Golden Krust backs Jamaican farmers

Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurants, the family-owned Jamaican food brand with more than 100 outlets across the United States, recently launched a $3-million agricultural recovery initiative to support small farmers devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

The initial investment, made in partnership with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), provides direct aid to 10 farmers in St Elizabeth, Clarendon, St Catherine, St Mary and Manchester. Their operations suffered severe crop losses, flooding and infrastructure damage during the storm. Each farmer has received $300,000 worth of seedlings, equipment and essential supplies to accelerate replanting and restore production.

Golden Krust’s leadership travelled to Jamaica to distribute materials, assess damaged farms, and meet producers who supply Scotch bonnet peppers, scallion, thyme and other seasonings used in its bakery and restaurant products across North America.

“Hurricane Melissa severely affected families and farmers across Jamaica, and we recognise how difficult it has been for many to restart after such a significant loss,” said Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson, chairman and CEO. “This is just the beginning of an ongoing rehabilitation effort. These farmers are part of our extended Golden Krust family. It was their labour and commitment that helped shape the Jamaican flavours we’re known for. This effort is about helping families rebuild, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening the agricultural communities that are essential to Jamaica’s future.”

Farmers welcomed the intervention, noting that crop losses and disrupted production cycles had strained communities dependent on agriculture.

Luke Lee, director of Clarendon-based Gen Paradise Company Limited, said: “This land means a whole lot to us, and we’ve invested a lot of time and energy into its growth. Melissa was devastating for our crops and for the team. We suffered extensive flooding and structural damage to our farm and greenhouses. The support from Golden Krust is immeasurable. Them being here in person has really lifted our spirits. We know we have a partner who is not only just talk, but who takes action, and that is where the rubber meets the road.”

Steven Clarke, vice-president of marketing at Golden Krust, emphasised the company’s reliance on Jamaican produce: “Every Golden Krust patty carries a piece of Jamaica within it. For nearly three decades, our Scotch bonnet peppers and thyme have come directly from farms like the ones we visited across the island this week. There’s a special heat and flavour you can only get from Jamaican farms, and protecting that authenticity means standing with the people who grow it.”

The programme is part of Golden Krust’s wider Hurricane Melissa relief initiative, delivered with the AFJ. The company has mobilised nationwide support through fundraising, donation drives across its US restaurant network, and partnerships with organisations, including the NCB Foundation, Food For The Poor, Global Empowerment Mission, Sanmerna Foundation, ODPEM, JetBlue and Dennis Shipping, after Hurricane Melissa. These efforts have distributed food, household items and community assistance across the island. In addition, through a partnership with Imperial Dade, a US-based distributor, two shipping containers of medical supplies valued at over $300,000 were handed to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.