Manufacturing excellence hailed at JMEA Gala

Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors stepped into the spotlight on Saturday night at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston as the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), in partnership with VM Group, hosted its 2025 M&E Awards Gala.

Against the backdrop of a year marked by economic contraction and natural disasters, the event underscored both the resilience and competitiveness of Jamaican businesses, from established giants to fast-rising MSMEs.

Regarded as the highest recognition for achievement in manufacturing and export, the M&E Awards have become the benchmark of excellence in the industry. Companies and individuals alike view winning as not just a mark of prestige but a validation of their innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. This year’s staging attracted a record 188 nominations across 28 award categories, the largest in the awards’ history. The event was also sold out, drawing more than 600 business leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to witness the unveiling of Jamaica’s top manufacturers and exporters.

Seprod Limited emerged as the biggest winner, unseating Wisynco Group Limited after its three-year reign. Seprod claimed three of the most prestigious titles: the Governor-General’s Award for Manufacturer of the Year, the Governor-General’s Award for Exporter of the Year, and the NCB Top Exporter Award (Manufacturing) Large.

Set against a year of turbulence marked by economic contraction and natural disasters the gala underscored both the resilience and competitiveness of Jamaican businesses, from established giants to fast-rising MSMEs. Jamaica’s economy contracted by 0.7 percent in 2024, with goods-producing industries declining by 2.2 percent and manufacturing specifically falling by 1.2 per cent. The sector faced disruptions from Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Rafael, as well as global supply chain challenges. Yet, manufacturing remained the backbone of Jamaica’s exports, generating US$839.5 million, nearly half of the country’s total exports. Growth in food, beverages, and tobacco up 2.6 percent helped offset declines elsewhere, fuelled by demand for baked goods, sauces, dairy, and beverages.

STANDOUTS OF THE NIGHT

While Seprod and other large corporations dominated the headlines, MSMEs and medium-sized companies were standouts of the night, affirming their growing role in driving innovation and exports. Dawson Trading Company Limited, last year’s underdog, repeated its double victory by again capturing the Ray Hadeed Award for Best MSME and the JAMPRO Award for Small Champion Exporter (Manufacturing). Fellow MSME PBAS also made history, securing the NCBJ Award for Quality and Standards (MSME) as well as the JEMS Emerging Manufacturer and Services of the Year Award.

Other notable multi-award winners included Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ), which took home the Jamaica Productivity Center Award (Large Upper) and the TEF Tourism Linkages Award (Large); J. Wray and Nephew, which earned the NCBJ Quality and Standards Award (Large) and the VM/JMEA Legacy Award; and CB Group, which captured the ESG – Most Sustainable Manufacturer Award and the VM-JMEA Pension IRS Award (Large).

Individual achievements were also in focus.

Nayanna Williams from LifeSpan Company Limited received the Woman in Manufacturing & Export Award, while Jervian Johnson from Tropiks365 was honoured with the Consular Corps Next Generation Leadership Award. The prestigious JMEA Icon Award was presented to Joy Spence, Jamaican chemist and master blender at Appleton Estate, recognising her decades-long contributions to the industry.

Beyond the competitive categories, the evening also paid tribute to the distinguished service of Jerome Miles of Rainforest Seafoods Jamaica, Novlet Deans of Arc Manufacturing, Brett Wong of Coldfield Manufacturing Limited, and David Martin of PanJamaica Group were honoured with Outstanding Director Long Service Awards for what was acknowledged as their exceptional dedication to the JMEA.

The gala also shone a light on corporate social responsibility and breakthrough innovation. GraceKennedy Limited and Bartley’s All in Wood won CSR awards in the large and MSME categories, respectively. Blue Power Group Limited, recognised for its innovative cake soap powder, was named New Exporter of the Year and also awarded Best Performing Manufacturing Company Listed on the Junior Market. Meanwhile, Jamaica Producers Group Limited secured the award for Best Performing Manufacturing Company Listed on the Main Market. The Best Dressed Chicken rounded out the innovation spotlight, claiming the Breakthrough Product of the Year – Food award for its Crispy Breaded Chicken.

Despite a difficult year marked by economic contraction and natural disasters, the 2025 M&E Awards proved that Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors remain resilient and future focused. From established giants to nimble MSMEs, the winners reflected the creativity, discipline, and global competitiveness that continue to define the industry.