Pimento, or allspice, as it is known internationally, is currently impacting the culinary world. It is one of the main ingredients in jerk seasonings and mixed spices.

The growing demand for the product, not only for local consumption, but for use overseas and in the hospitality industry, has opened up a niche market that is expected to be very profitable for local farmers.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is reporting that the pimento industry is earning an estimated US$5 million annually from exports of whole berries, leaf, berry oils, liqueurs and other value-added products.

There is also an increasing demand for pimento berries to satisfy the expansion of the jerk market. With the sudden interest in the product, there are certain guidelines and procedures that must be followed to get the product from its natural state to acceptable standards for export.

General manager of the Export Division in the ministry, Gladstone Barrett, explained that most pimento trees that are conventionally planted grow very tall, and therefore harvesting of the berries would require the use of various devices, such as clippers.