A Taste of the Caribbean, a small food-processing company in Kingston, has transformed pandemic adversity into international growth and community empowerment.
Bold pivot amid crisis
Before COVID-19, founder Sonya Dunstan’s business relied almost entirely on Jamaica’s tourism industry, with hotels accounting for nearly all of its sales. When travel came to a halt, orders vanished, leaving the company on the verge of collapse. Instead of closing, Dunstan turned to the Development Bank of Jamaica’s Credit Enhancement Facility, securing a guaranteed loan that allowed her to invest in new machinery and product lines. This financing became the turning point, enabling A Taste of the Caribbean to shift from bulk hotel orders to premium, export-ready jams, chutneys and sauces aimed at international retail markets.
Growth, exports and empowerment
Today the company exports its products to the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, with new interest emerging from Asia. It has also expanded its workforce, focusing on hiring young people and women from the local community. By sourcing fresh produce from Jamaican farmers, the business adds value within the country and strengthens rural livelihoods. Dunstan describes her mission simply: to produce “world-class, innovative products” that showcase Jamaican ingredients to the world.
A model for small business resilience
A Taste of the Caribbean’s story captures the spirit of Jamaica’s small-business community — resilient, resourceful and globally minded. Micro and small enterprises make up the majority of employment in the country, yet many face persistent challenges in accessing financing. By bridging that gap, programmes such as the Credit Enhancement Facility can turn local passion into export potential.
Risks and opportunities
The company’s success, however, also underscores ongoing challenges. Export operations expose it to currency fluctuations and global supply-chain delays, while dependence on local crops makes it vulnerable to extreme weather and drought. Continued investment in quality control, marketing and logistics will be vital to sustain its competitiveness.
A sunshine story for Jamaica
From the brink of collapse to a growing international brand, A Taste of the Caribbean stands as a “sunshine story” of innovation, determination and community uplift. It illustrates how a single entrepreneur’s resilience can translate into national pride and economic opportunity — proof that even small businesses can make a global impact when given a fair chance.
Newshub Editorial in Americas – 2025-11-10
Recent Comments