KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s vibrant culinary heritage is set to capture an even broader audience as the government ramps up its efforts to promote authentic Jamaican food through the expanded Eat Jamaican Global Campaign. This bold initiative targets key diaspora hubs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, aiming to deepen connections with Jamaican expatriates while driving agricultural exports.
Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, revealed details of the campaign during the Eat Jamaican Month Cook Off and Farmers Market at the Ministry’s Hope Complex in Kingston. The campaign officially launched in South Florida this month, with plans to extend to New York, Toronto, and London in the coming year, as part of the lead-up to Eat Jamaican 2025.
“We’ve taken the initiative to not only celebrate Eat Jamaican Month locally every November but to carry our message globally,” said Green. “We’re focusing on our diaspora hubs to build awareness of authentic Jamaican produce and ensure they know how to identify the real thing.”
Promoting Authenticity and Education
One of the campaign’s core objectives is public education. Many foreign manufacturers market their products under the guise of being Jamaican, capitalizing on the country’s reputation for superior flavor and quality. Minister Green emphasized the importance of empowering the diaspora to differentiate authentic Jamaican items from imitations.
“This is about protecting our brand,” Green stated. “We’re working with Jamaican consuls to identify retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants that carry genuine Jamaican products. A comprehensive database will be created to guide consumers towards authentic options.”
Driving Agricultural Investment
Beyond promoting consumption, the campaign also seeks to inspire diaspora investment in Jamaica’s agricultural sector. Minister Green pointed out the critical role diaspora members can play in strengthening the sector, particularly as the government rolls out new agro-parks and explores emerging opportunities.
“We’re seeing increased interest not just from Jamaicans abroad but also from the wider African diaspora. Investing in Jamaica’s agriculture not only preserves our food legacy but also opens up economic opportunities,” he added.
A Cultural and Economic Movement
The Eat Jamaican Global Campaign extends beyond food; it’s a cultural and economic movement designed to sustain Jamaica’s agricultural growth. By connecting Jamaicans abroad to their roots and leveraging their purchasing power, the initiative aims to solidify the country’s standing in global markets while boosting export-driven economic growth.
With its next stops planned for New York, Canada, and the UK, the campaign underscores Jamaica’s commitment to sharing its rich flavors with the world and ensuring its food legacy thrives for generations to come.
