Everything Fresh eyes bigger slice of Bahamas

EVERYTHING Fresh Group Limited is eyeing further expansion in The Bahamas, targeting mom-and-pop shops and smaller retailers as it seeks to build its presence beyond the hotel sector. The food distributor, which entered the market in 2018, currently serves close to 50 customers and is pursuing proposals that could significantly improve the profitability of its Bahamian operation. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer following the company’s annual general meeting at the AC Hotel on Wednesday, General Manager Nicola Maitland said some of the proposals were awaiting approval. “If we get the approval, within as early as two years we can be very profitable,” she said. The company is targeting 10 per cent growth in The Bahamas operation by the end of its 2026 financial year. While pursuing growth overseas, Everything Fresh is also adjusting its Jamaican operation following Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which disrupted hotel operations and affected its traditional business model.

General manager of Everything Fresh Limited Nicola Maitland responds to shareholder questions during the company’s annual general meeting at AC Hotel.

Maitland acknowledged that the company had not returned to its pre-hurricane position, particularly as it continues to address outstanding receivables from hotel customers. “We’re not where we used to be, but we are working with the hotel privately regarding the receivables; however, we are not held fast on a strategy; we are taking multiple options,” she said. One of those measures has been to increase the company’s exposure to the retail market locally. Although Everything Fresh previously supplied supermarkets and other retailers, it has since increased its presence in that market as it seeks to diversify its customer base and reduce its dependence on hotel business. “We always supplied retail; however, we have increased our footprint, and we continue to bring in more SKUs based on the demands,” Maitland said.

Group Chief Financial Officer Errol Grant addresses shareholders alongside the group’s members of the executive team.

The company is also introducing products aimed at consumers seeking more affordable alternatives, as it targets the down trend market. This includes a new margarine line, which was introduced in October. To support the expansion of its customer base, Everything Fresh is investing in its distribution infrastructure, including improvements to its Bog Walk facility in St Catherine. The warehouse serves as a central distribution hub for its hotel business and is being expanded to accommodate additional storage and freezer capacity. The company is also increasing its delivery fleet, with additional trucks expected to come on stream in 2027 and 2028. “We have a lot more trucks coming in for 2027/2028 so we can deliver more products and reduce our delivery times to our customers,” Group Chief Financial Officer Errol Grant said during the AGM. The investments are expected to improve the company’s ability to service hotel chains while supporting its growing retail distribution network. Alongside the capital expenditure, the company is investing in brand marketing and staff development, while reviewing its operating costs to improve efficiency. “We look at every line item, and we see where it must add value to remain in our books,” Grant said. Despite the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, Everything Fresh is anticipating improved business as hotel properties resume operations and demand strengthens ahead of the winter tourism season. “Demand is exciting; we have concluded negotiations with RIU and increased volumes on that side in Jamaica,” Grant said. He noted that some hotels that had been operating below capacity following the hurricane were gradually returning to normal operations, providing scope for increased business in the final quarter of 2026 and into 2027. For its 2025 financial year, Everything Fresh reported revenue of $4.17 billion, an increase of $489.97 million, or 13.3 per cent, compared with the previous year. Jamaica accounted for the largest share of the increase, contributing $428.3 million, or approximately 87.4 per cent, to group revenue growth. Revenue from the Jamaican operation rose 14.8 per cent to $3.33 billion, up from $2.9 billion in 2024. The Bahamian operation contributed the remaining $61.7 million, representing approximately 12.6 per cent of the group’s revenue increase. Revenue from the territory rose eight per cent to $840 million, compared with approximately $770 million in the previous year. Everything Fresh distributes meat, dairy products and fresh produce to customers across its markets.