Nestled in the east of the Blue Mountains at 3,300 feet above sea level, Flamstead Estate is the home of the Blue Mountain Coffee Venture Limited, a second-generation, family-run business. Established in 1982 by two brothers, the late Honourable Carlyle Dunkley and Keith Gardener, the Blue Mountain Coffee Venture Limited grows and processes coffee with deep family roots.
‘Sir Dunkley’ wanted not only to farm, but to build something sustainable. Today, his vision is carried forward by his children and their spouses, who each play unique and complementary roles in the business.
The company produces two 100% Jamaican coffee brands: Flamstead Estate & Perk Up Jamaican Gourmet Coffee. Flamstead Estate, a smoother, classic roast, and Perk Up, a brighter, more modern option introduced three years ago. Both are processed at the family’s estate in Flamstead, with plans underway to move further up the value chain by bringing roasting in-house.
The Business of ‘Fambili’
“We’re all working toward the same goal,” says his daughter-in-law, Hedda Dunkley, who leads the company’s marketing and public relations. “There’s trust, shared purpose, and very little bureaucracy, because when it’s family, you don’t need to go far to get approval.”
Stephen Dunkley oversees daily operations. His brother, Graham Dunkley, manages strategy and finance. Kimberly Dunkley Watkins, their sister, supports as a director. The business structure is lean, with decisions made quickly and roles clearly defined.
But the Dunkley family isn’t stopping at the second generation. “There is an 11-year-old who is already trying to run things,” she chuckles, referring to her neice, Stephen Dunkley’s daughter. Plans are already brewing to prepare the third generation for leadership.
Despite challenges like climate change, the team remains committed to producing top-tier 100% Jamaican coffee and protecting the integrity of their product through sustainable agricultural practices to ensure water and soil conservation.
“What we say is in the bag is what’s in the bag,” they affirm. This commitment to truth, quality, and transparency lies at the heart of their legacy.
Things Jamaican: Supporting the Legacy
Family-owned businesses constitute a significant percentage of Jamaica’s Micro, Small and Medium-sized (MSME) sector, accounting for upwards of 70% of employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions. These businesses are vehicles for intergenerational wealth, social mobility, and community.
Things Jamaican™, the Home of Authentic Jamaican Brands, is pushing 23 family-owned businesses like the Blue Mountain Coffee Venture Limited under its ‘Fambili’ Legacy campaign.
Through its retail brand, Things Jamaican™, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is providing market access for more than 400 local producers of authentic Jamaican products, many of which are family-owned.
Flamstead Estate & Perk Up Jamaican Gourmet Coffee are available in Things Jamaican™ stores at the Norman Manley International Airport, Devon House, and 14 Camp Road. Not in Jamaica? No problem. Shop online at www.thingsjamaicanshopping.com.
Want to move your family business ‘from yaad bonds to yaad brands’? Visit www.jbdc to book an appointment with a business coach.
