KINGSTON – August 24, 2011 – Globally, Jamaica has one of the lowest egg consumption rates in the world, with each Jamaican averaging less than 1 egg consumed per week, compared to top consumers like China and Mexico who average more than 5 and more than 6 eggs per person per week respectively. Although eggs developed a poor reputation some years ago, recent research such as that from the British Journal of Nutrition, has indicated that eggs are packed full of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Further, consumption of one egg a day or 7 eggs per week, has been found to have several health benefits. Studies have shown that eggs can lower the risk of developing cataracts, may limit the occurrence of blood clots, strokes and heart attacks, and reduce the chances of breast cancer.

The Caribbean Broilers Group of Companies (the CB Group) which has been providing natural, hormone-free poultry products in Jamaica for the past three decades, does not like to “count their chickens before they hatch!”, but they do realize that “birds can’t fly on one wing” and they don’t want to “Put all their eggs in one basket” and so, with all puns intended, the Group in a concerted effort to offer its consumers healthy and nourishing foods is hatching an exciting, new business plan to enter and expand the local egg market.

On Monday, August 8, the CB Group formally acquired the St. Ann-based Chippenham Park Eggs, producers of farm fresh, all natural, premium quality eggs. Formerly owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Ian Banks, the company began egg production in 1990 and prides itself on being perhaps the most eco-friendly facility in Jamaica through its use of bio-degradable packaging, a 900,000 gallon rain water reservoir and a state-of-the-art solar powered pump system.

‘We have made significant contributions in satisfying the country’s protein needs with CB Chicken, and have also been evolutionizing processes to produce a first class pork product through our Caribbean Passion brand,’ said Mark Haskins, the Group’s CEO. ‘We are now expanding our focus to offer the Jamaican people another great protein source: eggs – a 100% Jamaican grown food that is healthy, versatile, convenient and very affordable. Currently, the island’s egg industry produces approximately
11 million dozen eggs annually and the CB Group, through Chippenham Park Eggs, hopes to play a major role growing the market to well over 20 million dozen,’ he continued. ‘By educating the public as to how good eggs are for your mind and body, we will grow the local demand, and in turn that will require all egg producers to collectively produce more eggs to satisfy this same demand,’ he concluded.

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