Her Story – Jamaican Products

In a previous blog post, “Our Understanding of History,” I reflected on how history often tends to be “His Story.”  This led me to realise there is a vital need for “Her Story”, a space to bring attention to the voices and contributions of women that have often been overlooked or underrepresented in historical narratives.

So, how did Jamaican Products come into being?  What products do we offer, and what principles guide us?

The Beginning

Jamaican Products was born in 2005, not as a business, but as a hobby.  It started as a way to share the best of Jamaica, my homeland, with my adopted country, Australia. In 1981, I came to Australia to pursue post-graduate studies in engineering. Although I initially planned to return to Jamaica and contribute to its development, life had other plans for me.

What began as a personal passion has now grown into something much bigger.

I was captivated by the Australians’ adventurous spirit in exploring new cultures and cuisines. It became clear to me that Jamaican Products could serve as a gateway, bringing authentic Jamaican flavors and culture to Australia.

The Products

At Jamaican Products, we offer a blend of imported Jamaican goods and locally made traditional items.

Imported Products: These include iconic Jamaican products such as jerk seasoning, scotch bonnet pepper sauce, spices, ackee, bammy, Ting, other beverages, hair care products, and a range of unique memorabilia. We help chefs, both professionals and home cooks, recreate the authentic flavours of Jamaica.

Made in Australia: We also proudly offer locally crafted items, including frozen Jamaican patties, jerk-seasoned butterfly chicken, and chicken wings in our Take & Bake range. Additionally, our Festive Treats category features seasonal offerings like Easter buns, Christmas cakes, and fresh garden-grown callaloo.

Do not worry, there is no need to call your Mom for cooking instructions!  We have got you covered with recipes available on our website, providing step-by-step guides for preparing these delicious Jamaican dishes.

Our Principles

At Jamaican Products, we believe in more than just selling products; we are committed to celebrating Caribbean culture, fostering community engagement and promoting sustainable practices.

Our website and social media channels showcase various aspects of Caribbean life and heritage.  Dive into our blogs to explore both “His” and “Her” stories, sharing the rich tapestry of Jamaican history.

Sustainability is a core value for us. We strive to minimise waste by using recycled materials for packaging.  Our team frequently visits Bunnings to source boxes for packing orders, and we repurpose newspapers in our packaging.  It is our way of ensuring we reduce waste and contribute to a sustainable future.

Community engagement is also close to our heart.  We recently helped organize A Lime for Errol and participated in a market stall at UPmarket, Castle Hill. We will be back at UPmarket at the end of March, so feel free to come by and say hello!

Conclusion

We are excited to continue sharing more of our journey and other information with you.  Stay tuned for our next blog, where among other topics, we will dive deeper into the stories, flavours, and traditions that make Jamaican Products truly special.  We appreciate your support and cannot wait to connect again soon!