Growth & Jobs | Tea exporters highlight JN’s support with expansion

What started as a family’s investment in agriculture has since blossomed into a flourishing Jamaican manufacturing enterprise, with products now reaching consumers in international markets.

In 2013, Richard Harris and his son, Joel Harris, established Shavuot Farms in Innswood, Spanish Town. Over time, the father-and-son enterprise expanded into value-added production.

“Shavuot simply means the Feast of Weeks, also known as the Feast of Harvest. It is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated every year. We thought it was very fitting for the farm [given its association with] harvest,” the younger Harris explained.

The business initially focused on supplying fresh produce such as Scotch bonnet peppers, sweet peppers, pumpkins and sweet potatoes to local supermarkets, while also selling produce to companies in the export business.

Soon, the Harrises began exploring opportunities to expand beyond primary agricultural production and create greater value from their farm outputs.

“My father wanted to go into farming and business. I also tried different ventures before this company started. I was exposed through JAMPRO to agriculture, and learned about agro-processing. I started to team up with my father to create a family business.”

“In 2014, my father tasked me with the responsibility of finding what value-added products to go into, and that would allow us to take control of our production and mitigate some of the losses that we were facing, such as weather conditions like drought, gluts and price changes,” Harris added.

expanded operations

That decision marked a new chapter for the business and led to the establishment of Shavuot International Holdings Company Limited.

An advertisement by the Scientific Research Council about herbal tea formulations sparked their interest.

“I went to do my own research and learned from different places how to make herbal teas from scratch,” he related.

The company shortly after developed four products: moringa tea, soursop tea, soursop-moringa tea, and Jamaican black castor oil, after identifying opportunities in the market. To gauge the market’s response, the company showcased its concepts at a Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) expo, where the products attracted interest from consumers.

At the time, Shavuot International Holdings Company Limited had neither a factory nor dedicated manufacturing space. The company initially worked with other manufacturers through co-packing arrangements while gradually building its own production capabilities.

“We now have about 15 products that we do sell to the public,” Harris said, noting that the company’s main products include nine flavours of herbal teas, Jamaican black castor oil, spices and gluten-free flours made from locally grown crops.

Reflecting on the development of the family business, Harris shared that, initially, the operation employed just two people. Over the years, the workforce has grown to approximately 30 employees, while the production process has evolved from largely manual operations to one that is increasingly automated.

The growth in manufacturing capability has been important as the company seeks to meet the demands of international customers. Today, approximately 85 to 90 per cent of the company’s production is destined for export markets, specifically, the United States, the United Kingdom and Caribbean markets.

“We pride ourselves in Jamaican quality,” he said, noting that the company seeks to provide customers products that reflect “true Jamaican quality”.

Just three years into its operations, the company emerged as the winner of the Young Entrepreneur National Award and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association Ambassador Peter King Award for New Exporter of the Year in 2019.

Shavuot International’s decision to relocate and consolidate its operations in Port Maria, St Mary, in 2025, was strategic. The parish is known for its agricultural production, providing the company with closer access to raw materials and opportunities to develop relationships with farming communities. The move also placed the company closer to a reliable source of agricultural inputs needed for its manufacturing operations.

As Shavuot International expanded its manufacturing and export operations, access to financing played an important role. The company accessed financing from JN Bank to assist with cash flow and capital requirements. The senior Harris noted that financing from JN Bank bolstered the company’s operations.

“There were things that we needed in terms of credit facilities and loans that JN helped us with, and we are very grateful to them. They have been very supportive,” he related.

“We were able to access them for working capital and we were able to get this moved to a different level. As the business expanded, there was more need for raw materials and supplies. Therefore, working capital was essential. We have always been able to approach them, and we get advice as well,” he added.

new revenue streams

Senior Harris shared the reflections during a tour of his manufacturing plant by JN Group management team recently, as part of the JN Group’s Own Your Journey Tour. He also participated in a business luncheon hosted by the JN Group aimed at strengthening its relationships with entrepreneurs and customers and to provide support as they work towards their goals.

Janordo Patterson, credit solutions manager at JN Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting local businesses, including large and medium-size exporters, as they pursue growth and expansion opportunities.

“Shavuot International’s transition from a farming venture into a value-added manufacturing and export business demonstrates the potential of local enterprises to transform local resources into products that can compete in international markets,” Patterson said.

“At JN Bank, we are always pleased to support businesses like Shavuot International as they strengthen their capacity and pursue new opportunities for growth. Their focus on value-added production and exports reflects the important role that local businesses can play in creating jobs and taking Jamaican products to markets around the world.”

The company also received support from an Innovation Grant Fund from the Inter-American Development Bank in 2023. The funding was aimed at helping it develop new revenue streams and improve productivity.

Patterson pointed out that small and medium-size businesses, as well as large companies, can access development financing provided by the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) through JN Bank.

“These loans can support working capital needs, business expansion and growth opportunities. Our aim is to help businesses strengthen their operations and realise their growth potential,” he maintained.