CB, JCDC cook up successful partnership

THE GLOBAL food sector is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries worldwide. Farms, fresh-produce stalls, supermarkets, and cafés are just a few of the components that make up this colossal business, which continues to expand at an astonishing pace. Globalisation has driven niche foods, such as 'pan' chicken, beyond their birthplace, and spurred increased employment opportunities locally, regionally, and internationally. In fact, jerk chicken, a product of the pan-cooking technique, has exploded in popularity over the past several years and is now regularly featured in restaurant menus and TV cooking shows throughout an eclectic range of countries.

In recognition of the development of the pan food sector, Caribbean Broilers (CB) and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) have partnered on an ongoing initiative to promote this distinct cooking method, and to endorse culinary positions within the industry as viable careers.

Through the annual staging of CB's Pan Chicken Championship, which will be celebrated this year on Sunday, November 28, in Kingston, the organisations showcase original recipes, innovative preparation techniques, and the remarkable talents of pan chicken vendors from across the island. In addition to succulent foods, the event offers patrons a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere complete with exciting entertainment options for both adults and children.

The championship, which is free and open to the public, will present an exuberant and fiercely competitive contest as its headline offering. Past champions Oliver Bailey (2005), Dorritte Brown (2006), David Graham (2007), Anthony West (2008), and Claudia Mitchell (2009) will go head to head in a bid to determine CB's 'ultimate champion'. In addition to bragging rights, the winner will receive a cash prize of $150,000. Food prepared by first and second runners-up from previous championships will also be available for purchase.

Slated to be a battle of 'gastronomic' flair, flavoursome spices, sauce-stained aprons, tenderised meat, and charcoal-powered pans, the competitors are gearing up for a truly tantalising and sizzling contest.

"We believe this alliance with CB is immensely important as it allows us to carry out the commission's mandate of unearthing and promoting Jamaican culture," said Delroy Gordon, deputy executive director of the JCDC. "There is a natural synergy between both entities as this competition provides a platform for CB to promote its agricultural brands, and enables the JCDC to develop local culinary arts," he concluded.

The relationship was formally forged in 2005 as CB executives believed the JCDC would add credibility to its cooking competition, act as an excellent resource for food-related information, and increase the marketability of the contest. In light of the agreement between the two organisations, the JCDC is primarily responsible for event planning and execution, including the recruitment of both judges and competitors, as well as the provision of entertainment during the championship.

Balanced team

The commission always seeks to assemble a balanced team of judges who are highly trained culinary specialists and who possess a genuine appreciation for pan chicken. Potential contestants must prove they are bona fide pan chicken vendors with at least five years' experience in the profession.

In order to enter the competition, interested persons must provide a business address from which they operate, a contact number, a copy of their food handler's permit, and show that they are registered with the Ministry of Health.

Additionally, they must prepare a recipe, have someone co-sign their application, and submit it to the JCDC. Since the 2010 competition will involve past champions, there will be no recruitment for this year's event. Entry forms will be available for future championships at the JCDC's parish offices.

"The championship is a great opportunity for pan chicken vendors to display their skills and promote their services," said Pamela Powell, a culinary specialist at the JCDC. "The event not only provides recognition and exposure, but also encourages vendors to become entrepreneurs, which, in turn, enables them to establish or expand businesses, generate additional income, and increase earning capacity," she continued.

In light of the tremendous success of the partnership over the past five years, the relationship between CB and the JCDC is expected to strengthen in the future. "Ultimately, we both want to continue to produce a high-quality event for the entire family," said Lauri-Ann Ainsworth, brand manager at Caribbean Broilers. "We will continue to share thoughts about improving the competition as we attempt to outdo ourselves year after year," she concluded.