ST JAMES, Jamaica — Montego Bay-based food brand Paris Ruby is positioning itself for further expansion into local and international markets following the official launch of its new line of Jamaican fruitcake mixes at the ATL Automotive showroom recently.

The expansion marks a significant milestone for founder and CEO Chef Zelecia Smith, who is seeking to establish Paris Ruby as a recognised Jamaican brand on the global stage, with products already receiving positive feedback from consumers overseas.

The launch, attended by Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Jason Russell and other business leaders, signalled growing support for the homegrown enterprise, which began in Smith’s mother’s kitchen in 2020.

The company, known for its fruitcakes, cheesecakes, bread puddings and banana breads, is now moving to strengthen its retail distribution network, with its new cake mixes set to become available in selected supermarkets across Jamaica.

For Smith, however, the occasion was more than a business milestone. It was an emotional reflection on a journey that began with recipes she developed in 2016 and a small Hamilton Beach mixer gifted to her by her father.

“I became very emotional about the humble beginning of my journey,” she shared. “I thought about the many obstacles I faced, and still having to perform under extreme circumstances made me cry.”

Smith recalled making significant financial, physical and emotional sacrifices to keep the business afloat, often spending long hours preparing cakes while others enjoyed the very celebrations for which she catered.

She credited her faith in God as the driving force behind her perseverance, particularly during periods when the challenges of entrepreneurship threatened to overwhelm her.

The launch also represented a turning point for the company, which previously operated Paris Ruby Gourmet Café in 2022 before temporarily closing the establishment to concentrate on product development.

“This milestone significantly means a paradigm shift for further growth on a structured level and to take Paris Ruby to a new dimension as a brand of Jamaica,” Smith explained.

Vernon praised Smith’s determination and resilience, describing her success as another achievement for Montego Bay’s growing entrepreneurial community.

“She is determined, resilient, and she is taking this brand from strength to strength. She believes in it, and she needs us to believe in her,” Vernon said.

He welcomed the company’s ambitions beyond Jamaica, adding that he was pleased to see another Montego Bay business positioning itself to become a recognised Jamaican brand.

Russell also commended Smith, noting that her achievements were a source of pride for the local business community.

“She is a member of the chamber and we congratulate her on what she is doing. She is a daughter of the soil. To see her exporting and what she is doing today, we are extremely proud and we are backing her 100 per cent,” he said.

Paris Ruby’s expansion follows an encouraging initial test of its products in international markets, where Smith said the brand received positive feedback from Jamaican and other Caribbean consumers.

“Our product was embraced not just by Jamaicans but also by the other Caribbean nationals. This revealed that we had a great product and a confirmation that our brand and product has an international appeal,” she said.

The company’s fruitcake mixes are expected to become available through selected retail outlets, including CPJ Markets, Progressive and Shoppers Fair supermarkets, Grand Depot Supermarket and Boot Supermarket in Drax Hall.

Customers overseas can also order cakes through the company’s website,www.parisruby.com, while the original version of its fruitcake mixes is available on Amazon.

The launch was supported by several corporate partners and sponsors, including ATL Automotive, CPJ Premium, VM Group, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), More Workforce Technology, KBL Printing, Davue, Elite Concepts, saxophonist Fred Richardson and GiftMe Gift Tech Ltd.

GiftMe also sponsored gifts presented to the company’s authorised retail partners, among them Consumer Meat Plus, Afresh Marketplace, PriceSmart Jamaica, Loshusan Supermarket, Grand Depot Supermarket, Reggae Vibes, Progressive Supermarket, Super Plus Mandeville, Hi-Lo Food Stores, Boot Supermarket, Dufry Jamaica, Things Jamaican, Starbucks Jamaica, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Lee’s Food Fair and Fontana Pharmacy.

Expressing gratitude to her family, customers, sponsors and business partners, Smith said their support has been instrumental in transforming her vision into a growing enterprise.

For the entrepreneur, the mission remains rooted in the same philosophy that inspired the brand’s creation: sharing a piece of Jamaica with loved ones, wherever they are in the world.