Download - Made In Jamaica Catalogue

special note
A BRIEF HISTORY OF BUSINESS IN JAMAICA
SINCE 1962
by Deika Morrison
Typical of a former colony, Jamaica’s roots in commerce began with agricultural exports
to Spain, and then England, in order of colonizers. Before independence, agro-economic
activity was island-wide. Sugar and banana were main exports. By Independence in
1962, agriculture was still very significant, but manufacturing and services had begun to
alter the economic landscape. 50 years later, the picture is very, very different.
In this time, agriculture has become fractured, losing its dominant position in the economy.
Recent efforts have been made to produce for domestic consumption, and there
lies great potential in green house and hydroponic farming. Interestingly, some agriculturists
evolved into the now robust agro-processing sector widely touted to impart a larger
global footprint, not only in spices and sauces, but also beverages. Indeed, some of our
longstanding iconic brands - jerk, rum and Blue Mountain coffee - are a result of agroprocessing
in some form.
Agro-processing is only one part of a manufacturing sector that, despite being a declining
share of the economy, shows great depth in the rich diversity of products created. In
their wide global reach, they also demonstrate the underlying strength of Brand Jamaica.
In fifty years, manufacturing powerhouses built on their strengths, engaged in product
development to broaden their offerings for maturing and new markets – both at home
and abroad - while also diversifying into related business. New entrants too have made
their mark.
Diversified manufacturers are, for the most part, the companies that have become diversified
businesses, making their contribution to the ever growing services sector which
dominates the Jamaican economy today. Local and global distribution platforms, new
media, professional services and telecommunications are most illustrative of the international
standards to which these local and foreign based companies hold themselves.
10
Over
45
years
in
production
(continued on p. 12)
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