with the store’s Managing Director Abbi-Gaye Phillipps looking on.

Montego Bay Chamber President Jason Russell (right) chats with Organica’s brand ambassador Kamila McDonald during the official opening of the store’s Montego Bay location on Saturday.