Durrant Pate/Contributor

Plastic products manufacturer, OMNI Industries, responding to local farmers’ demand, officially launched its new line of locally manufactured agricultural crates at the recently held 71st staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show. 

The crates, which were introduced to the public at OMNI’s interactive booth, are designed to meet the unique needs of farmers, food producers, and retailers across the island. Built to handle the transport and storage of fruits, vegetables, and other fresh produce, the crates are made from durable, food-safe material and offer improved ventilation, stackability, and handling. 

This new line represents a practical, Jamaican-made solution designed to meet the real-world needs of local farmers, vendors, and produce suppliers. Developed in direct response to feedback from the sector, the crates help address one of the most persistent challenges in the agriculture supply chain: access to reliable, cost-effective storage and transport options.

Strategic and timely response

OMNI Industries Managing Director Patrick Kumst described the launch as a strategic and timely response to long-standing gaps in the market. He said his company is investing in Jamaica’s agricultural sector with the launch of the new line of locally manufactured agricultural crates.

He pointed out that the local agriculture sector has for years had to rely heavily on imported storage solutions, which come with added costs, limited availability, and longer lead times, citing Omni’s goal to change that. 

“By manufacturing these crates right here in Jamaica, we are giving farmers and other stakeholders a reliable, high-quality alternative that is easier to access and better suited to our conditions. It is about making farming more efficient, more affordable, and more sustainable,” Kumst explained.

The introduction of the crates drew strong interest from a wide cross-section of attendees, including farmers, market vendors, agro-processors, and representatives from both the public and private sectors. 

Throughout the three-day showcase, the OMNI team engaged with hundreds of patrons, offering live walkthroughs, hands-on demonstrations, and educational materials that highlighted the crates’ durability, suitability for local produce, and the cost-saving benefits of sourcing locally.

Many attendees welcomed the opportunity to support a Jamaican manufacturer and expressed confidence in the quality and practicality of the new crate line.

Making life easier across the entire food chain 

Director of Marketing and Sales at OMNI Vincent Clarke, commented, “This isn’t just about putting a new product on the market. It’s about making life easier across the entire food chain. Farmers get sturdier packaging they can count on, and retailers have less hassle with handling and spoilage.” 

He emphasised the wider impact on farmers, consumers, and the local economy, saying, “For consumers, it means fresher produce, and for the country, it means more business staying right here in Jamaica. We’re proud to offer something that works. It is practical, affordable, and made with our people in mind.”

In addition to the agricultural crates, OMNI unveiled an expanded line of crates that also features milk and juice crates designed for cold storage and beverage distribution, along with a specially crafted bread tray ideal for bakeries and food service providers. Built for durability and secure handling, the full range has already drawn interest from local manufacturers and processors. 

This latest launch marks a new chapter in OMNI’s ongoing journey of innovation and support for Jamaica’s productive sectors. With deep roots in local manufacturing and a focus on building regional resilience, the company continues to expand its reach while staying true to its core values of quality, accessibility, and national pride.