Countdown to the 27th Staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards
2026 Nominee For Best (New) Local Product: Portland Authentic Jerk
A history of the company…
Portland Authentic Jerk is a family-owned Jamaican agro-processing company. The company specialises in authentic jerk seasoning and sauces and was founded in August 2012 by Michael and Sonia Moodie. Sonia Moodie is the mastermind behind the product development as she is talented in the culinary field even though not formally trained. Over the years, she has been preparing ‘Jerk Seasoning’ for family and friends. As a result of the positive feedback received, coupled with the association of ‘Jerk’ to the famous Boston Jerk in the parish of Portland, which is where Michael Moodie grew up, Portland Authentic Jerk was created.
The range of new products…
Jerk Fritters Mix — available in large and small sizes
All Purpose Seasoning
Lemongrass Flavoured Water
Where the ingredients are sourced
All ingredients are locally sourced.
Where the products are currently being sold…
Fresh Foods Supermarket
Loshusan Supermarket, Barbican
Sampars Supermarket, Cross Roads
Shopper’s Pride Supermarket, Buff Bay
Greenwood Plaza Supermarket, St James
John R Wong Supermarket, New Kingston
Select Grocers Supermarket, Constant Spring and May Pen
Lee’s Supermarket, Red Hills Road and Boulevard Super Centre
Home Essentials Wholesale Supermarket, Ewarton and Moneague, St. Ann
The story behind the packaging for the products…
Initially, we had considered packaging the Jerk Fritters Mix in a box with a label that had a mix of colours, which would ‘pop’ and attract the attention of customers. However, using a box was going to be costly, and so we were advised that using a pouch would be more suitable.
We made these products…
Because of our desire to widen our range of products that would appeal to customers
and to increase our competitiveness within the marketplace. My first breakthrough came when we launched our flagship product, the Spicy Jerk Seasoning, which is an integral part of the Jerk Fritters Mix. However, the Jerk Fritters Mix is our breakthrough product.
The products became available…
To the public in late April to early May 2025, as they were in supermarkets across Jamaica.
Our core customers…
Are supermarkets.
The response to the products…
Has been amazing, impressive and receptive.
Our products are successful…
Because our competitive edge is offering niche products to the market.
We plan to grow the business…
To become a household name that is recognised internationally.
Our major challenge…
Is capital that would enable us to build our own food-processing facility in order to grow and scale the business. This issue remains managing the raw material inventory due to limited storage space.
If we knew then what we know now…
Our business would have been more successful.
Jamaicans should support our products…
Because they are made from locally sourced ingredients, which contributes to GDP and economic growth.
Our post-Hurricane Melissa message, having given consideration to the importance of food security, sustainability and supporting our local food ecosystem, is…
To be resilient and eat what we grow and grow what we eat.
Contact Information
E-mail: portlandauthenticjerk@gmail.com
Tel: 876-933-1792, 876-223-9224, 876-325-660
Presenting the jerk fritters.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Portland Authentic Jerk co-principals Michael Moodie and his wife Sonia explain the inspiration behind developing the Jerk Fritters Mix.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Annaliesa Lindsay poses a question about the Jerk Fritters Mix. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
