The Jamaica Manufacturer’s Association (JMA) has congratulated Red Stripe Jamaica for its plan to return Red Stripe production to Jamaica.

According to a release from the JMA, the decision is symbolic of increasing levels of investor confidence in the local economy, as Jamaica continues to reflect a positive economic trajectory.

The JMA says it anticipates further advancements of this nature, as efforts continue to foster a resilient and productive manufacturing sector.

Meanwhile, Industry Minister, Anthony Hylton says the return of production for export to US Markets is validation of efforts to improve the local business environment and strengthen the country’s economic foundations.

He says the relocation “also highlights that our country has the potential to support a vibrant and competitive manufacturing sector. The return of the production of US volumes to Jamaica underscores the fact that manufacturing is alive and well on our island. Indeed, manufacturing is being resuscitated”.

Minister Hylton says with the return of its production, “Red Stripe has reaffirmed its provenance as a true Jamaican brand”.

He says going forward, Red Stripe needs to be a registered Geographical Indication (GI). “Indeed, a designation as a GI would allow our iconic beer to join the ranks of Tequila in Mexico and Champagne in France”.
Board Chairman of Red Stripe Jamaica Limited, Richard Byles, says approximately 300 jobs will be created when local production resumes.

He says in addition to the 300 direct jobs, the company is projecting that 3,000 indirect jobs will result from the decision to relocate production.

The move follows last October’s acquisition of a controlling stake in D&G by Heineken.

Heineken USA President and CEO, Ronald den Elzen says the move follows efforts to reinvigorate the brand and the iconic stubby bottle by bringing the production of Red Stripe back to Jamaica.

He says the move is part of a larger plan to catapult Red Stripe to a truly global brand within the HEINEKEN portfolio.