(Jamaica Gleaner) Jamaican conglomerate GraceKennedy is planning to expand its operations into new markets in parts of Africa and Eastern Europe.
GraceKennedy CEO Don Wehby, who made the announcement yesterday, said despite the intended expansion, the company remains committed to Jamaica.
The GraceKennedy Group, which already has over 60 subsidiaries worldwide, is celebrating 90 years of operation and hosted a thanksgiving service at the Jamaica College Auditorium in St Andrew to kick-start its year-long celebration.
“Our strategy is to grow and become a leader beyond Jamaica and the Caribbean … as we aim to make our presence felt as a global consumer group,” the GraceKennedy CEO said.
At the same time, he said the company would also seek to expand its operations in some of its core markets.
Commitment to nation-building
The Reverend Dr Alfred Reid, retired Anglican bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, praised the company for what he said was its commitment to nation-building and urged others to follow its example.
“A country is not wealthy because a few individuals have more than their neighbours. National development is not an economic matter, it is also social, intellectual, cultural, moral and spiritual as well,” Reid charged in his sermon.
Added Reid: “Nation-building cannot begin until we recognise the folly of seeking to build private fortunes or to strengthen sectional or minority interests in isolation of the common good.”
Wehby said honesty, integrity and trust have always been GraceKennedy’s mantra since it began operations in Jamaica in February 1922.
“Our commitment to honesty, integrity and trust has earned us a reputation that we try to live each day,” he said.
Wehby said the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation and the GraceKennedy Foundation have helped to change the lives of countless Jamaicans.
“It is something we do every day, but say little about. That is the spirit of humility that has always been the GraceKennedy way,” he added.
He paid tribute to the founders of the company and lauded past and current executives and staff for their contribution to its development.
The year-long celebrations will be held under the theme ‘Celebrating the Past … Embracing the World’.
