Loshusan adapts to shifting consumer tastes throughout 20 years
Published:Wednesday | February 19, 2025 | 12:08 AMMickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer
Jamaican consumers are increasingly prioritising healthier and international food options, pushing supermarkets to adapt their sourcing strategies while navigating supply chain challenges and food insecurity.
Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, as Loshusan Supermarket marked its 20th anniversary, CEO Bruce Loshusan said the establishment has made significant strides in obtaining a range of organic and wellness-focused foods, both local and international.
While noticing significant changes in consumer preferences, supplying healthier and organic food options has become one of the main focuses for supermarket owners.
“It is a very tough business environment right now in terms of the global supply of food. We work very hard to try and source products when there are shortages,” said Loshusan.
He also emphasised the importance of diversifying suppliers.
“We tend to have more than one supplier for one particular type of food so that we have multiple layers of sources during any kind of period of food shortage.”
Recent disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, made it difficult for supermarkets to maintain a consistent supply of international health-conscious foods while local farmers were affected by climate changes and extreme weather events. A recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations revealed that 55.1 per cent of Jamaica’s population experienced moderate to severe food insecurity between 2021 and 2023. Although these numbers have decreased following COVID-19 recovery over the past two years, the percentage of food insecurity remains at an alarming rate.
SUPPORTING LOCAL SUPPLIERS
Meanwhile, many initiatives have been introduced such as the ‘Grow What We Eat, Eat What We Grow’ campaign which aligns with the country’s goal of supporting local suppliers and reducing the amount of imported goods.
“We are a reseller of goods, but our intention is to develop relationships with local farmers and manufacturers. We always try to source locally first, but when we can’t fulfil that gap locally, we will search internationally,” the Loshusan CEO said.
In the meantime, Loshusan Supermarket currently operates two branches located in Barbican and New Kingston. Despite frequent enquiries about expanding the Loshusan brand islandwide, the CEO said growth would require careful planning.
“To replicate this type of business model without an owner constantly being present in the store and overseeing operations would be difficult,” Loshusan acknowledged.
Loshusan Supermarket, he said, was founded on the principle of independence and sustainability through the dream of the late Kenneth Loshusan, affectionately known as ‘Mass Ken’. His path to ownership was a deliberate one after years of renting and, after navigating the unpredictability of leased spaces, he decided to purchase land for his business to flourish. It took four years of careful planning and deliberation to build the establishment – without a single dollar of debt.
As Jamaica’s landscape continues to evolve, supermarkets are searching for solutions to address the accessibility concerns around healthier and wellness-based items for individuals from all socioeconomic levels, as customer tastes continue to shift across the country.