Countdown to the 27th Staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards

Principal

Zoë Dawkins

A history of the company

Bread and Belly Foods Ltd was conceptualised sometime around 2024 but did not become a reality until around January 2025. Initially just deemed as a side project, the potential of what the business could become was very apparent from early on. Product testing, brand identity plans and business registration took place in the first half of 2025. After multiple tests, numerous product list amendments, endless searches for reliable ingredient and packaging suppliers, tried and failed label design sessions and multiple meetings with numerous people, the first brand (CHEW) and first products were determined and a launch date of October 27, 2025, was set. Hurricane Melissa very swiftly caused our entire country to come to a grinding halt with devastating impacts. The launch was immediately scratched and two of the products were also eliminated completely due to crop devastation. CHEW was launched one month after Melissa on November 26.

The range of new products

Bread and Belly Foods Ltd has launched its first brand called CHEW – Cook Happily, Eat Wholesomely. This is a range of products that focuses on elevating everyday cooking and eating, allowing customers to take their cooking from basic to extraordinary. The current product list is:

Onion Chilli Crunch – Spicy, Smokey, Sweet and Crunchy Onions, Chillies and Scotch Bonnet Peppers in Oil.

Roasted Garlic and Thyme Spread – Silky Smooth Garlic Puree with Fragrant Jamaican Thyme Leaves

Pickled Red Onions – Crunchy Red Onions Pickled in a Sweet & Savoury Brine

Likkle Sum’n Sum’n Seasoning – A Japanese-Inspired Topping with a Spicy Twist for Eggs, Rice, Ramen or Salads

Where the ingredients are sourced

While all ingredients may not be local, all are sourced from local suppliers. Companies we source from include: Island Spice Jamaica, Fresh Approach, Pricesmart Jamaica, Agrijam Farmers, local small farmers and various supermarkets.

Where the products are currently being sold

The products are currently available at the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen.

The story behind the packaging for the products

Packaging is something that we really wanted to put maximum effort into as we know most consumers eat with their eyes first. We wanted to make sure that we had both an amazing tasting and amazing looking product. The main goal was to appear premium but still approachable and accessible while being able to stand out on the shelf amongst other packaging. We also wanted something that could stand on its own on any international shelf. Sustainability also played a huge factor and so we chose packaging that people would want to keep, reuse or gift instead of throwing away. All labels were designed and written by owner Zoë Dawkins.

We made these products because……

Our locally made product list is great, but we believe we can make it even better and create products that promote people to enjoy cooking at home more.

Our intention is to bring something new to the local product scene by offering something different while still holding strong to our ethnicity and some of our local staple ingredients and flavours.

Our first breakthrough came when……

The product list was developed. When we saw the potential in what we could create and offer, we realised we had landed on something worthwhile.

The products became available to the public in……

November 2025.

Our core customers are……

People who genuinely enjoy the experience of eating and cooking. Those seeking something out of the norm and who like to explore different flavours and want to get creative with their food.

The response to the products has been……

Beyond anything we could ever imagine. Feedback has been nothing but positive and people have enjoyed having access to something different. There have been many compliments on the packaging and many more on the flavour and versatility of the products.

Our products are successful because……

We put our absolute everything into every aspect of it. It’s not just a brand or a product, it’s a story, it’s a background, a way of life, it’s years of experience but most importantly it’s a lot of passion. Anything done with pure intention and love will always be successful.

We plan to grow the business to become……

Not only a household name locally but also an internationally recognised brand that fully promotes and supports Brand Jamaica, with a range of items that utilise staple Jamaican ingredients and shows how versatile we can be when it comes to local food manufacturing.

Jamaicans should support our products because……

They are entirely focused on putting Jamaica on show in the best way possible. From the ingredients to the description on the labels, it is about celebrating Jamaica in one way or the other. Also, if as a culture we can be willing to support and put money into the pockets of international food companies and brands, we should also be willing to support local businesses, as well.

Our post-Hurricane Melissa message, having given consideration to the importance of food security, sustainability and supporting our local food ecosystem, is…..

One thing Melissa taught us is that food is the centre of most crises. We watched as our agricultural sector was deeply impacted, our farmers lost their crops, their animals and their businesses. Consumers suffered when ingredients were not available for months ( some which are still not available now in April 2026) and what was available was for a much higher cost. We saw the impact on life when our food supply was cut short, and our borders were congested. Yet the first step in giving aid after the hurricane hit was to provide meals for people.

In the midst of one of our greatest disasters, all eyes were on food. There is no greater reason to make sure that sector is upheld and supported at all costs and that can only come from within. We must continue to support local and to support Brand Jamaica.

CHEW

E-mail: info@breadandbellyfoods.com

Tel: 1 876-790-7752

Food Awards judge Josina Jackson had a few questions about the CHEW Onion Chili Crunch(Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Dawkins served Kimchi Dumplings with Onion Chili Crunch; Garden Salad of Pickled Red Onions, and Pickled Cucumber; and Crostini w/ Garlic & Thyme Spread.

CHEW Founder Zoë Dawkins presents to the judges.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)