KINGSTON, Jamaica – The much-anticipated Jamaica Blue Mountain Espresso Competition formally launched its 8th staging yesterday on the historic Devon Home in Kingston. Coinciding with Worldwide Blue Mountain Espresso Day, the occasion unveiled thrilling plans for the pageant, which can be held at a brand new venue, Hope Gardens, on March 1, 2025.
Talking by way of video message, Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, highlighted Jamaica’s record-breaking achievements in tourism for 2024, describing it as a “renaissance” for the business.
“With 4.27 million guests and US$4.35 billion in income final 12 months, Jamaica’s tourism industry is thriving,” mentioned Minister Bartlett. Reflecting on the success of final 12 months’s pageant in Newcastle, he added, “Our transfer to Hope Gardens isn’t nearly increasing house; it’s about creating new alternatives for stakeholders, attracting extra attendees, and showcasing the perfect of Jamaica’s espresso tradition.”
The Hon. Floyd Inexperienced, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, introduced a brand new plan. This plan will assist be sure that Jamaica Blue Mountain Espresso is genuine. “We’re introducing blockchain technology to guard the integrity of our espresso,” mentioned Minister Inexperienced. “Every batch of Blue Mountain Espresso will carry a QR code, permitting customers to hint its journey from farm to cup. This initiative ensures authenticity and shares the tales of our farmers, their dedication, and their craftsmanship.”
Minister of Funding, Business, and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, emphasised the worldwide significance of Jamaica Blue Mountain Espresso.
“This espresso is one in all our nation’s most interesting treasures,” he said. “We should take pleasure in selling it, celebrating it, and sharing it with the world. Congratulations to Minister Bartlett and his workforce for his or her unwavering dedication to showcasing our espresso heritage via this exceptional pageant.”
Sustainable Espresso Farming
The pageant has grown to develop into a cornerstone of Jamaica’s tourism and agricultural industries. It serves as a platform to attach espresso farmers, business stakeholders, and native artisans with worldwide markets whereas fostering economic growth in coffee-producing areas.
This 12 months’s occasion will spotlight Jamaica’s vigorous espresso tradition. It can have a bigger market with barista competitions, mixology demos, and brewing workshops. Native cooks and meals distributors will current coffee-infused dishes alongside genuine Jamaican gastronomy.
Attendees can look ahead to talks on sustainable espresso farming. They’ll additionally take pleasure in excursions of Blue Mountain espresso farms. There can be workshops for ladies and youth entrepreneurs within the espresso business.
Espresso Tourism
The Jamaica Blue Mountain Espresso Competition celebrates the nation’s espresso heritage. It additionally promotes Jamaica as a prime spot for espresso tourism.
Minister Bartlett encapsulated the pageant’s imaginative and prescient, stating, “This pageant is a celebration of our heritage, creativity, and resilience. It’s a platform that not solely strengthens tourism however uplifts our farmers and artisans, reaffirming Jamaica’s world status as a pacesetter in espresso excellence.”
