Excitement is building among Jamaica’s food innovators as the countdown begins to Thursday, June 25, 2026, when the winner of the coveted Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards 2025/26 Best (New) Local Product Award will be revealed.

Thirteen standout contenders representing small, medium, and large enterprises gathered at the AC Hotel Kingston on Tuesday, May 12, for an intense and inspiring judging session led by Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte, alongside Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green and a distinguished panel of 15 judges and guest judges.

The atmosphere was charged with creativity, ambition, and national pride as participants showcased products that reflected Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage while embracing innovation and market-ready appeal. From bold flavour profiles to inventive packaging and locally sourced ingredients, the competition highlighted the growing strength and sophistication of Jamaica’s agro-processing sector.

While only one product will ultimately claim the title, many of the innovators shared that the experience — which included access to expert feedback and industry exposure — has already proven invaluable, as they seek to scale their products beyond local shelves.

The panel of judges had their palates delighted and taste buds tantalised as they sampled an impressive array of savoury and sweet offerings thoughtfully paired with the innovative products entered for consideration.

“This is exactly what the Food Awards is about… Based on what we have seen, and what we continue to see each year, but especially this year, in light of Hurricane Melissa, this is what we’re talking about resilience — really putting our shoulders to the wheel and showing the world that we have world-class products. We don’t need to bring Michelin stars here. We are Michelin stars! We need to create our own and applaud our own,” said Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Chair Novia McDonald-Whyte.

This year’s line-up featured sweet potato chips; authentic Mexican tortilla and flautas made locally by expats; an array of seasoning by hospitality professional Zoë Dawkins; a cheese sauce by father-daughter duo Anthony and Sangieanna Reid; canned lychee lemonade; flavoured peanuts and peanut butter from repeat entrant Dalton Bryan; jerk fritters mix; gourmet coffee syrup; ready-to-grill BBQ boneless thighs; Nations Choice curry goat burgers; oxtail marinade; homemade desserts from Cousin Vinny’s Kitchen; and new beer and rum mixes from Legend Lager and Worthy Park Rum.

“Last year was my first year. And I made it very clear to Novia that she’s stuck with me.

“I am going to be here, rain or shine. Because it’s such a wonderful event that gives so much hope to Jamaica. When you hear the stories from all our presenters, [how] they develop their products, when you see the innovation and the creativity, it just reminds you that we’re an amazing people,” said Green as he wrapped the event. “And it’s even better coming out of Hurricane Melissa, having been through so much to see the best of Jamaica on display here today. Last year was extremely good. This year was better… I just want to give a big shout-out — I can’t help it —to the people who utilise the Jamaican products. We are very happy for that. And definitely, for those who want to use Jamaican products, talk to me. Let’s see how we can make it happen… that’s part of what we have to do better in our agricultural sector. You hear people talk about pricing and they can’t [engage] you know, because of consistency. We have to make those linkages with companies like yours, so that we have that value chain. So that our agricultural sector is not just seen as primary production, but it’s [also] as all that we are doing here today. This is agriculture whether you’re growing beer, or you’re doing a seasoning, or you’re doing potato chips, or a cheesy sauce,” he concluded.

The Best (New) Local Product category has become one of the most anticipated segments of the annual awards programme, celebrating the ingenuity and resilience of Jamaican entrepreneurs who continue to redefine the island’s food landscape.

Photos: Naphtali Junior & Gavin Jones

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Chair Novia McDonald-Whyte introduces this year’s nominees (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green lauds the artisans behind the innovative products. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The 2026 nominees immortalise the moment with an ussie at the end of judging. (Photo: Gavin Jones)