Salada Foods Jamaica Limited is stepping up the modernisation of its manufacturing plant as it prepares to mark 70 years of operation driven by an investment programme focused on improving efficiency, expanding production capacity, and supporting new product development.

Still about two years away from the milestone, the coffee processor has over the last few years been busy upgrading key areas of its production process as part of a broader push to improve output, product quality, and cost efficiency.

Among the improvements are upgraded packaging lines designed to facilitate greater end-to-end integration as it reduces production bottlenecks, along with a new X-ray inspection system to strengthen quality control.

The company has, in the last few years, also retooled its production capacity to accommodate newer product formats, including specialty ginger and herbal infusions, alongside its flagship Jamaica Mountain Peak coffee and tea lines.

An assortment of Salada’s coffee and tea products.

Its Jamaica Mountain Peak Instant Ginger Teas, introduced in 2012, helped establish the company as a stronger competitor in the hot-beverage market, while subsequent product development has expanded its reach into new consumer segments.

“Our plant modernisation initiative remains underway as Salada approaches its 70th year of operation. The programme involves a strategic assessment and upgrade of various areas of the production process, which has been helping the company to improve quality, output, and the cost of goods sold,” management told shareholders in a recent report.

Established in 1958, Salada is said to be the largest of Jamaica’s four coffee-processing plants and the only soluble coffee-processing plant in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Its manufacturing capabilities are built around expertise in spray-drying, a process that converts liquid extracts and concentrates into instant powders. The technology has enabled the company to diversify beyond coffee into ginger teas, herbal infusions, and other hot beverages.

Salada’s plant modernisation programme has in the last few years seen several upgrades across key areas of its production process as the coffee processor pushes to improve output, product quality and cost efficiency. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Its Jamaica Mountain Peak Instant Ginger Teas, introduced in 2012, helped strengthen the company’s position in the hot-beverage market, while subsequent product development has expanded its reach into new consumer segments.

As it moves towards its seventh decade, Salada is positioning its modernised production platform to support greater efficiency and innovation while strengthening its competitiveness in both local and overseas markets.

The investment programme is already being reflected in the company’s financial performance.

Salada general manger, Tamii Brown

For the nine months ended June 30, 2026, gross revenue increased 11.5 per cent to $1.28 billion, while third-quarter revenue rose 16.1 per cent to $4,43.4 million.

Operating profit jumped 51.1 per cent to $215.1 million, while net profit increased 40.6 per cent to $168.5 million for the nine-month period. Quarterly net profit more than doubled to $68.3 million. This, as total assets also climbed to $1.58 billion after a healthier cash flow allowed the company to reinvest in its productive assets.

The performance was supported by continued demand for the company’s products across both domestic and export markets.

In addition to growth in existing and new export markets, General Manager Tamii Brown identified product innovation as another key driver of performance during the period.

She pointed to the company’s Sorrel Hibiscus line, launched last October, which has recorded month-on-month growth since its debut. The product is now exported to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the wider Caribbean.

“Our consumers have welcomed it with open arms. Sorrel Hibiscus is also driving revenue as the product is increasingly being enjoyed outside the traditional festive season,” Brown said.

As a Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 2-certified manufacturer, Salada’s management said that the company will continue investing in its manufacturing capabilities as it prepares for its seventh decade of operations.

“Salada Foods maintains an intensive quality assurance operation and is committed to an ongoing programme of research and development,” the directors noted.

“As we continue to reinvest in our productive assets, looking ahead the company aims to continue building on this operational momentum to deliver long-term value for shareholders, customers, and community partners,” they added.