The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade continues to play a key role in expanding international market access for Jamaica’s coffee sector, strengthening export pathways that support local farmers and enhance the long-term competitiveness of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.

The Ministry’s work was highlighted during the observance of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day on January 9, when it joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority in the farming community of Guava Ridge, St Andrew. The event recognised the economic and export value of the crop, as well as its role as an ambassador of Jamaican flavour in international markets, reflecting generations of craftsmanship, quality, and care.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, who participated in a coffee tree planting exercise in Guava Ridge, said the Ministry’s efforts extend beyond trade promotion to sustained foreign trade engagement.

He pointed to the work of Jamaica’s embassies, high commissions, and consular missions overseas, which continue to engage diaspora business leaders, distributors, and trade partners to expand access to both established and emerging markets for Jamaican coffee.

He also noted that the sector continues to benefit from significant and sustained investment by bilateral partners, including Japan.

“Our focus is on ensuring that Jamaican coffee farmers are better positioned to reach markets that value quality and consistency. Through our overseas missions and continued engagement with trade partners, including those in the diaspora, we are creating stronger linkages between producers and buyers so that the benefits of global demand translate more directly to farming communities at home. We are also expanding market access in other areas through our Economic Diplomacy Programme, implemented in collaboration with the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO),” Minister Terrelonge said.

The minister added that under the leadership of Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green, more than 1,000 coffee plants and fertilisers have been distributed to farmers, alongside a targeted replanting exercise in the Blue Mountains. These initiatives form part of the Government’s broader efforts to accelerate recovery and resilience measures following Hurricane Melissa. Tree planting and replanting activities are aimed at stabilising production, protecting supply chains, and sustaining Jamaica’s export capacity.

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee has long served as a flagship product for the country’s export brand. The ongoing replanting initiative provides direct support to farmers while reinforcing Jamaica’s ability to meet international demand and maintain its reputation in highly competitive global markets.

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day is observed annually on January 9. The observance was launched in 2019 by the Association of Japanese Importers of Jamaica Coffee and is inspired by the milestone achieved on January 9, 1967, when Jamaica exported its largest shipment of coffee beans to Japan.