Good
evening ladies and gentlemen.
I must
express profound appreciation for this award. It is indeed a pleasure to know
that the hard work and commitment that we have employed in our company over the
years is recognised. The Observer Food Awards continues to be a prestigious
annual event that has many salivating not only for the dishes that are
presented, but for the many honours that are bestowed upon individuals and
companies alike each year. We are proud to join this cadre of awardees, and our
sincere gratitude goes out to the organizers and judges of the Awards.
At
GraceKennedy, we believe in developing the best quality products that will ensure
positive growth for our nation, in all aspects including financially and
economically. For us, the Grace Brand far surpasses just a name; we stand for
great food, great quality and great nutrition.
When we
started out ninety years ago, our founders Dr. John J. Grace and Fred William
Kennedy envisioned a company that catered to Jamaicans by providing quality
products at an affordable cost. While we have evolved from a small company that
caters only to our island home, to a conglomerate that provides food and beverage
regionally and internationally, including the US, Canada, Belize, Europe and as
far as Africa, our values remain the same.
We
continue to solidify our commitment to our employees by implementing strategies
that boost staff morale and maintain our productivity. Our dedication to our
local communities can be seen through activities and projects implemented by
the Grace and Staff Community
Development Foundation which
aims to relieve poverty, suffering and distress among the poor and unemployed, support
activities which promote community development, and foster the spirit of
volunteerism throughout GraceKennedy and beyond.
For nine
decades we have been a company that is committed to making a positive impact on
the world, and we continue to do that as we extend our footprint globally to
showcase our rich culture so people the world over can have a little taste of
Jamaica. And, we have received positive feedback about our many products, including
fond memories when one recalls the days growing up and eating Grace products,
and smiles that give approval to the mouth-watering meals prepared using our
favourite foods.
At
GraceKennedy, we believe those experiences should never end, and so, we continue to work tenaciously to
demonstrate this commitment as we pass on the love from our company to your
home.
I thank
you.