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JAM | Mar 7, 2023

‘Shot in the arm’ for Jamaican beverage producers

/ Our Today

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

SRC invests in more advanced bottling line

Annaleise Aiken, SRC team leader of the Food Pilot Plant.

Jamaican beverage producers are set to benefit from the Scientific Research Council (SRC) investment in a more advanced bottling line for the filling of various types of non-carbonated beverages, namely natural juices, and flavoured water.

The beverage producers to benefit are those which are micro and small businesses dealing in beverage production. The advanced bottling line supports the standard 500ml and 750ml containers and mass-produces 2,500 items daily.

The plant is also equipped with semi-automated and manual filling equipment, used to produce a wide range of beverages. In addition to the bottling service, entities can also utilise other instruments at the SRC to formulate and manufacture their products.

“We want to be able to fill the gap… where you have micro and small businesses that want to produce healthier beverage options but do not have the facility to do so. We provide these resources for businesses, so that they have a place to come and make their dreams into a reality.”

Annaleise Aiken, SRC team leader of the Food Pilot Plant

The SRC is an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology with responsibility for fostering the development of scientific research, serving as a repository of scientific information and facilitating the development, application, transfer and/or improvement of technology.

Annaleise Aiken, SRC team leader of the Food Pilot Plant, explains that the Council was moved to enhance its offerings after observing a market shift towards healthier beverages.

Speaking with the Jamaica Information Service recently, about the improved bottling line, Aiken commented: “We want to be able to fill the gap… where you have micro and small businesses that want to produce healthier beverage options but do not have the facility to do so. We provide these resources for businesses, so that they have a place to come and make their dreams into a reality.”

Aiken underscored that the SRC remains committed to serving the productive sector and will continue to foster sustainable growth and development in Jamaica.

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Annaleise Aiken Food Pilot Plant Scientific Research Council SRC

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