Issa leases S Foods Supermarket to Afresh Marketplace in strategic move
Montego Bay-based grocer to expand into Kingston
Published:Monday | July 28, 2025 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Businessman Christopher Issa has announced that S Foods Supermarket, located on Worthington Avenue in the Corporate Area, will be leased to Afresh Marketplace Limited, a Montego Bay-based food retail group, effective August 7.
The decision, Issa said, forms part of a broader realignment of his business focus and opens the door for the fast-growing Afresh brand to expand into the capital.
“S Foods was born out of a need to adapt during the pandemic, when COVID-19 restrictions significantly reduced use of our conference centre,” Issa sought to explain. “In the past three years, it grew into a trusted community grocer, with a strong following for its deli meals and warm service. We were even considering expansion into Montego Bay when we were approached by Afresh Marketplace.”
Issa said he was particularly impressed by Afresh’s operation at Harbour City Mall in Montego Bay and its nearly two decades of experience in food retail.
“We felt it was the right fit, they’re efficient, community-focused, and understand today’s grocery shopper. This agreement allows us to turn our attention to our core businesses, including hotels and upcoming developments,” he said.
One of those developments, Issa revealed, is a 50-storey mixed-use tower planned for the Worthington Avenue property, a landmark project that will eventually house a hotel and residential apartments.
PIVOTAL MOMENT
Afresh Marketplace, though just over a year old under its current brand, has quickly earned a reputation for delivering a curated, community-focused shopping experience. The transition to Kingston, according to Managing Director Zhiqiang Lu, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s long-term growth.
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to expand into Kingston through the upcoming transition of operations at the current S Foods Supermarket location,” Lu said. “This move is a strategic step in our long-term growth plan to bring the Afresh Marketplace experience, built on quality, service, and community, to more Jamaicans.”
Lu noted that the company is preparing to officially take over operations on August 7 and is filled with “immense gratitude and excitement” as it gets ready to welcome customers under the Afresh banner.
“This is not only a key milestone for our brand,” he added, “but a meaningful opportunity to engage more deeply with the Kingston community.”
He also acknowledged the foundation laid by Issa and the S Foods team.
“We have great respect for what Mr Issa and his team have accomplished, especially in establishing the ‘SHOP. SAVE. SMILE’ philosophy as a trusted and heartfelt part of the customer experience. We are committed to building on that legacy, enhancing the experience while preserving the values that the community has come to trust.”
Afresh Marketplace’s commitment, Lu affirmed, is threefold: to continue offering high-quality products at great value; to create a more convenient and enjoyable shopping experience; and to stay grounded in a community-first, service-focused approach.
“We thank the S Foods team and its loyal customers for their continued support,” Lu said. “And we look forward to beginning this new chapter together in Kingston.”