Bog Walk company joins farmers to create new juice amid COVID crisis

The government has collaborated with Trade Winds Limited, which manufactures the Tru-Juice brand of juices, to process excess fruits and vegetables.

The arrangement is aimed at helping farmers with excess produce resulting from the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries last week put systems in place to support the movement of the produce from farmers in St Elizabeth to the Tru Juice factory in Bog Walk, St. Catherine.

The factory commenced processing yesterday, April 6, with an initial 5,000 pounds of tomatoes.

On a tour of the factory to observe the process, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry, J.C. Hutchinson, explained that, in a collaborative effort with the Ministry, Trade Winds has initiated the development and manufacturing of a tomato-pineapple juice, utilising fresh local fruits.

He affirmed that the new juice offering had passed the taste test, adding that the Ministry was exploring the possibility of having it incorporated into the national school-feeding programme.

In the meantime, Minster of State in the Ministry, Floyd Green, welcomed the initiative as another opportunity in Jamaica’s plans to expand its agro-industry sector.

He also thanked Trade Winds for partnering with the Government in a public-private sector effort to utilise more fresh local produce, while supporting the island’s farmers.

Managing Director of Trade Winds, Peter McConnell, said his company’s main focus at this time is to help bring relief to farmers by processing their excess fruits and vegetables into purees, which is used to make the juices.

We want to hear from Jamaicans at home or abroad who have displayed resilience on the job or otherwise despite being impacted directly by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID). WhatsApp (876-305-4574) or email jamaicabeaconnews@gmail.com.