The much-anticipated Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival officially launched its 8th staging yesterday at the historic Devon House in Kingston, Jamaica. Coinciding with International Blue Mountain Coffee Day, the event unveiled exciting plans for the festival, which will be held at a new venue, Hope Gardens, on March 1, 2025.
Speaking via 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 industry. “With 4.27 million visitors and US$4.35 billion in revenue last year, Jamaica’s tourism industry is thriving,” said Minister Bartlett. Reflecting on the success of last year’s festival in Newcastle, he added, “Our move to Hope Gardens isn’t just about expanding space; it’s about creating new opportunities for stakeholders, attracting more attendees, and showcasing the very best of Jamaica’s coffee culture.”
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, the Hon. Floyd Green, announced a groundbreaking initiative to ensure the authenticity of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. “We’re introducing blockchain technology to protect the integrity of our coffee,” said Minister Green. “Each batch of Blue Mountain Coffee will carry a QR code, allowing consumers to trace its journey from farm to cup. This initiative guarantees authenticity and shares the stories of our farmers, their dedication, and their craftsmanship.”
Minister of Investment, Industry, and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, emphasized the global significance of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.
“This coffee is one of our nation’s finest treasures.”
He added: “We must take pride in promoting it, celebrating it, and sharing it with the world. Congratulations to Minister Bartlett and his team for their unwavering commitment to showcasing our coffee heritage through this remarkable festival.”
The festival has grown to become a cornerstone of Jamaica’s tourism and agricultural industries. It serves as a platform to connect coffee farmers, industry stakeholders, and local artisans with international markets while fostering economic growth in coffee-producing regions.
This year’s event will showcase Jamaica’s vibrant coffee culture through an expanded marketplace featuring barista competitions, mixology demonstrations, and brewing workshops. Local chefs and food vendors will present coffee-infused dishes alongside authentic Jamaican gastronomy. Attendees can also look forward to discussions on sustainable coffee farming, tours of Blue Mountain coffee farms, and workshops tailored for women and youth entrepreneurs interested in the coffee industry.
The Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival continues to celebrate the country’s rich coffee heritage while positioning Jamaica as a premier destination for coffee tourism. Minister Bartlett encapsulated the festival’s vision, stating, “This festival is a celebration of our heritage, creativity, and resilience. It is a platform that not only strengthens tourism but uplifts our farmers and artisans, reaffirming Jamaica’s global reputation as a leader in coffee excellence.”
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SEEN IN IMAGE: Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill (3rd from right), receives a special presentation from Norman Grant, CEO of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory (3rd from left), during the launch ceremony of the 2025 Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival. The event, held at Devon House on January 5, brought together key tourism and industry leaders including (from left) Nicola Madden-Grieg, Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Network’s Gastronomy Network; Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund; Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations Ltd; and Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism. The festival is scheduled for March 1, 2025, at Hope Gardens. – image courtesy of Jamaica Ministry of Tourism
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