Durrant Pate/Contributor

Caribbean Producers (Jamaica) continues its bounce back, delivering a strong last half-year performance in 2025, in which the Montego Bay-based foods and liquor distributor delivered strong top-line growth.

The company, which experienced a challenging period during 2022-2024 and was sold last year to the Seprod Group through its subsidiary A.S Bryden & Sons, generated gross operating revenue of US$152.06 million for the last half of its 2025 financial year, up from the US$80.15 million for the 2024 comparative period ended December 31, 2024. 

The revenue performance was driven by sustained customer demand across hospitality and retail distribution segments, continued expansion in Jamaica, its largest market, improved performance in St. Lucia and a broader and more diversified product portfolio. 

Jamaica, CPJ’s home base, contributed approximately US$119.38 million in external revenue, while its St. Lucian operations contributed US$33.85 million, underscoring the growing importance of the company’s regional footprint and diversification strategy. 

Profitability also improving

Gross profit for the full year totalled US$39.65 million, reflecting higher volumes and disciplined margin management initiatives, while operating profit increased to US$16.11 million, supported by improved operating scale and a net gain recorded within other operating income related to insurance proceeds from Hurricane Melissa claims. 

Pre-tax profit for the full year amounted to US$11.85 million, while net profit attributable to equity holders totaled US$8.24 million. Finance costs for the period went up to US$4.26 million, reflecting higher borrowing levels used to support expansion, working capital requirements, and strategic investments. 

Leverage increased during the period; these borrowings were aligned with growth initiatives and operational strengthening. 

Financial Position 

As at December 31, 2025, total assets increased to US$81.81 million, up from US$69.83 million a year ago, while shareholders’ equity improved to US$49.32 million. Net current assets stood at US$41.10 million, reflecting continued liquidity strength, while cash and cash equivalents closed the year at US$6.87 million. 

Accounts receivable increased to US$39.97 million, consistent with higher sales volumes and temporary collection delays following Hurricane Melissa, as some customers faced operational disruptions. However, inventories declined to US$36.72 million, reflecting improved inventory management practices, hurricane-related inventory losses, and deliberate shipment deferrals to align stock levels with expected short-term demand softening. 

Long-term borrowings increased to US$20.69 million, primarily to fund capital expenditure, working capital expansion, and strategic growth initiatives. As for cash flow Performance, CPJ generated US$4.13 million in net cash from operating activities during the year. 

Investing activities included capital expenditure of US$0.70 million in property, plant and equipment; and Investment of US$2.05 million in intangible assets, including ERP system development and related technology investments. Financing activities resulted in net cash inflows of US$7.03 million, driven by new borrowings and related party funding, partially offset by loan repayments and lease obligations. Overall, the Group recorded a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of US$0.22 million for the period. 

Positive outlook 

The impact of Hurricane Melissa created short-term demand pressure within the hospitality sector, but in response, CPJ says it “accelerated its strategic pivot into the retail distribution segment, where the company is now seeing encouraging momentum and expects this channel to deliver strong growth and partially offset hospitality softness in the near term.“

Looking ahead, the management remains focused on: 

• Margin optimisation and cost discipline. 
• Strengthened working capital management. 
• Strategic regional expansion. 
• Deleveraging and disciplined capital allocation; and 
• Delivering sustained shareholder value. 

According to the company Chairman, Richard Pandohie and Director, Stephen Dear, ”integrated supply chain, diversified product portfolio, and strengthened regional partnerships position CPJ to capitalise on market recovery and continue expanding across hospitality, food service, and retail distribution channels.