PORTLAND’S Finest Distribution Ltd expects its new Flame2Fork prepared meal line to add about 10 per cent to annual revenue as the local seafood and fresh produce distributor expands into value-added foods.

The company, established in 2019, launched the refrigerated meal range last month at PriceSmart’s Red Hills Road and Portmore warehouse clubs, marking its latest move beyond its core distribution operations.

Founder and Managing Director Ronica Bryan, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer this week, said the move to enter the new segment was driven by shifting consumer habits, as more Jamaicans seek after wholesome, time-saving meal options that require little preparation.

“People are looking for more convenience, so if they can go into a store and pick up something that’s nutritious and are familiar with, that also has that authentic flavour, then they’ll be much more likely to do that because of the time it saves,” she said.

Bryan believes the products are poised for growth as consumer preferences evolve amid busier work schedules and reshaped eating habits.

“Jamaica is changing…people are working longer, commuting more, going to the gym and trying to eat healthier. They’re looking for something that saves them time. As such, we really created this product for busy professionals, families and even students who want a proper meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen,” Bryan told the BusinessWeek.

With consumer take-up already exceeding expectations, Bryan said demand has been strong across the range, with each restock selling out within days — a notable result for meals with a refrigerated shelf life of only five days.

The initial range includes herb-crusted salmon and golden pork, both served with sweet potato mash and steamed vegetables; grilled chicken with calypso rice and sautéed vegetables; curry chicken with brown rice and sautéed vegetables; and a vegan option of curried chickpeas with brown rice and steamed vegetables.

The company, however, plans to test additional offerings in the coming months, including beef and shrimp dishes.

“It’s only been about a month since we’ve launch and it has been really good,” Bryan said. “People message us on Instagram asking when the next restock is coming. The salmon, especially, has consistently sold out within two days.”

Prepared by a certified chef in a state-of-the-art facility, the meals are blast-chilled and refrigerated to preserve flavour, texture and nutritional quality. Family-sized portions retail for just over $5,000.

Despite initially expecting younger consumers to embrace the concept of ready-to-eat meals, Bryan said product demonstrations have so far revealed strong demand among older shoppers.

“One lady bought seven meals because she said she and her husband would have one every day. Once people try the samples, they’re convinced,” she noted.

The meals are currently available only at PriceSmart’s two operating Jamaican warehouse clubs. Portland’s Finest plans to supply the retailer’s proposed Montego Bay and South Camp Road locations after they open. PriceSmart’s latest public timetable places the Montego Bay opening in autumn 2026 and the South Camp Road club in the winter of 2026-27.

Portland’s Finest, already an established supplier of seafood and fresh produce to the retailer through its Green Crate brand, entered the prepared-meals category at the club’s request following positive feedback from in-store demonstrations.

“It’s still a very new segment, so it will take time to fully establish itself, but so far I can’t complain,” Bryan said.

Looking ahead, Portland’s Finest plans to broaden distribution beyond its exclusive PriceSmart arrangement, targeting supermarkets, gyms and service stations while expanding its portfolio of value-added food offerings.

The company is also eyeing regional markets. It has already registered its business and trademark in Barbados with plans to venture into that market once the local roll-out has been fully refined.

“As we continue to build out a world-class Caribbean food company, our focus is on sustainable growth. We also want to establish a globally recognised Jamaican brand that showcases our agricultural produce and seafood offerings in international markets,”she said.

Founder and managing director for Portland’s Finest Distributors Limited, Ronica Bryan.