The principals of the Pepsi-Cola Jamaica Bottling Co., Ltd., and Juici Patties chain have signed a deal that would see Pepsi serving as the preferred carbonated beverage supplier at Juici Patties stores across the island.
The agreement, signed last Wednesday by Andrew Reid, general manager of Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and Jukie Chin, chairman & CEO of Juici Patties, will see Juici Patties restaurants serving the range of Pepsi-Cola Jamaica products including Ting and Ginger Beer in both packaged and fountain formats.
Additional options will include bottled water, Gatorade, and other functional beverages to be introduced later this year. Reiterating Pepsi-Cola's commitment to supporting Jamaican enterprise, Mr. Reid said that under the agreement "Pepsi-Cola will be supporting the marketing and promotion efforts of one of Jamaica's most populous fast food chains".
Juici Patties has 35 locations in Jamaica. He noted that "just over a year ago, another Jamaican fast food company expanded its wings to North America and Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, through Ting, D&G Kola Champagne and Grape, continues to be a part of their overseas venture.
"Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, enjoys a special bond with its Jamaican customers and consumers" hence its partnership yet again with another Jamaican enterprise like Juici Patties "to provide another complete meal opportunity at an affordable price".
Noting that Pepsi-Cola Jamaica offers direct employment to over 250 persons at their Spanish Town Road plant and another 300 through islandwide distribution arrangements, Mr. Reid expressed the hope that "the partnership with Juici Patties will engender more growth on their part and ultimately, more employment."
Describing the two companies as "works in progress" Pepsi-Cola's On-Premises Manager, Clive Forbes, said the two "are growing on a continuous basis and the final result is a product range that is ever expanding to meet the demands of an increasingly more discerning public." He also said that Pepsi will be exploring similar opportunities with other long-standing customers.
A marriage
Meanwhile Juici Patties Franchise Partner Radcliff Knibbs described the deal as "a marriage of some supremely popular tastes." He said that in 21 years of operations "Juici Patties has steadily carved a niche for itself among patty-loving Jamaicans and Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Co. Ltd., products are market leaders in the soft drinks industry." "Together", he said, "Pepsi and Juici Patties will provide the complete meal for Jamaicans."
Mr. Knibbs said that Juici Patties is also in the expansion mode and that their forays into the North American market present considerable scope for deepening the Juici Patties/Pepsi-Cola relationship. Pointing to the soon to be completed Juici Patties factory in Clarendon, Mr. Knibbs said that in addition to the patty making facilities, there will be separate beef and chicken slaughter houses in line with the company's desire to ensure it uses only the highest quality products in their operations.
Noting that in 21 years, the company has come a long way from the days when Chairman & CEO, Jukie Chin started out learning to make patties at his sister's restaurant, Mr. Knibbs praised him for "his vision and expertise and relentless drive."
Another franchise partner, Patrick Prince, called the deal a win-win one for Juici, Pepsi and the people of Jamaica "which sends a very positive signal that we can collaborate and co-operate with each other for the benefit of all."
Pepsi-Cola Jamaica Bottling Co. Ltd., opened on December 6, 1999 after acquiring the ownership of the soft drink business from Desnoes & Geddes.
It is a subsidiary of Pepsi Americas, the second largest Pepsi bottler in the world with operations in the United States, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Barbados.
Juici Patties is Jamaica's largest fast food chain with 35 locations islandwide. The restaurants offer a range of Jamaican food products including their popular beef, lobster, chicken and vegetable patties and their breakfast menu featuring favourites like ackee & saltfish, liver & onions and steamed and stewed fish.
