Jamaican peppers wanted in Canada

On Jamaica, a call has went out to local producers, particularly those who supply peppers, to engage more with the overseas market in order for there to be greater collaboration and growth in the economy.

Michael Burgess, chief executive officer of Nerpy's Inc, a hot sauce manufacturing company based in Canada, told The Gleaner that though he yearns to collaborate with Jamaica on a large scale, it has been difficult to get consistent supplies of pepper over the years.

"Jamaica being home, it would always be great to do business there and send some foreign currency back home, and also maintain that direct line in supporting a local entity.” Alas, Burgess found that none of the promises he was made regarding supplies of peppers, were kept.

"From what I understand, majority of peppers that are grown locally, there are not enough suppliers for the buyers. All this is saying to me is that there has to be an expansion of that industry. I've made it clear that I will deal with all the importing issues on my end, but I'm yet to see someone I can get a consistent supply from, and I have spoken to many farmers."

He said his supply currently comes from Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic, but he is still hoping to one day partner with suppliers from Jamaica.