What comes to mind when you think of a Jamaican Christmas? Perhaps it’s the festive decorations, the joy of being with family, or the cool, crisp evenings. But one thing is always front and centre in every Jamaican’s heart: The Christmas Dinner…sorrel drinks, the savoury-sweet ham, and the deliciously fluffy Gungo rice & peas. And, of course, let’s not forget the rich, rum-infused Christmas cake that melts in your mouth.
One name that is becoming a staple in many Jamaican kitchens during this season is Liberton Industries. With its array of spices and seasonings, the Entrepreneur Weekly shows how Liberton is elevating the Jamaican culinary experience this Christmas. Their innovative products, designed to effortlessly bring authentic Jamaican flavours to your table, are essential for any holiday celebration.
The Liberton Industries Journey
Herman Miller, a retired police officer, was no stranger to the kitchen, but it was a challenging personal circumstance that pushed him to explore his culinary talents more deeply. When his wife fell ill, Herman took over the household cooking, experimenting with spices and seasonings as a way to care for his family. It was during this period that his creativity in the kitchen flourished, leading him to develop the seasoning blends that would later form the foundation of Liberton Industries.
“My wife encouraged me to take my recipes to the next level when I retired,” Herman recalls. “She saw the potential in what I was doing and suggested I get them standardised.” With her encouragement, Herman approached a food technologist, who helped him refine his recipes. Together, they created their signature All-purpose seasoning, a product that quickly became a favourite among friends and family.
Herman’s love for cooking, however, didn’t start in the kitchen at home. It began during his years in the police force. “I was always the one to take on the cooking duties, and I learned a lot from my colleagues, especially my friend Bolan, who taught me how to cook curry goat,” he explains. His time cooking for large gatherings during his service gave him the opportunity to hone his skills, especially during events like Jamaica Day celebrations. “I remember one year, the person who was contracted to cook for the event was charging a hefty fee, so I volunteered to take over. I cooked 50 pounds of mutton, 50 pounds of pork, and made a huge batch of soup. The feedback I received was incredible—people were telling me it was the best soup they had ever tasted.”
It was in these moments, as he seasoned large quantities of meat and cooked for many, that Herman first experimented with his own seasoning blends. “I made my first 5-gallon batch of seasoning right there and used it to season everything. The flavours were amazing, and everyone loved the food. That’s when I knew I had something special.”
Liberton Industries Today: A Growing Brand
Since its official launch in 2019, Liberton Industries has steadily expanded its product offerings to cater to both local and international tastes. Today, the brand features a wide variety of seasonings and sauces, all crafted with a focus on quality, flavour, and health-conscious ingredients.
Herman Miller, Managing Director of Liberton Industries, explains, “When you go into the kitchen, you don’t even need to keep salt around if you use the Liberton All-purpose seasoning. Just apply it to the meat, and you’re good to go.” It’s this kind of simplicity and convenience that Liberton offers, making it easier for cooks of all skill levels to create mouthwatering dishes without compromising on flavour.
As the holiday season approaches, Jamaicans are preparing to celebrate with family, decking out their homes, and exchanging gifts. In the kitchen, Liberton Industries is ready to be right at the heart of these traditions. Whether marinating meats with their All-Purpose Seasoning or adding a touch of sweetness to Christmas ham with their Garlic Honey Glaze, Liberton ensures that every dish is bursting with the unmistakable flavours of Jamaica.
These seasonings and sauces are about convenience and quality. “Everyone who uses it, or even tastes it for the first time, keeps coming back for more. It’s as if they’re hooked,” Herman adds. With products like the Cinnamon Ginger Sauce and White Wine Garlic Sauce, Liberton Industries continues to innovate and redefine the way we experience Jamaican food, especially during the holidays.
Things Jamaican™ ‘Deck Di Yaad with New Yaad Brands’ Campaign
Staying true to its slogan, From Concept to Market, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) through its retail arm, Things Jamaican, is providing global market access to local producers of authentic Jamaican products. Liberton Industries is among hundreds of success stories coming out of the JBDC and is among the 30 new brands featured in Things Jamaican’s Christmas campaign, “Deck Di Yaad with New Yaad Brands.” The campaign aims to highlight products that reflect the heart and soul of Jamaica – from food to fashion to décor.
As Janine Fletcher-Taylor, Manager of the Marketing Services Unit at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), explains, “This initiative is strategically designed to bring innovation, cultural relevance, and high business acumen to the forefront, ensuring these brands can grow and compete globally.”
Through this initiative, the brand is able to showcase its products to both local and international consumers, while simultaneously supporting the broader mission of Brand Jamaica. By participating in ‘Deck Di Yaad’, Liberton is positioned to gain access to new markets.
Things Jamaican™ prides itself on being the ‘Home of Authentic Jamaican Brands’, offering a platform for local producers to access global markets. With over 600 active producers and more than 2,000 unique products, Things Jamaican™ is the go-to destination for those seeking the essence of Jamaica during the holidays.
Shoppers can purchase any Liberton Industries product at the following Things Jamaican locations:
- Devon House;
- Norman Manley International Airport;
- JBDC Head Office at 14 Camp Road; as well as
- www.thingsjamaicanshopping.com.
Entrepreneurs wanting to become a JBDC client, are invited to visit www.jbdc.net to view the agency’s full suite of services, as well as ways to sign-up to start the journey towards a sustainable and profitable business.
