A record 188 nominations across 28 award categories were announced at the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) Awards Nomination Cocktail, held last Thursday, September 11, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The largest-ever submissions in the history of the event came from a wide cross section of the industry such as food and beverage, agro-processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, construction, fashion, and services. The sizes of members companies receiving nominations included large, medium, and MSME enterprises.

“This milestone marks the highest number of nominations in the awards’ history, surpassing the 162 received in 2024 and the 147 in 2023,” said Kamesha Blake, executive director of the JMEA.

“We strive to be as inclusive as possible, giving our members at all levels the opportunity to participate and compete. This year, we expanded several categories to accommodate both large and small manufacturers, creating even greater opportunities for MSMEs to be recognised,” she continued

Among the nominations are several first-time entrants, including Tripple C Manufacturing, Inspired by Jadan, MC Systems, Simardo, Hyrie Wellness, House of Fennel, and The Contractor Centre. Many of these nominees represent family-run businesses and emerging entrepreneurs carving out new ground in niche markets. Their participation highlights the growing influence of MSMEs, whose innovation and resilience continue to drive creativity within the sector and open new pathways to both local and international opportunities.

Blake added that the presence of these newcomers reflects not only the expanding reach of the JMEA Awards but also the steady growth of the organisation’s membership, which now stands at 600 companies strong. This growth, she noted, reinforces the JMEA’s role as the united voice of the industry and demonstrates the increasing confidence manufacturers and exporters place in the JMEA as their advocate and partner.

Winners in each category will be officially announced at the M&E Awards Gala, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus. The awards ceremony is  an annual tradition in which the JMEA recognises excellence, innovation, and dedication within Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors, while showcasing the competitive spirit and creativity that drive the industry forward.

The competition is traditionally fierce, and winners are determined each year by a distinguished panel of external judges, all respected experts in their fields, who carefully review submissions to identify the companies and individuals most deserving of recognition for their excellence, innovation, and leadership within the sector.

As the event continues to grow in importance, the JMEA has transformed the awards to reflect the industry’s evolving landscape and priorities. Last year, the association introduced three new categories: the TEF Tourism Linkages Award, which recognises contributions to Jamaica’s tourism value chain; the Manufacture Sustainability (ESG) Award, spotlighting businesses excelling in sustainable practices; and the Inclusivity Champion Award, recognising companies fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces.