Stakeholders in the local castor oil industry were exposed to a study geared at maximising the industry’s potential.

This opportunity took the form of a forum on the Jamaican Castor Industry hosted by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). 

Castor bean farmers from across the island gathered at JAMPRO’s New Kingston headquarters on Tuesday, to receive a first-hand look at an exclusive study done on the local castor industry.

Masters candidate in Public Administration at Columbia University in New York, Damian Fagon shared his studies on the local castor oil industry.

The American presenter explored elements such as effective branding, marketing techniques and strategies that could be used to ensure the success of products with Jamaica Black Castor Oil (JBCO)                    

Fagon says the global interest in JBCO is “not a passing consumer fad”, and that its continued success is due to its positive feedback and results. He went on to identify Jamaica’s competitors.

BITE:1 Damian Fagon

Mr. Fagon highlighted the success of Sunny Isle and Tropic Isle JBCO in the American market, adding that the existence of both companies has increased the popularity of Jamaica Black Castor Oil.

BITE: 2 Damian Fagon 

Fagon says the stakeholders’ goal should be to gain entry into commercial grade castor oil market, for cosmetics and bioplastics.

He noted that certain issues related to regulations, quality control, funding and coordination need to be addressed to ensure the success of the industry.

He encouraged them to be patient as doing so would require cooperation and communication.

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