Managing director of Jamaica Flour Mills, James Gill, makes a presentation to Lowell Hawthorne of Golden Krust Bakery in New York. - CONTRIBUTED
A NUMBER of bakeries islandwide have been awarded for outstanding service and quality products, culminating a week of activities marking Bakers Week 2006. It was declared by Governor-General, His Excellency The Most Hon. Prof. Kenneth Hall, and celebrated May 14 to 21.
Awards were presented to bakers in various categories at a special ceremony and banquet held on Saturday, May 20 at the Knutsford Court hotel in St. Andrew.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lowell Hawthorne, Jamaican-born head of Golden Krust, the largest franchise of Caribbean baked food products in the United States, summoned bakeries in Jamaica to collaborate with the State to supply schools with health-geared, nutritious meals. He said good health and nutrition are critical components of any successful nation. He pointed to a New York school-feeding programme involving Golden Krust, where the Caribbean franchise is contracted to supply over 24 million specially formulated patties over a four-year period to the New York school system.
"I call on the local baking industry to lobby the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. Develop new and healthier products. Become part of the promotion of wellness among our youth," he said.
100 OUTLETS IN UNITED STATES
Lowell Hawthorne's Golden Krust Caribbean food franchise currently operates more than 100 different outlets across the United States, with over 20 new stores under construction. "Our goal is to open 500 stores over the next five years within the United States and Canada," he informed the awards ceremony. "Our ambition has always been to represent the very best of Jamaica. As bakers of Jamaican products, we are excited and proud of the fact that we were able to take a piece of Jamaica with us to America ... to influence the baking culture of America through the Jamaican concept and product line," he said.
Hawthorne also encouraged bakeries to consider satisfactory remuneration packages for employees. This, he pointed out, will help to build a lasting and loyal team. "Employees who are cared for in this manner will regard the business as their own," he declared.
