NEW YORK, USA — Caribbean Food Delights (CFD), described as the world’s largest manufacturer of Jamaican-made patties and other products, officially opened its newly expanded production facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Tappan headquarters here last month.

Established at a cost of US$17 million, the facility includes state-of-the-art robotics technology, enhanced production capabilities, and modern workspaces designed to support continued growth, operational efficiency, and meet increase consumer demands, a press statement from the company said.

“This expansion is a significant milestone in our company’s history and a testament to the vision, perseverance, and commitment that have guided Caribbean Food Delights from the very beginning,” Sabrina HoSang Jordan, the company’s chief executive officer, told the Jamaica Observer in an interview.

“The expansion has allowed us to add a third production line which has enabled us to increase production of our flagship item [patties] by 15 per cent to 40,000 per hour. With its advanced robotics and modern facilities, it is more than a milestone for the company — it is the next chapter in a story of vision, resilience, and the very best of what Jamaicans can achieve when given the opportunity,” she added.

With the expansion, the company has an additional 1,750 square feet of operating space, bringing the total close to 104,000 square feet and its workforce to 175.

The project was made possible through the support of numerous partners, including Empire State Development and the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Council which provided a US$2.75-million grant in recognition of the project’s economic impact and commitment to job creation in New York State, CFD said in its release.

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and focuses on promoting economic growth, business investment, and job creation across the state.

The late Jeanette HoSang

The company also recognised Bank of America, the second-largest bank in the United States, for its long-standing relationship with CFD and its support of the expansion project. For its part, the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Council, through its co-chairs Dr Marsha Gordon and Dr Kristine Young, noted that “Caribbean Foods Delights has been an important employer and community partner in Rockland County”.

“This expansion strengthens the company’s roots in the Mid-Hudson region, creates new opportunities for local workers, and reinforces the region’s reputation as a great place for businesses to grow and strive,” the co-chairs added.

The council acts as a strategic advisory board, representing seven large counties which border New York City and major north-east US markets, according to its website. It also helps to reduce bureaucracy, and ensure an improved business climate and greater efficiency in how state resources are allocated, the website adds.

Last month’s event was attended by elected officials, business leaders, community stakeholders, company employees and partners, as well as representatives from the Jamaican Consulate in New York.

Founded in 1978 by Jamaican-born entrepreneur and philanthropist Vincent HoSang and the late Jeanette HoSang, Caribbean Food Delights has grown from a family-owned business into a global enterprise with customers here in the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, and US military commissaries around the world.

Its products are available in some of the major food supply chains across the US, including Sams Club, BJ’s Wholesale, Costco, Wall Mart, and giant supermarket chains such as Publix. The company’s affiliate includes Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Grill, as well as the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation, a non-profit body.