KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government of Jamaica is intensifying its efforts to promote authentic Jamaican food on a global scale through the expansion of the ‘Eat Jamaican Global Campaign.’ This initiative will target key markets in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK) to raise awareness about the importance of consuming locally grown Jamaican produce.
During a recent event at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hope Complex in Kingston, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green, highlighted the campaign’s inaugural launch in Florida this November. He explained that this marks the beginning of a broader push, with plans to extend the initiative into other international diaspora hotspots like New York, Canada, and the UK before the official “Eat Jamaican 2025” rollout.
“Eat Jamaican Month takes place every November, with the key date being Eat Jamaican Day on November 25. This year, however, we are taking the campaign beyond our borders to engage our diaspora communities directly,” said Green. “Our aim is not only to promote Jamaican produce but also educate our global audience on how to identify and support authentic Jamaican products.”
In addition to raising awareness of Jamaican food, the campaign will provide public education efforts to help consumers distinguish genuine Jamaican items, ensuring that the quality and unique flavor profiles of local produce remain protected from counterfeit manufacturers abroad.
Green emphasized the importance of driving exports by engaging the diaspora, stating, “One of our priorities is to increase the consumption of Jamaican products, and the best way to achieve that is by making sure our diaspora communities support locally grown produce. This campaign will serve as a vital tool in ensuring the authenticity of Jamaican food products globally.”
A key focus of the campaign is also to facilitate investment from the diaspora in Jamaica’s agricultural sector. Green pointed out that there has been significant interest in investment, particularly from the Caribbean and African diasporas. “We want the diaspora to not only consume Jamaican food but also help grow it. The establishment of new agro-parks and emerging opportunities make this an exciting time for potential investors, especially in the United States and the UK.”
As part of the campaign’s international outreach, the Jamaican government is working alongside consular offices to create a database of verified businesses, restaurants, and vendors abroad that are offering authentic Jamaican products. This will allow the global community to easily identify where to find true Jamaican food, from restaurants to retailers, ensuring that the campaign supports Jamaican farmers and businesses.
