Minister Shaw Acknowledges the Third Annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Audley Shaw has lauded the efforts of local coffee stakeholders even as Jamaica and Japan mark the third annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day. Launched on January 9, 2019, Blue Mountain Coffee Day recognizes the relationship between Jamaica and its largest Asian coffee market and is intended to commemorate the first shipment of coffee to Japan in 1953. Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day also marks the day the largest shipment of coffee left the port in Kingston en route to Japan in 1967. Speaking at a handover of premium coffee products at the Ministry’s St. Lucia Avenue offices today, Minister Shaw acknowledged the tireless work of Jamaican coffee producers and processors who continue to make Jamaica’s prime commodity a true signifier of the finest coffee the world has come to know, love and trust. “Today gives us pause to celebrate one of Jamaica’s finest products and I applaud the work of our producers and processors who have ensured that Jamaica retains this accolade,” Minister Shaw said. State Minister Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn also applauded the organizers of Blue Mountain Coffee Day – the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association (JCEA), the Association of Japan Importers of Jamaica Coffee; Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA); Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Tourist Board, for their work toward making Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day a continued success. -30-