Salada breaks new ground with Ramson partnership, racks up record year
Buoyed by strong domestic and export sales performance, coffee processor Salada Foods Jamaica Limited says its reaping returns from its innovations, its latest being the Golden Turmeric Latte. Aided by the new latte product, which the company said scored big in the Trinidad & Tobago market, exports accounted for $322 million, or just under 22 per cent of the $1.48 billion of sales racked up by for the 2024 financial year ended September. “We’ve designed the product with flexibility in mind, offering individually bar-coded sachets for single-use purchases, alongside boxed options for greater convenience. This ensures that the product is within reach of a diverse range of consumers, catering to varying purchasing preferences,” said Salada General Manager Tamii Brown. “Rather than adopting a top-down innovation strategy, we focus on creating products that resonate with our target markets, aligning with emerging beverage trends and consumer needs,” Brown added in an interview with the Financial Gleaner. Salada is a contract manufacturer to several local companies, being Jamaica’s sole instant coffee processor. The coffee company also partnered recently with Chas E. Ramson Limited, to manufacture a line of drink crystals, under the Kisko brand, featuring flavours such as pineapple ginger, mango ginger, and ginger lemonade. The arrangement kicked off in September. “This one is breaking new ground for us,” said Brown. “This is in line with our innovation strategies. If you notice, it has nothing to do with coffee. We’re using our local fruits and the same machinery to spray dry them right here in our plant. To be partnering with the likes of Chas E. Ramson on this is full of possibilities” she said. The record $1.48 billion in revenue resulted from a six-per cent sales growth in the year. In addition, shareholder profit also hit a new record at $194.3 million, up 18 per cent year on year.from $164.5 million. “Equally significant was our ongoing regional expansion. During the year, we intensified our distribution efforts in Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago, allowing us to deepen our market presence and cater to a broader consumer base,” Brown said. Last year, Salada invested $40.25 million in upgrades to its packaging rooms, which the general manager said resulted in improved operational throughput. “As a 66-year-old company, it is important for us to complement our years of know-how and experience with technological innovation. These changes not only enhance productivity, but also position us as a regional manufacturing partner of choice,” Brown said.
Crop Restoration and Expansion Programme for Coffee and Cocoa Farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining will be embarking on a crop restoration and expansion programme for coffee and cocoa farmers. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, provided an update on the programme during the International Coffee and National Cocoa Day celebrations at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew, on October 1. “It means, we are going to be working with our farmers to innovate. What we have recognised is that we need more of our farmers to do intercropping, to look at agroforestry, to look at other short-term cash crops that can bolster their earnings with what they are getting from coffee and cocoa,” he said. He added that the seeds and other inputs to support the undertaking will be provided to the farmers, noting that these will boost the income of farmers. Mr. Green said, too, that with the changing climate, more training will be undertaken with stakeholders in the sector. “How we plant, the practices we use, we have to change that. So, we are going to be focusing a lot more on training our cocoa and coffee farmers through JACRA (Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority), RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority), looking at best practices, pest management and climate adaptation strategies,” he noted. The Minister said the Government will be providing more direct support to farmers. “We are going to provide you with more fertilisers and more chemicals. We are going to see how we can use the technology to treat with some of your labour issues. Agriculture is a science; it is not guesswork. We are going to be working with you to treat with that,” the Minister said. Mr. Green also informed that a drive will be undertaken, through JACRA, to provide land security for farmers in the sectors. “We are going to do a drive through JACRA to get more cocoa and coffee farmers letters of possession, tenureship, land security, especially where you are operating on government land. This is something we have spoken about for too long; we have to fix that now,” he said. He urged cocoa and coffee farmers to engage in more value-added offerings. “That’s how we are going to ensure that we retain more of the money,” he said. Furthermore, the Minister added that technology will be used to continue driving the agricultural sector forward. “We have already entered into a partnership… using block chain technologies to be able to trace from the farm, the actual farmer to the coffee itself, so wherever in the world you are, you can scan a code and you can tell that this is authentic Blue Mountain coffee, but more than that, it will allow us to tell the story of our coffee and the story of our cocoa,” Mr. Green said. “We are going to continue to build that out. It’s also important as we try to ensure that we are complying with the new EU directives in relation to ensuring that if you are planting coffee, you are doing it in a sustainable fashion, and in order to do that, we have to track how the coffee is planted… . It also goes for cocoa and all other commodities,” he added. Through the partnership, JACRA and Verified and True will be rolling out a Verified True Platform to, among other things, protect and promote agricultural commodities such as cocoa and coffee through end-to-end traceability. Expounding on the partnership, Chief Technology Officer, Verified and True, Chris Reckord, explained that through technology, consumers will be able to verify the authenticity of a product. “A future where consumers can instantly verify the origins of the products they buy, ensuring that they are purchasing authentic, high quality Jamaican coffee and cocoa,” he said. Meanwhile on the issue of pricing, Minister Green said steps are being undertaken to determine a fair market price for the crops. “If we don’t have farmers, we won’t have an industry. If the farmers feel that they are not getting a fair price for their coffee or cocoa, they will pull out of the industry. If they pull out of the industry, we won’t have anything to celebrate, so we have to ensure that in everything that we do, fairness underpins everything that we do. Our coffee and cocoa farmers must get a fair price for their product. If they are getting a price that they can’t invest back, that they can’t take care of their families, they are going to pull out of the sector,” he noted. “I have already said to JACRA that we need to start a process of exploring what is a fair price and we will, in the first instance, try to use moral suasion by saying to you this is what we see as a fair price, and this is what we expect to be out there, but if that is not working, we will have to take it further, but we are going to start there,” Mr. Green added. He said the Government will continue to support farmers to ensure that there is growth is the sectors.
Golden Turmeric Latte perks up revenues for Salada
Strong sales for its new Golden Turmeric Latte product has resulted in a 46 per cent jump in revenues for coffee processing company Salada Foods Jamaica Limited during the third quarter of its current financial year, the period from April 1 to June 30, 2024. “We are pleased to report that the successful introduction of our latest innovation, Golden Turmeric Latte, contributed significantly to our increased quarterly revenues. The product has performed well in the domestic market and also leads our portfolio in sales for Trinidad,” Salada’s General Manager Tamii Brown told the Jamaica Observer in response to queries about the company’s performance. “During the quarter, we saw increased sales volumes, particularly for our flagship Jamaican Mountain Peak Instant Coffee line, as consumer demand continues to grow in that area. Working in close collaboration with our distribution partners, LASCO Distributors Limited, our marketing team during the quarter further streamlined our distribution process, allowing us to have greater reach and efficiency in making our products more accessible to consumers,” Brown added. Launched in April of this year, the Golden Turmeric Latte, after much testing and consumer feedback, the company said, continues to benefit from positive market response with its success already reflecting on its debut impact on revenues. Infused with a blend of turmeric and plant-based creamer, the product emerges as another hot sell for coffee lovers, much of whom globally continues to crave for more innovative offerings. At the end of the three-month period, revenues for the company totalled $405.5 million, up from $276.9 reported for the same period in the year prior. Positively influencing the bottom line, the company’s net profit also soared to $63.4 billion — 156 per cent more that earned at the end of June 2023. Consolidated nine-month revenues, which climbed to $1.1 billion, also grew some 17 per cent more than that for last year’s period as profit increased 63 per cent to total $162.2 million. The successful launch of the new turmeric latte product further supported by expanded sales in some Caribbean markets, where business has been heating up for the company, now boast a strong presence in not just Trinidad but also Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Lucia. Currently witnessing steady growth in its export portfolio, the general manager further said that the company’s focus on regional expansion will continue to rank among top objectives over the next three years, even as it maintains a strong presence in the local market. At present, Salada’s flavoured coffee line, which includes cinnameg, a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg flavours, coconut cappuccino and caramel, is also said to be “holding its own and doing particularly well on Amazon with strong support from the Caribbean Diaspora market.” “This, too, is a relatively new line; therefore, we continue to focus on its distribution across several markets. Reports are that the coconut cappuccino flavour is a crowd favourite and leads sales across the line,” Brown said. As the company continues to navigate continued challenges with the availability of raw material in the local market, access to authentic Jamaican coffee, it said, remains a pain point for its business as demand grows and supplies dwindle. “We are, however, working hand in hand with our regulators, the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA), the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jamaica Coffee Growers Association (JCGA) to explore and implement best practices to sustainably improve coffee yield for the benefit of all coffee industry stakeholders,” Brown noted.
Salada Foods, ESIROM gives school grounds a facelift
Salada Foods in collaboration with ESIROM Foundation created a garden with complete seating for a Labour Day project at the Jebb Memorial Basic School in Kingston. The project saw the installation of a wooden perimeter fence, raised garden beds and the use of recycled pallets to create seating benches. The early childhood institution welcomed the improvements from the three-day project.
Salada Foods cultivates literacy through ‘garden learning’
Salada Foods, the parent company of Jamaica Mountain Peak brand of coffees and teas, incorporated garden learning into its approach to literature education for Read Across Jamaica Day activities on Tuesday (May 7). The company engaged children in three-dimensional learning at orchestrated an immersive literacy event at Jebb Memorial Basic School. Salada Foods general manager Tamii Brown said, “It offers endless opportunities for learning and exploration; as quickly as the students stepped out of the classrooms and into the schoolyard, we recognised how it ignited their curiosity and stimulated their imaginations.” The activities kickstarted with Salada Foods’ quality assurance manager Nadine Francis leading a reading session with approximately 35 students between the ages of two and six, centred around a book of the Ready Steady Readers series titled, ‘The Little Red Hen and the Wheat’. Following the story, Francis and the Salada Foods team facilitated a discussion with the students about their lessons learnt to encourage critical thinking. Salada Foods, together with the ESIROM Foundation, gifted Jebb Memorial Basic School with a raised garden plot, sparking excitement among the students and teachers alike. The hands-on learning opportunity is not only aimed at fostering literacy skills, said Brown, “but is meant to cultivate a deeper understanding of their natural environment. It was truly a pleasure for our team to watch all the little ones participate, and partake in the reading and gardening activities alongside our sustainability partners at ESIROM.” “With the sun’s rise tomorrow, we hope to see a renewed passion for growth among the children at Jebb. Today, we’ve witnessed the joy students experience from reading about living things, to every stage of gardening – from preparing the plot, to planting and even nurturing the seedlings. We want the raised garden plot to enrich their curriculum,” Brown added. Prior to the visit, the children were provided with fudge sticks to craft labels for a diverse array of plants including herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, fruit trees and sunflowers. Some of these plants were placed into the planter as part of the activities. According to Jebb Memorial Basic School principal Leonie Salmon Wong-Sue, the addition of the garden will serve as a valuable resource for integrating literacy and even mathematics into experiential learning. Wong Sue said, “Read Across Jamaica Day already provides a unique opportunity for our children to engage with books beyond the classroom curriculum, and today was certainly extra special with the playground and garden serving as a living classroom. Literacy should begin at home, from the moment a child can speak so by the time they transition into the school environment, they are ready for bigger activities but it isn’t always the case. These events always make that transition fun for all of us. We welcome the garden because it complements our curriculum for our four-year-olds who are learning about plants and farms.” “We would love to be able to take the children outside to learn every day or at least twice a week, but our school is in a noisy area. Nonetheless, it was a good learning experience and exposure for the children. In my role as principal, I have embraced Jebb Memorial as a historical institution, and I believe that when conceptualisers leave a legacy, it is our responsibility to nourish and build upon it. That’s what Salada Foods can expect our teachers and students to do with the garden,” she continued. By harnessing the power of the outdoors, Salada Foods aims to cultivate a literate, environmentally-conscious generation.
Salada Foods wins Gold ADDY award for ‘Day in the Life’ web series
Jamaican manufacturing company Salada Foods has been honoured with a Gold ADDY Award for its ‘Day in the Life’ web series. The American Advertising (ADDY) Awards, the industry’s premier competition, recognised the exceptional creativity and ingenuity displayed in Salada Foods’ visual campaign. Kerrine Tulloch, marketing coordinator at Salada Foods says, corporate partners Salada Foods and ESIROM Limited collaborated on the conceptualisation of the visual campaign series but were not forecasting any awards for the production, which was primarily aimed at promoting company culture and showing the day-to-day activities that drive the operations, with the added twist of including an external perspective. Tulloch added, “Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and ongoing commitment of Salada Foods to empowering the future of Jamaica’s workforce by providing valuable insight into our operations.” The ‘Day in the Life’ web series was conceived to create a motivational space for Salada Foods’ workforce and to provide mentorship to upcoming business leaders aided by real-time visuals. This initiative showcases the roles of various professionals within the company, capturing their passion and professionalism. Featuring Jevaughn Gordon, a graduate of the Caribbean School of Media and Communication, the series highlights the day-to-day activities across different departments, including administrative, laboratory, quality assurance and factory operations. Alex Morrissey, director at ESIROM Limited, said the goal is building purposeful brands through storytelling. He expressed pride in the recognition received and extended gratitude to the team at Salada for their trust and collaboration. ESIROM Limited also received a Silver ADDY Award for its Climate Change Initiative produced in partnership with Reggae Sumfest. “We were specifically recognised in the Webisode(s) – Series category. Jamaica falls under the Caribbean and Florida category. As an advertising and social media marketing agency we measure how well our campaigns work within the market and across the digital platforms but receiving an ADDY is validation that our work measures up creatively,” said Morrissey. Approximately 42 companies from six Caribbean island nations submitted more than 456 entries to be judged as the top creative executions for the ADDY Awards for 2024. Winners from AAF-Caribbean will compete with winners from Florida at the district competition with winners being announced in May at the district four annual meeting and gala presentation.
Jamaica Mountain Peak launches Golden Turmeric Pumpkin Spice Latte
Though autumn is months away, Jamaica Mountain Peak is hoping to bring a fall favourite into spring with their new Golden Turmeric Latte with Pumpkin Spice. Commercial and corporate affairs manager at Salada Foods, Kerrian Johnson, told Food the product is the latest in a long line of new products that they are launching. “Innovation has been a mandate for us and we vowed that we are gonna launch at least one new product, every year. We did that with our Ginger Turmeric Tea, we did that with our flavoured coffees last year and now we’re launching our Turmeric Latte flavoured with Pumpkin Spice.” Now available across the island and in Trinidad and Tobago, Johnson said the seemingly odd flavour pairing was meant to appeal to the widest audience. “If you’re a turmeric drinker, you know that it’s a little bit harsh, it burns a little bit going down. So we wanted to find something that is pleasing to all, so by merging all of the great benefits of turmeric into a latte, with a three-in-one formula, [we’ve done that].” She continued, “What we wanted to do now to appeal to a wider demographic, was to boost the flavour, which is how we got the pumpkin spice.” Though only on the market for less than a week, she said they knew it’d be a hit immediately. “We’ve been doing research and development and innovation for quite a number of years but this is the first time that we have had almost a 100 per cent satisfaction and love for our product when we did our taste test. Like everyone loved it.” Confirming their suspicion, Leroy Montaque said, “I think it was a great initiative for them to actually come up with it. The tricky thing about turmeric is that when people hear about it, with all the things that’s going around now about health, and the health benefits of turmeric it really intrigues people. And then now when you try it, it’s so wonderful. That creamy, milky, turmeric gingery, everything that you feel, the cinnamon and all of that, it was really, really great and I believe that it will be a hit in the supermarket when it gets out. I give it a eight out of 10.”
Salada brings non-dairy latte beverage to market
Manufacturer of instant coffee and teas Salada Foods has launched a new Golden Turmeric Latte, under its flagship brand Jamaica Mountain Peak (JMP). Drawing from global market shifts within the hot beverage sector, the Salada took cues to innovate this new offering. Crafted with a blend of turmeric and plant-based creamer, the 24-gram packet of latte offers a rich, creamy texture setting it apart in the market, said Salada Foods General Manager Tamii Brown. Packaged in a vibrant golden packet, the JMP Golden Turmeric Latte, unlike its 3-in-1 coffee sachets, offers a non-coffee alternative currently available in Pumpkin Spice flavour. Caffeine-free and free from artificial sweeteners, the turmeric used to craft the product, is responsibly sourced from local Jamaican farmers, the company noted. “Understanding that coffee and tea preferences are deeply personal, we developed the Golden Turmeric Latte to cater to consumers seeking a latte experience without coffee, while also accommodating non-dairy preferences with coconut milk,” Brown said. “Expanding our product portfolio to meet diverse consumer needs is crucial to our success. We are dedicated to creating delicious products that resonate with as many people as possible.” The new product was unveiled during the recent staging of Earth Hour Jamaica, the company provided patrons with a taste of the ‘latte with a twist’ showcasing its versatility – being served cold and topped with whipped cream and being served as a warm beverage. Brown emphasised the rarity of finding a treat that is both delicious and beneficial for health stating, “this indulgent latte combines healthy ingredients with just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess, contributing to the growing latte trend.” Containing curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties, the Golden Turmeric Latte is a unique addition to Jamaica’s beverage portfolio, suitable for all ages, it offers immunity boosting, powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Salada Foods’ new offering is available on shelves of the tea aisle at the major retailers across the island with plans for wider distribution in various retail outlets and supermarkets across the Caribbean. The Salada Foods Commercial and Corporate Affairs Manager, Kerrian Johnson, is optimistic about the product and its potential impact on the local tea industry following the team’s activation at Earth Hour Jamaica. Not only did Salada Foods provide samples, but also treated patrons to five-minute massages. “We believe we could not have selected a more appropriate event to partner with for the official launch of our innovation. The organisers of the annual Earth Hour Jamaica live concert, ESIROM, have always aligned with our core values to deliver the highest quality and promote sustainable consumption,” Johnson remarked. Sourced responsibly from local turmeric farmers, the turmeric-based beverage leverages Salada Foods’ core manufacturing expertise in spray-drying without relying solely on Jamaican coffee beans.
Doc endorses ginger, turmeric for women’s health
Dr. Kiri-an Bridgewater-Lyon, obstetrician and gynaecologist, has endorsed ginger and turmeric products for women’s health, specifically in addressing pain associated with the menstrual cycle, conditions like endometriosis, and in alleviating pregnancy-related nausea. The endorsement comes in March, observed as Endometriosis Awareness Month. Dr Bridgewater-Lyon said that amidst the shifting medical culture from Westernised ideas to more holistic approaches, an increasing number of patients are seeking alternative solutions. “With the evolving medical landscape, we have witnessed women becoming more informed and empowered to advocate for themselves by doing research. With a pregnancy, I am able to help my patient on the journey and the outcome is a beautiful healthy baby; likewise, for menstrual health, I can make recommendations, outside of the usual prescribing medication for the symptoms, that reap successful results and persons are aware that food is medication too,” she said. Jamaica Mountain Peak unveiled a series of viral videos heralding a significant endorsement from Dr Bridgewater-Lyon, who lauded the natural and therapeutic benefits of Jamaican Mountain Peak Ginger and Ginger Turmeric teas. Concerned about the potential risks associated with conventional treatments, Dr Bridgewater-Lyon highlighted that many women seek safer alternatives to manage their symptoms. “Understanding the power of ginger and turmeric for women’s health can make a significant difference in how we approach our well-being. The remarkable anti-inflammatory properties of both have been well documented. Conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are often linked to inflammation. Studies have shown that ginger or ginger tea is just as effective as some over-the-counter medications in reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy,” shared the doctor, who herself recently gave birth to a baby girl. Pregnancy nausea, commonly known as morning sickness, affects a significant percentage of expectant mothers worldwide. Dr Bridgewater-Lyon noted that ginger, in particular, consumed as a tea, is a game-changer for women who experience pregnancy-related nausea. Ginger and turmeric are actually two of the powerful roots with anti-inflammatory properties that are important for women’s health. Turmeric has been studied for its potential to modulate hormone levels, aiding in maintaining a healthy balance, which is particularly important for conditions like PCOS. “Part of my mission is to help and to advocate with – and for – women,” Dr Bridgewater-Lyon expressed. “Everytime I see a woman’s life improve I become more fulfilled. I continue to endorse the teas because of the incredible healing properties of the two roots which have helped my patients.” Jamaican Mountain Peak Instant Ginger Tea and Instant Ginger Turmeric Tea are renowned for their potent flavour profiles and therapeutic benefits, thanks to the use of home-grown Jamaican ingredients. Ginger and turmeric have proven to be a dynamic pain-fighting duo. The partnership between Salada Foods and Dr Bridgewater-Lyon underscores a shared commitment to promoting women’s health and wellness. By leveraging Dr Bridgewater-Lyon’s expertise and endorsement, Salada Foods aims to raise awareness about the medicinal benefits of ginger and turmeric to provide expectant mothers with a safe and effective solution for pregnancy nausea relief. “We are privileged to have Dr Bridgewater-Lyon’s endorsement of our Jamaican Mountain Peak Ginger products,” expressed Salada Foods General Manager Tamii Brown. “Her expertise and dedication to women’s health aligns perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality, natural remedies that address the unique needs of women and enhance the overall well-being of our consumers.”
Salada touting exports, innovation to boost top line
Products from the Jamaica Mountain Peak line, produced by coffee company Salada Foods Jamaica Limited, are now on the shelves of major US retailer Publix Supermarkets in Florida, specifically in the Miami and Jacksonville areas. It will give Floridians a taste of Salada’s flavoured coffees such as Coconut Cappuccino, as well as non-coffee products such as its ginger teas. General Manager Tamii Brown says the foray into the southern United States is part of a larger export drive that’s meant to improve Salada’s revenues. It is also an expansion of Salada’s North American markets, which already include the Tri-State area of the US and Canada. Brown says the company is pushing for improvements on all fronts, with a particular focus on exports. The company is also aiming to drive up sales through product innovations. In the December quarter, revenue improved by two per cent to just under $300 million. In nominal terms, the gain was less than $6 million. And Brown says the company is looking towards the Caribbean and the diaspora to move the needle. “We’re focusing on our neighbourhood, first and foremost, that is to say, our Caricom footprint. We had our first shipment to St Lucia and Antigua, and they’ve just released our first shipment to Trinidad,” she said. Salada promised shareholders last April that the company would be pushing innovation. One new product has undergone extensive testing and should be ready for launch before the annual shareholders’ meeting set for March 20. “It has the highest sensory evaluation ratings that we’ve got in a few years. We’re very excited about it,” Brown said, as she teased about the new offering. “It’s a non-coffee product which is in line with our stated goal of product diversification. It is a Jamaican product using Jamaican inputs, but it’s not coffee,” the GM said. Despite the flat top line in the December first quarter, Salada delivered 12.8 per cent more in net profits relative to the previous year. The company earned $30.88 million, up from $27.37 million.