Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 3rd Edition

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Trade & Export Hot Spots

Award Received Green Exporter of the Year Award 2015-2016. Key Success Factors

Perishables Jamaica limited (PJL) was established in 1980 and is a net earner of foreign exchange and 96% of the raw materials utilized by the company are grown on the island of Jamaica. The company also utilizes a photovoltaic system to generate daily electricity needs selling the excess through a grid tie system with the Jamaica Public Service Company limited. The company also took steps to make an entire range of teas tagless.This means we have removed all strings, tags and glues as our contribution to the environment. General Recommendation on Support Needed by Exporters • Commercial banks that are supportive of specialized manufacturing needs. • Agricultural Support from the Government through infrastructure (roads), research and development (e.g. Jamaican ginger), water harvesting and distribution. • Government facilitating and improving inter-regional trade. www.topsjamaicanteas.com

Above: Managing Director Norman Wright (right) with Melboure Mead - a PJL supplier.

in the USA and Jamaica. This gives us access to export markets other than our own branded products. In 2017 the company started exporting to Barbados. The company continues to explore the European market with a view to introducing our individually wrapped tea bags during the next twelve months. Greatest Exporting Lessons Learnt It is important to maintain quality at all times. This gives the product the advantage of selling itself, since satisfied customers recognize the consistent quality and advertise our products by word of mouth. It is also important to be aware of the market requirements to prevent the product from being detained or refused entry. Support Received The company was able to develop individually wrapped tea bags using a machine that was acquired with the assistance of Caribbean Export. The Managing Director Mr. Wright went on a Caribbean Export sponsored manufacturing tour of the EU (UK, Germany &France) and to ANUGA 2015. During these visits, Mr. Wright was able to make contact with distributors and manufacturers.