Made in Jamaica?
published: Sunday | April 11, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

REGARDING YOUR article on the Jamaican name being used to promote items that are not Jamaican, I too have noticed that here in the United States. We used to live in Manchester and I know how limited the name 'Blue Mountain' coffee is. It should only be used to designate coffee grown on the Blue Mountains. In Manchester the coffee is labelled 'High Mountain'.

I have seen coffee 'Blended' in this country and labelled 'Jamaican Blue Mountain'. When you read the label, you will find it blended from coffees from several other countries to supposedly taste like Blue Mountain. I bought a bag myself to see what it was like and I have to tell you, it did NOT taste like Blue Mountain. No way.

I tried unsuccessfully to report this matter to the Jamaican Coffee Board in New York. I could not get past a very rude secretary. I finally asked her, "Don't you care that a U.S. company is labelling their coffee Jamaican Blue Mountain? And she answered, "NO-O-O-!!!!", so I hung up on her.

I am, etc.,

ARLENE JOHNSEN

iriemom@rcn.com

Easton, Pennsylvania

Via Go-Jamaica