Business View Caribbean | Volume 8, Issue 7

49 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7 DA I RY INDUSTR I ES JAMA I CA L IMI TED the pandemic. “We are very employee-centric; our aim is to ensure that staff wellbeing is paramount,” Rhoden-Gordon explains. “Through GraceKennedy, we offered counselling since COVID is not only challenging to the economy, but also for individuals trying to cope with the new normal.” Now that the global economy is rebounding, DIJL is looking to the future with big plans to diversify their portfolio and expand its markets. “Export is key for us,” Walker notes. “It could be Dominican Republic, it could be South America, wherever it is, we are actively seeking new opportunities to expand our regional footprint.” The company also plans to ensure they are always on the cutting edge of technology and new product development. “Innovation has been critical to our success over the years, and that will continue to be part of our growth plan,” Rhoden-Gordon says. “Not just innovation for our brands, but also for our partners by offering research and development support. Innovation and market expansion forms a part of our strategic initiatives that will allow us to shift the paradigm and remain relevant in an ever- changing marketplace.”