National Baking launches ‘The Bold Ones’ — New champions of manufacturing to recognize the contribution and potential of the sector in Jamaica

Minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Michael Stern (left) and president of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, Omar Azan (right) listen as Continental Baking Company (National Baking) chairman, Gary Hendrickson, makes a point during the launch of 'The Bold Ones: New Champions of Manufacturing' initiative Tuesday, March 2 at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston. The initiative seeks to highlight and recognise the contribution of various enterprises to the economy. (JIS Photo)

In a move to recognize the contribution of recently established manufacturing companies to the Jamaican economy, National Baking has announced the launch of an affirmation programme dubbed “The Bold Ones — New Champions of Manufacturing.”

Explaining the concept behind the programme, Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson, chairman, Continental Baking Company Limited (National Baking) said, “National Baking is committed to promoting manufacturing and production as the solution to Jamaica’s future growth.”

“The Bold Ones — New Champions of Manufacturing,” as the name suggests, will be highlighting the selected business through a multi-media programme and a “National Producer’s Avenue” at the JMA-JEA Trade Show at the National Arena in June of this year. The programme should motivate aspiring Jamaicans to consider the creation of their own enterprise as a viable career path.

“By highlighting these enterprising and successful small businesses, other Jamaicans will be inspired to take the initiative to explore their own possibilities,” said Mr. Hendrickson.

There were four broad-based criteria for selection: companies that are seven years or younger, employed at least five people, were tax compliant, and use indigenous resource.

The 18 short-listed candidates are: Adduci Jamaican Cigar, AMG Packaging and Paper Company Limited, Banyan Creations Limited, Chocolate Dreams, Corrpak Jamaica Limited, Country House Products, Debz and Ranaz Limited, Home Choice Enterprises Limited, Island Breeze Limited, The Jamaica Herb and Spice Company, Jamaican Yaad Style, The Jerk Place and Restaurant Limited, Local Spice Limited, Palimex Company Limited, Pastry Passions Limited, Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited West Indies Gypsum Company Limited, Yono Industries Limited. The final list will be announced before the end of March.

Continental Baking Company Ltd. (National Baking Company) is the leading manufacturer of baked goods in Jamaica offering a wide range of products under three distinctive brands: National, HTB, and HoMade. The company began in 1952 as a family-owned bread bakery and from its humble beginnings it has expanded to become the top producer of breads, buns, crackers and other baked products in Jamaica.

The company operates on a 220,000 square feet complex with a fully automated, state-of-the-art biscuit and bread plant and many dedicated production lines. There are over 700 people in the National family. National distributes its products island-wide freshly each day. The company also exports a full range of its products to the UK, USA, Canada and other Caribbean islands.­