One of Jamaica's largest distributors

Eyebrows were raised when Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (CPJ) parted ways with their main product, energy drink Red Bull in March 2010.

The Montego Bay-based firm was known in many circles as the Red Bull company, but with that separation, one crucial lesson was learned: that to make a name in such a highly competitive market, it is not about the brands you represent, but the sort of service you offer.

"We lost several brands over the years. Some come and some go, but service is our password," said Ramouy Mitchell, head of the distribution department, which comprises the crucial shipping and warehousing segments of CPJ's operation.

"Everything we do, we live and breathe service ... from the sales representative collecting the orders through to the distribution department delivering the product to our clients, quality service is our focus."

After severing ties with Red Bull, CPJ closed down its Spanish Town Road warehousing operations and immediately began the expansion of its Freeport, Montego Bay, facility, including a pasteurised liquid egg facility, 35,000 square foot cold storage room, bonded warehouse, meat processing plant, beverage production lines, and the branded retail outlet, CPJ Market.

Mitchell, who joined the 20-year-old company as inventory control manager almost a decade ago, and was elevated to his current post six months ago, says the organisation manufactures and distributes a wide range of juice and beverages at its world-class facility for the hospitality industry.

CPJ has evolved from the days of toilet tissue and a few canned products to become arguably Jamaica's number-one wine and spirit distribution firm for all the major hotel chains, including Sandals Resorts International, Holiday Inn, Hilton Rosehall and the RIU group, among others, along with several restaurants and some fast food outlets in Jamaica.

The company has also ventured into St Maarten, St Lucia and the Antigua and Barbuda markets.

Consumers can select from its wide range of the world's favourite brands, grocery items from Blue Diamond, Sunpac, Alouette and Roland; seafood products from Blue Star and Sprint Gold; dairy items from Cambozola and Monterey Jack; plus a vast range of beverages, spirits and wines.

CPJ is also the exclusive distributor of Certified Angus Beef CAB(r) brand, while lamb is imported from Australia and turkey and duck from North America.

The company offers a wide selection of locally produced pork and poultry and boasts a fleet of 25 trucks, including large refrigerated and smaller dry trucks. CPJ guarantees next-day delivery service.