For the 5th consecutive year, VISA returns as the Platinum presenting sponsor of The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF), which returns for its 9th staging on Thursday, November 2nd, through Sunday, November 5th.

A must-do event on the national calendar, food and drink aficionados prepare to descend upon the city of Kingston to enjoy unforgettable bites and sips from the island’s best culinary talent.

“As a worldwide payments technology enabler – from contactless payment at food trucks to empowering home delivery from restaurants of all sizes – Visa is a staunch supporter of gastronomy and entertainment wherever we do business,” said Waldemar Cordero, Visa Marketing Senior Director for the Caribbean and Central America. 

“We are proud to sponsor the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival for the 5th consecutive year to contribute to the financial success of this culinary extravaganza by providing the most advanced payment options for locals and international visitors alike.”

The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival is a two-time recipient of the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival award at the annual World Culinary Awards, and Jamaica has been recognised as the Caribbean’s top culinary destination at the 2023 World Culinary Awards in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

“We are extremely proud to partner with Visa. We have gained more recognition and are able to elevate the Festival’s offering”, shared Alicia Bogues, Festival Director.

“Visa’s partnership with the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival seeks to drive greater penetration of digital payment solutions in this vital sector for the country’s tourism industry and general economic growth. Digital payments bring convenience, innovation and frictionless payment experiences to society at large,” noted Bogues.   

The Festival kicks off with Pork Palooza, which features 17 chefs, an all-inclusive bar and a Cuban Jazz band with its Havana Nights theme. Friday night heats up with Picante, featuring Chef Wenford Simpson for Walkerswood and highly acclaimed 2-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Chef Cesar Zapata and GM + Mixologist Patricia Del Rio of Phuc Yea in Miami, Florida.

This year’s Jamaica Food and Drink Festival 2023 will welcome thousands of patrons, both local and abroad, to indulge in some of the world’s best food, wine, and spirits while enjoying new and historic venues across the city. 

“We’re turning up the flavour and fun for our ninth anniversary in some new ways to showcase how diverse our food culture is!” said Alicia Bogues, Festival Director.

Festival favourite Meet Street and the Market returns and breaks new ground by incorporating the allure and excitement of Port Royal into this year’s offerings. With over 50+ local food and drink traders, Meet Street attendees will be able to savour numerous local, award-winning creations, from mouth-watering street cuisine to irresistible cocktails to delightful sweet treats and beverages. NCB Visa cardholders can earn rewards as the providers facilitate convenient transactions. The Historic Naval Dockyard of Port Royal will buzz with excitement and adventure with the TEF Emporium featuring educational Blue Mountain Coffee seminars and artisans, engaging activities and National’s Kid Zone.

The Festival then closes with its premium boozy brunch in the cool hills of Kingston that, year after year, leaves an indelible mark, creating cherished culinary memories.

Tickets for the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival 2023 are available online via Caribtix.com, while the pre-festival events can be purchased at jamaicafoodanddrinkkitchen.com. Act swiftly to secure your spot at these extraordinary culinary events before they are fully subscribed.