2024 JMEA M&E Awards Gala: Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Jamaica’s Manufacturing and Export Sectors

The 2024 Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) M&E Awards Gala, held at the prestigious Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, highlighted the remarkable talent and innovation within Jamaica’s dynamic manufacturing and export sectors. This year’s event, which attracted over 600 distinguished attendees, saw a record number of 59 companies and 15 individuals competing across 28 categories, underscoring the continued growth and competitiveness of these key industries.

For the third consecutive year, VM Group partnered with the JMEA to support the event, which drew esteemed guests such as His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick L. Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, and Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce. Their presence underscored the event’s significance in Jamaica’s economic landscape.

Hosted by the renowned Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, the black-tie affair showcased local fashion and culture, further cementing its place as the largest corporate event of its kind in Jamaica. The evening’s theme, “Redefining Boundaries: Advancing the Future of Manufacturing and Exporting,” reflected the innovative technologies and investments driving the sector forward despite ongoing challenges such as labor shortages and fluctuating interest rates.

The credibility of the awards was ensured by an independent panel of experts from organizations like the Jamaica Stock Exchange and the Scientific Research Council, providing impartial judgment for most categories. JMEA Executive Director Kamesha Blake remarked on the high level of competition, with companies demonstrating exceptional levels of innovation and excellence.

Among the night’s biggest winners was the Wisynco Group, which claimed four awards, including the prestigious Governor-General’s Award for Manufacturer of the Year. Building on last year’s success, Wisynco’s achievements further solidified its position as a leader in the industry.

Seprod also had a standout performance, securing three awards, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Large Champion Exporter in Manufacturing and the Governor-General’s Award for Exporter of the Year. Additional notable winners included Dawson Trading, which was honored with the Ray Hadeed Award for Best MSME, and Red Stripe, which took home the new Inclusivity Champion Award in recognition of its commitment to workplace diversity.

In individual categories, Sandra McLeish of Sankhard Company Limited was celebrated as the Woman in Manufacturing & Export, while Marcel James of National Rums of Jamaica Limited earned the Consular Corps of Jamaica Next Generation Leadership Award. Industry veteran Doreen Frankson, Managing Director of EdgeChem, received the prestigious JMEA Icon Award for her longstanding contributions to the sector.

Grace Food Processors and GraceKennedy Limited also made an impact, with Grace Food Processors winning the inaugural ESG – Most Sustainable Manufacturer Award and GraceKennedy receiving the Nicola Gordon Rowe Buy Jamaican Award, underscoring their commitment to sustainability and local business development.

The event was made possible by the support of sponsors, including Title Sponsor VM Group and key partners like Caribbean Producers Jamaica and Pepsi Cola Jamaica. As Jamaica continues to reshape its industrial landscape, the JMEA M&E Awards Gala remains an essential platform for recognizing and promoting excellence within the manufacturing and exporting sectors.

Looking ahead to 2025, anticipation is high for even greater accomplishments and innovations from JMEA member companies, further strengthening the nation’s global competitiveness.

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