If Jamaica were to be bottled and sold, what would it taste like? Ackee, Sorrel, Pimento?
Flavours of the Past, a product of Journey’s End Wine Company Ltd., is the living answer to this question, with wine flavours such as Ackee, Sorrel, Ginger, Pimento Berry, Sugar Cane, Noni, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Honey/Orange and Soursop. A Jamaican winery that dared to craft Caribbean wines using the island’s rich fruits and spices instead of traditional grapes.
The story begins in 2012 with Howard Cox, who learnt the art of making wine at home in small quantities from fresh fruits such as grapes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, plums and cherries.
What started as a backyard operation soon caught the eye of brothers Stredic and John Thompson, who took over Journey’s End around 2018. Recognising the authenticity and cultural significance embedded in these unique wines, Stredic saw the opportunity not just to run a business, but to build a family legacy, a brand to pass on to future generations.
“My dad believed in the wines’ uniqueness and wanted to establish something that would grow with the family,” recalls Matthew Thompson, Stredric’s son and a key figure in the company today. The Thompsons expanded production into three commercial units on Duke Street in Kingston, refining the winemaking process, enhancing packaging, and perfecting the delicate balance of Caribbean flavours.
Family is the backbone of Flavours of the Past. Initially, Stredic managed the company while another uncle oversaw factory operations. Matthew started as an eager learner, training directly under Howard Cox himself. Over the years, he rose to take charge of all factory production and administrative functions, while his father focused on customers and finances, and his uncle John handled sourcing and logistics.
This close-knit family operation brings with it a level of trust and openness rarely found in typical business structures. “Because it’s family, we can challenge each other freely and align our vision for the company’s growth,” Matthew explains. Such candid collaboration has driven continual improvements and strategic planning to expand the brand’s reach.
Flavours of the Past is distinctively “Caribbean” in both essence and pride. “We never tried to imitate European or American wines,” Matthew elaborates. “Instead, we focus on Caribbean produce using the same fine wine production processes, but the foundation is uniquely ours.”
While traditional wine connoisseurs sometimes find the wines sweeter or different from classic varieties, the brand resonates especially well with casual drinkers who enjoy fruity, aromatic tastes. Matthew notes that serving the wines chilled enhances their sweetness and overall appeal. Just like the diverse culture of Jamaica, there’s a burst of unique flavour in each sip.
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.
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.
Things Jamaican™, dubbed the ‘Home of Authentic Jamaican Brands’, is highlighting 23 family-owned businesses like Journey’s End under its ‘Fambili’ Legacy campaign.
Things Jamaican™ has bolstered the brand’s accessibility, placing Flavours of the Past on shelves at its 3 locations: Devon House, the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), and at the JBDC Corporate store at 14 Camp Road. And for the diaspora and other online shoppers, Flavours of Past is available online at www.thingsjamaicanshopping.com.
