This week we’re sharing the Jamaica Joe Jerk Seasoning, a member of the family of seasonings, sauces and condiments manufactured by the award-winning Associated Manufacturers Limited. The authentic jerk seasoning was conceptualised and “inspired by the clean and natural formulations and processes of our award-winning brand — Busha Browne,” shared group marketing director Sean Garbutt.

With a classic combination of local ingredients such as escallion, Scotch bonnet peppers and pimento, one unique selling point of the jerk seasoning is the guarantee of an ‘authentic Jerk Pit aroma even if cooked in the oven’, to match its rich Jamaican flavour. “We can also boast that our Jerk is naturally balanced with sea salt and cane vinegar, requiring no preservatives, no trans-fats and is allergen free,” Garbutt told Thursday Food.

To create a high quality, competitive product that would realise returns on investment, Garbutt explained, “We crafted our own unique flavour profiles and then designed our packaging components to allow us to compete in the value-brand category on the retail shelves — going up against iconic heavyweights such as Walkerswood, Grace and Eatons.”

The Jamaica Joe brand has been in the retail market for three years. The line now offers a range of 10 products, including the jerk barbecue sauce, hot mustard pepper sauce and a hot pepper jelly. A bottle of the Jamaica Joe jerk seasoning retails between $195 and $212 excluding tax, and is available in MegaMart outlets; John R Wong Supermarket, New Kingston; Loshusan Supermarket, Barbican; Hi-Lo Food Stores; and Shopper’s Fair supermarkets island-wide.