Jamaica has welcomed approximately 2.3 million visitors since the start of 2025, generating US$2.4 billion in earnings.

This was disclosed by Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who further reported that the industry grew by two per cent in the first quarter of the year, contributing to a one per cent increase in Jamaica’s overall economic performance during the period.

“After Hurricane Beryl and all the disruptions – travel advisories, political and geopolitical issues – we are back on the growth path, and that’s going to continue,” Mr. Bartlett said, highlighting the sector’s resilience and renewed momentum despite challenges faced in 2024.

He was speaking during the opening ceremony for the 11th ‘Christmas in July’ trade show at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Thursday (July 10).

Meanwhile, Mr. Bartlett anticipates a significant increase in tourism earnings for the current quarter, compared to the corresponding period last year, which is attributable to the sector’s strong rebound from the disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl.

“I’m worried about how big the growth is going to look for this quarter because… you’re comparing a Beryl period to now, a normal period. But that’s how growth goes, because you’re measuring against another period. The good news is that you’re back to where you were in 2023,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bartlett encouraged the 180 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of Jamaican-made products to capitalise on the sector’s growth.

He noted that Jamaica’s nearly three million stopover arrivals have created a robust market demand that local entrepreneurs are urged to tap into.

“A new demand has been created for goods and services that must be supplied by you; and if it is not supplied by you, it is going to have to be imported. If it is imported, then we are going to have what we call leakage. That is to say, the [earnings] that [have] come from tourism will leave by the same plane that brings the visitors or the same ship that brings the cruise passenger. We want the money to stay here,” he added.

The two-day ‘Christmas in July’ trade show, which ended on Friday (July 11), provided an opportunity for local producers and creatives to showcase their work and products, while networking with potential consumers from the tourism sector, corporate Jamaica, and international organisations.

The event is an initiative of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism

By: VANESSA JAMES, JIS

Unilever’s decision to separate its global ice cream business marks a turning point for the British-Dutch consumer goods giant, ending a long chapter defined by household brands like Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, and Wall’s. For Caribbean markets, including Jamaica and Trinidad where Unilever’s ice cream presence has been part of local summers for decades, the announcement signals more than just a corporate restructuring – it reveals how major multinationals are rethinking their portfolios in an era where margins matter as much as market share.

Unilever’s ice cream roots run deep. The company became the world’s largest ice cream maker through a series of acquisitions starting with Wall’s in the UK in 1922, then later adding iconic names like Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 for $326 million, and Magnum’s global expansion through the 1990s and 2000s. Ice cream was once seen as a reliable cash cow, buoyed by strong branding and premiumisation strategies that turned chocolate-coated sticks into €3 indulgences.

But the market has shifted. Ice cream remains a seasonal business, with strong summer peaks but low winter sales in Europe and North America. It is also capital-intensive, requiring cold chain infrastructure from factory to freezer, unlike Unilever’s personal care and home care products that sit easily on any shelf. While indulgence has driven growth in emerging markets, competitive pressures from local brands and private labels have squeezed margins.

Globally, the decision to separate ice cream was driven by financial discipline. Unilever’s management, under pressure from shareholders after years of underperformance, has been streamlining its business model. CEO Hein Schumacher, appointed in 2023, has prioritised sharper strategic focus and operational efficiency. Ice cream, with its complex supply chain and different retail dynamics, increasingly looked like an outlier in a portfolio that is otherwise shifting towards high-margin beauty, personal care, and health products.

In markets like the Caribbean, this separation could create both uncertainty and opportunity. Ice cream production, distribution, and marketing are deeply integrated into local Unilever operations. A new standalone ice cream entity, if it replicates moves seen in Europe or Asia, could seek local partnerships, contract manufacturing, or even divestments to agile regional players better able to manage distribution economics. This is not theoretical: in 2018, Nestlé sold its US ice cream business to Froneri, a joint venture with R&R Ice Cream, in a move that allowed it to keep brand rights while outsourcing operations to a specialist. Similar models may emerge for Unilever’s brands in smaller markets.

in 2018, Nestlé sold its US ice cream business to Froneri, a joint venture with R&R Ice Cream, in a move that allowed it to keep brand rights while outsourcing operations to a specialist. Similar models may emerge for Unilever’s brands in smaller markets.

Daniela Bucaro Chairman Unilever Caribbean Limited

For Unilever, the separation clears the path to focus on growth categories where it can maintain pricing power. It aligns with the broader FMCG trend of portfolio concentration. PepsiCo shed Tropicana and Naked juice brands in 2021 to focus on snacks and beverages with stronger profitability. Johnson & Johnson spun off its consumer health division into Kenvue in 2023. The logic is simple: investors reward companies that know what they want to be.

What remains to be seen is how the new ice cream entity, projected to be a €7 billion business, will navigate independent life. Without Unilever’s scale, brand investment may tighten, or it could become a more aggressive player, free from the bureaucracy of a sprawling multinational. Private equity interest is a possibility, though managing seasonality and complex cold chain operations will require operational expertise as much as financial engineering.

In the Caribbean, consumers are unlikely to see immediate changes. Magnum, Cornetto, and Ben & Jerry’s will still be on shelves. But behind the scenes, distribution contracts, manufacturing strategies, and regional employment structures may evolve. For Unilever, it is one more step towards becoming a leaner consumer goods giant, one that believes future growth lies not in ice cream freezers but in personal care aisles and health cabinets.

The separation is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. For now, Unilever’s corporate kitchen is busy carving out its sweetest business. The challenge ahead will be ensuring both companies can thrive – one scooping profits from beauty and wellness, the other proving that, even as a standalone, ice cream remains a timeless indulgence the world will never give up.

Uber Eats: A Warning Sign?
The Uber Eats “coming soon” message on its site in Jamaica could hint at potential disruption to local delivery operators—just as Uber Rides shook up the traditional taxi industry using unregulated services. Will Uber Eats follow that model, or can local players fight back?

Meet Local Contenders

QuickCart

• Founded in 2016 (originally as QuickPlate), now serves ~40,000 users and has processed over JM $1M in revenue
• Delivers food, groceries, meds, electronics, OTC and more across Kingston, Montego Bay, Portmore
• Monetizes through merchant commissions and delivery fees; claims unit-level profitability and steady growth

7Krave

• A dominant contender with 200+ restaurant partners (including KFC and Pizza Hut) and 4.6-star app rating from over 15,000 reviews
• Offers both restaurant delivery and “7KraveMart” grocery service.
• Grew from humble beginnings—10 restaurants, one driver—to hundreds of delivery bearers and ~400,000 customers island-wide

876Get

• An “ecommerce ecosystem” offering food, groceries, pharmacy, courier, and errand services island wide with multiple app interfaces (customer, merchant, driver)
• Combines real-time tracking, order updates, and broad coverage beyond just food .

Strengths of the Local Players

1. Deep Local Insight
They understand Jamaica’s logistics, road conditions, crime patterns, and consumer preferences—issues Uber Eats will need time to navigate

2. Diversified Service Offerings
QuickCart and 876Get go beyond food—into groceries, meds, electronics—creating resilience in fluctuating demand cycles

3. Community Trust & Loyalty
With apps rated 4.6 stars and glowing user feedback, platforms like 7Krave enjoy strong local brand reputation

4. Unit-Level Profitability
QuickCart’s reported solid margins per order position it well for scale without external subsidies

Strategies to Defend and Grow Market Share

1. Strengthen Local Partnerships
• Partner with more restaurants and retailers to secure exclusives before Uber Eats arrives.
• Work with local banks or telcos to integrate easy mobile payments, driving stickiness.

2. Enhance Customer Experience
• Launch loyalty programs and subscription plans (e.g., monthly delivery passes).
• Adopt advanced UX improvements—both QuickCart and 7Krave are investing in better app experiences
3. Broaden Service Bundles
• Build holistic offerings: eat + grocery + meds + courier + errand through a unified app—something Uber Eats doesn’t yet offer.
• 876Get’s multi-service model is a blueprint for resilience

4. Leverage Local Marketing
• Emphasize “locally owned and built” messaging, tapping into national pride as a differentiator.
• Sponsor community events or partner with local influencers.
5. Invest in Logistics Infrastructure
• Build a driver network with proper vetting, training, insurance—positioning around safety and reliability.
• Use real-time data and dynamic routing to optimize deliveries—something lacking among informal courier services.

Policy Levers & Support Role
Government can accelerate local success by:
• Offering grants or low-rate loans to support digital infrastructure and app upgrades.
• Ensuring parity regulations—Uber Eats must follow same licensing and health standards as local platforms.
• Collaborating with local apps to ensure small eateries and retailers are included before foreign platforms launch.
• Investigating economic impact—keeping more revenue onshore rather than flowing out via platform fees.

Final Take: Close the Door First
Local platforms aren’t just incumbents—they’re innovators with diversified offerings, profitability, and brand loyalty. If they move fast—improving UX, expanding services, and forging local partnerships—they can front run Uber Eats, closing the window on foreign intrusion.

But time is limited. With Uber’s global model looming, QuickCart, 7Krave, and 876Get must double down now—cementing their position as Jamaica’s trusted, home grown food and delivery ecosystem.

Jamaica Market Entry via Acquisition: Uber Eats’ Potential Playbook

Owner of Danielle Olivia Co., Danielle Wilson-Riley (right), describes her various candle fragrances to Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (second left), at the opening of the 11th staging of the ‘Christmas in July’ trade show, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Thursday (July 10). Also listening (from left) are Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Dr. Carey Wallace, and President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Christopher Jarrett.
Scores of Entrepreneurs Display Jamaican-Made Products at ‘Christmas in July’ Trade Show
Photo: Michael Sloley

One hundred and eighty entrepreneurs and small-business owners have been given the opportunity to display a wide range of Jamaican-made products at the 11th staging of the ‘Christmas in July’ trade show.

The two-day event, which is being held on July 10 and 11, provides an avenue for local producers and creatives to showcase their wares, while networking with potential consumers from the tourism sector, government agencies, corporate Jamaica, embassies and international organisations.

The exhibition is an initiative of the Tourism Linkages Network of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), in partnership with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ).

During the exhibition’s opening ceremony, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, on Thursday (July 10), Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, highlighted the significance of the trade show and its impact on local small businesses.

“Over the past decade, this initiative has reshaped how we value local production, Jamaican craftsmanship, and the power of strategic collaboration. Christmas in July is more than a trade show… it is a living symbol of our commitment to ensure that tourism works for all Jamaicans and not just a few,” Mr. Bartlett said.

The Minister informed that since the Christmas in July trade show came into existence in 2014, more than $1 billion of business has been transacted between small-business owners and hotels.

Additionally, he pointed to the growth potential of the small enterprises and the need to put in place the policy framework to assist in driving the development of these businesses.

“So, there were three key pillars that we developed to enable this. One was for training and the development of our small players, the second was financing… and thirdly, marketing,” the Minister said.

For the Christmas in July trade show, participants are assessed and given feedback, prior to the event, on their products, including packaging to assist in brand development. Financing is also available through entities such as the National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica (EX-IM Bank), while marketing is facilitated at the exhibition.

“And so, all of you who are here, the 180 of you and the others who have been part of this over the years… it is not just an exhibition; it is embodying our guiding mantra that you must thrive at all times,” Mr. Bartlett said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, described the trade show as a “powerful event” due to the numerous connections that can be made in one space.

He underscored the importance of exports, noting that it is only by tapping into international markets that Jamaica can achieve national wealth.

“This is a serious economic initiative, a direct link between Jamaican producers and corporate Jamaica, the tourism industry, foreign embassies, international buyers, and export markets,” Senator Hill said.

Meanwhile, one participant, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Body by Roxanne and Company Limited, Kemisha Oates, expressed gratitude for the opportunities that were presented to her through the Christmas in July trade show.

She noted that the event allows small business owners to connect with a range of buyers that they would not have access to on their own.

“The Tourism Enhancement Fund doesn’t just open doors; they build bridges. Through their various matchmaking initiatives between local suppliers and the hospitality industry, I have secured partnerships with premier hotels that align beautifully with my brand. Thanks to the opportunities provided by them, my products are now a part of the guest experience at 19 hotels and counting, and resorts across the island,” said Ms. Oates, who is participating in the trade show for the fourth time.

Items on display were under the categories of spa and aromatherapy, décor and fine arts, fashion and accessories, souvenirs, and food.

By: Vanessa James, JIS

Introducing a Local Super App Alternative
InterMetroONE— a SuperApp under RedPlate Group Limited—offers air travel transfers, coach rides (like the upcoming JUTA Express), taxis, parcel courier service, groceries, and more, all in a single platform. In parallel, Walkbout.com is launching guided local experiences and cultural tours, tailored to small hotels and boutique hosts—positioning itself as a geolocal, authentic alternative to Airbnb Experiences .

Together, these two Jamaican startups hope to form the first fully integrated, locally led travel superapp—a provider-owned ecosystem unifying ground transport, tours, and boutique lodging—on Jamaican soil.

Why This Local Startup Could Succeed

1. Homegrown & Compliant
InterMetroONE already partners with national operators—notably JUTA Express launching in 2025—maintaining regulatory standards and local trust .

2. Multi-Service “One-Stop” Solution
Unlike global platforms, this app includes:
• Scheduled luxury bus and coach routes, with real-time tracking and no overcrowding
• Airport-to-hotel transfers, group charters, and executive vehicles
• Courier, grocery delivery, and soon,
• Walkbout local experiences—where travelers can engage local guides for deep-dive tours

3. Strengthening Small Operators
By aggregating bookings, logistics, and marketing, InterMetroONE can enable boutique hotel owners and taxi drivers to collaborate—without a Silicon Valley middleman. This could reduce leakage of commission and retain economic value in Jamaica.

Voices from the Ground

“Buses that run on time and aren’t overcrowded? That’ll be a game changer,” says a Montego Bay commuter, reflecting public frustration with unreliable transit

“We tried privatizing… coaster buses… commuting… nightmare. Regulation is the key.”

These voices underscore critical demand for reliable, regulated, privately managed transport systems like InterMetroONE.

Winning Together: A Roadmap for Collaboration

To make InterMetroONE–Walkbout successful for all stakeholders, local operators should:

1. Adopt Platform Tools
o Taxi associations, guesthouses, and tour guides should integrate into the app to capitalize on airport transfers, bus scheduling, and tours.

2. Bundle Services
o Boutique hotels can offer “Stay + Transport + Tour” packages using Walkbout experiences and InterMetro transfers as a single SKU.

3. Win Trust via Quality & Compliance
o Upfront certification, training, and standardized pricing under one local brand will build trust and consistency—unlike fragmented global platforms.

4. Promote Data-sharing & Feedback
o Operators can co-develop service improvements via shared metrics—e.g. tourist route demand, seasonal peaks—benefiting all.

5. Leverage Community Networks
o Word-of-mouth remains powerful. InterMetroONE can host info sessions in parishes to onboard small providers and build local ambassador networks.

Policy Must-Haves: Enabling the Local Answer
To support this model, five critical government measures are recommended:
1. Digitization Grants – Provide micro-grants or loans for small operators to access certification, insurance, app training.
2. Regulatory Parity – Ensure InterMetroONE offers drivers and guides the same professional license standards as JUTA—a level playing field.
3. Revenue Reinvestment – Structure tourism taxes or fees to match platform growth, ensuring earnings stay within local economies.
4. SME Networks – The Ministry of Tourism should facilitate full operator onboarding into the platform—including training programs, public trust campaigns.
5. Monitor Economic Leakage – Commission an independent impact study on how much tourist spend stays local versus platform-bound.

Vision: A Jamaican Model for the Caribbean
If successful, InterMetroONE and Walkbout can be more than a Jamaican solution—they could become a regional standard, adaptable to other Caribbean islands seeking locally anchored digital economies.

Call to Action: How Your Business Can Join the Journey
• Small hotels: Propose pilot transport + experience packages this summer.
• Taxi & bus operators: Partner with InterMetroONE as certified drivers or fleet providers.
• Tour guides: Join Walkbout.com to bring unique, heritage-led experiences.
• Policy-makers: Prioritize digital tourism frameworks and SME support.

Businessuite Online Summary
• A Jamaican-led, regulated, fully integrated travel app could beat global disruptors by staying local, compliant, and collaborative.
• Now is the time for SMEs, associations, and government to align—ensuring that if Uber and Airbnb ever arrive together, Jamaica’s own ecosystem remains vibrant and in control.