Nestlé Jamaica signs agreement with Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

Left to right, Daniel Caron, country manager, NJL, Frank James, CEO of GraceKennedy Foods, Rakeesh Bernard, operations manager, Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited. Pic: Nestlé
Left to right, Daniel Caron, country manager, NJL, Frank James, CEO of GraceKennedy Foods, Rakeesh Bernard, operations manager, Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited. Pic: Nestlé
Nestlé Jamaica Limited (NJL) has announced its re-entry into the powdered milks category, thanks to its recently signed co-manufacturing deal with Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited (DIJL).

The agreement has formalized DIJL’s production of Nestlé Everyday milk powder in its production facility in Kingston since March 2020. Nestlé said the partnership demonstrates its confidence in DIJL’s capacity to deliver both the quality standards and manufacturing expertise needed for the highly competitive powdered milks market.

Daniel Caron, country manager at Nestlé Jamaica Limited said, “We are extremely happy to be able to launch another innovation that will satisfy the needs of the Jamaican market.

“We wanted to bring something that was value added to the table - an instant fortified milk powder to satisfy the milk needs of consumers in Jamaica at an affordable price. This new partnership is just another example of the commitment to Jamaica Nestlé has demonstrated over the last 80 years, which has included investing millions of dollars in local operations, innovations and renovations.”

DIJL’s general manager, Radcliffe Walker, said the innovation will give consumers better value for their money.

“Co-manufacturing is a great opportunity for DIJL. The increased product output will enhance our production efficiency and increase revenues and associated earnings for our team members. Our state-of-the-art facility has really revolutionized our ability to produce and maintain the highest product quality. We are excited to begin this new partnership to produce Nestlé Everyday and I look forward to its success,”​ Walker said.

DIJL is a joint venture between GraceKennedy Limited and Fonterra, New Zealand. In 1995, the company became the first in Jamaica to be certified to ISO 9001 standard, and currently is certified under the FSSC 22000:2017 standard.

Frank James, CEO of GraceKennedy Foods – Domestic said, "Manufacturing plays such a key role in our nation's economic growth and development, providing employment for thousands of Jamaicans and reducing our dependence on imports. The impact of COVID-19 on the Jamaican economy has demonstrated how important it is that we invest in local manufacturing capacity. The cementing of this partnership between DIJL and Nestlé at such a critical time not only demonstrates confidence in our manufacturing capabilities, but also our commitment to Jamaican manufacturing as a whole."

Launched in April of this year, Nestlé Everyday milk powder is available across Jamaica – wholesalers, supermarkets, and corner shops. Small businesses can also purchase Nestlé Everyday from Nestlé Jamaica’s Head Office and Distribution Centre at Ferry in St Catherine.

Nestlé Everyday will also be available for purchase on the company’s ecommerce website.