ST ANN, Jamaica — One of Jamaica’s largest poultry producers has suffered a critical blow to its operations. CB Foods has confirmed that its primary egg production facility in Bamboo, St Ann sustained significant structural damage during Hurricane Melissa, halting the supply of its flagship egg brands.
The aftermath has forced a full pause on the distribution of Smart Eggs and Chippenham Eggs, two of the most widely circulated labels in local supermarkets and corner shops. The company has issued a notice to the public expressing solidarity with affected families, acknowledging the national disruption, and pledging a swift but careful rebuilding process.
“Our team is working around the clock to restart operations,” a CB Foods representative shared. “We remain committed to restoring supply safely and reliably.”
The fallout extends beyond CB Foods. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green reported to Parliament that the island’s poultry industry lost nearly half of its laying hens—approximately 458,000 birds—due to storm-related destruction. In response, the government will begin importing table eggs and other staples to counter immediate shortages and ease pressure on consumers and retailers.
CB Foods, a cornerstone of Jamaica’s agri-business landscape, has asked for public understanding as supply chains are slowly brought back online. While there’s no timeline yet for when local egg production will stabilize, the company has signaled that updates will be provided as recovery progresses.
The situation underscores the fragility of agricultural infrastructure in the face of severe weather, and highlights the critical role played by domestic producers in maintaining food security.
