From Farm to Global Markets

How one agro-processor is turning Jamaican agricultural products into internationally recognized wellness offerings.

Jamaica’s agro-processing sector is transforming local resources into globally competitive products, with companies like Shavout International leading the charge. This Jamaican manufacturer has built its reputation on converting fresh, raw materials from local farms into high-quality value-added products that showcase the island’s agricultural bounty.

“We are an agro-processor that takes fresh Jamaican ingredients from the farms we work with and transforms them into high-quality products,” explains Joel Harris, Co-owner and Marketing Director. “We project ourselves as a company that manufactures authentic Jamaican goods.” This authenticity forms the cornerstone of Shavout’s market positioning, particularly as global consumer interest in transparent sourcing and authentic cultural products continues to rise.

The company’s guiding principle, “harvesting goodness,” encompasses its broader business philosophy. “Harvesting goodness means not only the ingredients we harvest at our farm or with farmers, not only within the products we make, but also in the people and communities we work with,” Harris says. This multi-dimensional approach to “goodness” has shaped Shavout’s operations since its founding in 2013, when it began with Shavout Farms, which has since expanded from 165 acres to over 500 acres.

Quality Products with Purpose

Shavout International has carved out a distinctive niche in the wellness marketplace with products designed to enhance everyday health routines. Their curated selection focuses on what Harris describes as “better for you” products, not health supplements, but everyday items crafted with elevated quality and nutritional value.

“Our products aim to make your life better by harvesting all goodness within your life. We take average products every day and give you a better version with increased quality value,” Harris explains. This product philosophy has guided the company’s development of a focused portfolio including herbal teas, dried spices, and gluten-free flours.

The manufacturing process prioritizes preserving natural qualities and nutritional benefits. “We try to keep everything as natural as possible to preserve the nutritional value of the original product even through a transformational process,” says Harris. This approach aligns with growing consumer demand for minimally processed products that retain their inherent health benefits, a trend that has gained momentum as wellness-conscious consumers scrutinize ingredient lists and processing methods.

Particular attention goes to sensory qualities that enhance the consumer experience. For their herbal teas, Harris notes that “the smell, aroma, taste, and value you get from each herbal tea we produce is of significant quality.” This emphasis on multiple dimensions of product quality reflects sophisticated consumer expectations in premium wellness categories.

While the current product line centers on these core offerings, Harris indicates expansion is underway. “We have herbal teas, dried spices, gluten-free flour, and of course many more to come,” he states. This measured approach to product development suggests a deliberate strategy focusing on perfecting core offerings before extending into new categories, rather than rushing to market with an extensive but less refined product range.

Holistic Benefits Beyond Nutrition to Wellness

Shavout International approaches consumer wellness through a comprehensive lens that examines multiple dimensions of product benefits. Their development process considers how ingredients support bodily functions beyond basic nutrition, addressing specific wellness needs that today’s health-conscious consumers increasingly seek.

“Our company looks at how our products could benefit consumers in a range of ways. Holistically, we know that the more the body is able to receive particular micro and macronutrients, the more customers will benefit,” Harris says. This nutritional philosophy guides their product development, with a focus on bioavailability, ensuring ingredients contain sufficient nutrients for the body to effectively utilize.

The product line targets diverse wellness objectives that appeal to different consumer needs. “We look at products that are good for vitality, strength, energy, and even those that help with sleep, blood pressure, or sugar levels. But we don’t make specific health claims,” Harris explains, describing careful positioning that reflects industry awareness of regulatory boundaries while still communicating potential benefits to consumers who research product properties.

Consumer feedback validates their approach, providing real-world evidence of effectiveness. “When we hear from our customers, they tell us these products have helped with certain ailments or helped them achieve specific wellness goals,” Harris notes. One standout product demonstrates this principle in action: “Our Jamaican black castor oil does extraordinarily well for hair growth and scalp treatments. It has been known for centuries for its properties.”

The wellness benefits create a positive chain reaction. “Our products are for vitality, beauty, and overall wellness, but it’s not just wellness within yourself. By giving someone one of our products, you’re also helping them on their journey,” Harris says, a perspective that positions their products as tools for relationship building and community care, adding emotional value beyond physical benefits.

Local First Community Development and Talent Cultivation

Shavout International has embedded community development into its operational DNA, making local sourcing and talent cultivation foundational to its business strategy. “Our main focus has always been community development. Our tagline ‘harvesting goodness’ guides everything we do,” Harris says. This philosophy manifests through a three-pronged approach to developing local talent and creating economic opportunity throughout their value chain.

The company begins by building mutually beneficial relationships with agricultural producers. “We work with small-scale farmers and underserved communities that may have accessible land that isn’t generating profit. We approach them with our needs and offer fair prices, creating entrepreneurial opportunities that many have successfully embraced,” Harris explains.

Internal talent development forms the second pillar of their approach. “For staff without formal education or who haven’t completed their education, we say work with us. We invest in you with job experience, training, and sometimes help further their education,” Harris notes, denoting an inclusive hiring model that expands the available talent pool while addressing local employment barriers.

The final component is business partnerships with entrepreneurs. “Some people want to be associates who work with us on projects or use our products in their own businesses. We see what they’re doing and provide support where possible,” Harris says. These collaborations create distribution channels while fostering local entrepreneurship.

Knowledge sharing completes this community impact model. “When asked to speak to young entrepreneurs or people seeking inspiration, we share our story of overcoming challenges. People find inspiration to venture on their own or overcome obstacles,” Harris explains.

Growing Through Climate Challenges

Climate volatility presents an ongoing challenge for Shavout International’s agricultural operations, yet the company has developed resilience strategies that support its predominantly export-focused business model. Their integrated approach to farming and international market development provides a blueprint for navigating agricultural uncertainties while expanding global reach.

“Our farm has faced difficulties due to Jamaica’s climatic conditions. Since establishing Shavout Farms in 2013, we’ve experienced ups and downs like any farm,” Harris says. Despite these challenges, strategic investment transformed their agricultural foundation. “The farm evolved from a partnership into a limited liability company with an investor, expanding from 165 acres to over 500 acres—a truly transformational process.”

The agricultural base provides critical supply chain stability despite environmental disruptions. “Last year’s hurricane destroyed much of Jamaica’s agricultural produce, but because we’ve been building tenacity within our farm, we’ve become more resilient. The farm helps our company continue to thrive even during Jamaica’s darkest agricultural times,” Harris explains, a vertical integration strategy that buffers against market volatility while ensuring product quality through controlled production methods.

On the distribution side, Shavout sticks to manufacturing excellence while leveraging strategic partnerships for market access. “We are not distributors. We focus on manufacturing and sell to distributors across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. About 95% of our distribution is exports while the rest is local,” Harris notes.

Current growth initiatives target increased market penetration in their strongest regions. “We’re focusing on the Jamaican and North American markets while expanding our capacity by 25-30%. We aim to grow market penetration by at least 50% in the next two to three years,” Harris says. “This expansion strategy combines new product development with distributor collaboration to optimize existing relationships.”

Sustainability investments complement growth plans. “Our energy and water conservation project will dramatically reduce utility costs once established. We’re using these savings to drive further growth and innovation,” Harris explains, illustrating how operational efficiency supports expansion objectives.

The Heart Behind the Brand

For Harris, the rewards of leading Shavout International encompass financial metrics, creative fulfillment, social impact, and inspirational leadership. These motivational factors drive the company’s continued innovation and community focus while revealing the personal values underpinning its business practices.

“The most rewarding aspect is being able to innovate. Within marketing and sales, I develop and improve products, creating things that were once imaginary and turning them into real-life applications,” Harris says.

Customer impact provides a second source of motivation. “Seeing people experience the benefits of our products—often in ways they didn’t expect—brings me joy. People tell us their lives have changed because of a product, and they swear by it,” Harris explains. The accessibility of these benefits particularly resonates with his values. “I’ve always wanted to make affordable products with high quality—easy access for high-quality products.”

The company’s contributions during global health challenges exemplify this impact. “During COVID, because curcuminoids are so high in Jamaican turmeric and we’re good at processing turmeric tea while retaining its properties, hospitals were able to reduce mortality rates by about 33% in a study using the tea. Lives were saved, and that touched my heart,” Harris notes.

Perhaps most meaningful is the ripple effect of inspiration. “When people become inspired by what we’re doing and tell us they’re motivated to move forward in new adventures, that means as much as our community’s impact. That’s what drives me and makes it worthwhile,” Harris says.

As Shavout International continues expanding its global footprint, a combination of innovation, accessible health benefits, and community inspiration remains at its core, proof that agricultural enterprises can successfully balance profit with purpose while maintaining deep connections to the land and people they serve.

At a Glance

Who: Shavout International

What: Jamaican agro-processor manufacturing wellness products from local ingredients

Where: Jamaica

Website: shavuotbrands.com