News and Events

SMJ signs Memorandum of Understanding with The University of the West Indies

admin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:47:16 +0000

More great news for SM Jaleel! A collaboration between us and The University of the West Indies promises to be fruitful and provide unique opportunities for UWI students. On March 20, 2013 a memorandum was signed, namely, The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), for a collaborative effort on a range of projects. Beyond the sale of UWI-branded bottled water to UWI campuses (provided by SMJ) throughout Trinidad & Tobago, UWI students will also benefit from graduate and undergraduate internship opportunities in the areas of finance, marketing, business management, engineering, IT and other relevant disciplines.

Signed in the Office of the Campus Principal on the above mentioned date, the MOU takes immediate effect; an initiative both parties are excited about. General Manager of SMJ Trinidad & Tobago, Roger Bell, is captured in photos below at the ceremony as the signing takes place.

Oasis and Kool Kidz at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony and more…

admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:50:27 +0000

SMJ likes to work closely with various communities by responding to requests with sponsorship, visiting their events and sometimes going a step further by providing service with sampling and promotional teams.

March was a particularly busy month for our brands, from Prestigious functions like the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at the Hasley Crawford Stadium where Oasis Bottled Water and Fruta Kool Kidz juices were shared with almost 5000 Primary & Secondary School students – to more casual on-the-trade functions like promotions at Low Cost Supermarket in Chaguanas, where Caribbean Cool starred with their ever popular Spin The Wheel game. That one is always a hit. Customers purchase product for a chance to spin our wheel for prizes. Every spin results in a win. There are no losers! And the prizes vary among handy items like free credit, t-shirts, cups and free product.

Oasis Bottled Water also took us back out to the seas, coming off our recent sponsorship of Olympic Laser sailor Andrew Lewis and our new found appreciation for the sport of sailing. We ventured back out this time with the Easter Dingy Regatta alongside the T&T Sailing Association. On March 16th & 17th there was lots to share and win at the event from Oasis Bottled Water with free product and hampers.

We also stepped into familiar territory when Chubby attended the Vanessa & Friends Easter Treat for their 9th Annual Children’s Easter Party on March 24th. Events like these always have a special place in Chubby’s heart as he gets the opportunity to make so many underprivileged and challenged kids happy. We met children from the St. Mary’s children Home, Cyril Ross Nursery, Margaret Kistow Home, Amica House for Girls and The Plainview Children’s Home. Sharing Chubby Soft Drinks with them isn’t half as much as pleasure as playing, dancing and taking pictures with them. It’s always a day to remember with happy children.

Enjoy our picture diary below for a more intimate coverage of the events above, and visit us on Facebook where there is nonstop action and entertainment with our many brands!

I-Octane: New Brand Ambssador for Busta Soft Drinks!

admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:08:07 +0000

Jamaican reggae artiste, I-Octane, has just signed up for a one year contract as the Busta Brand Ambassador. Click the link below to find an article published in the Jamaica Star newspaper, showing I-Octane’s enthusiasm and the reason Busta Soft Drinks chose him for their new face!

http://jamaica-star.com/thestar/20130309/ent/ent4.html

SM Jaleel expands with Juciful acquistion in Jamaica

admin — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 20:53:41 +0000

On Wednesday February 6, SMJ’s Jamaican subsidiary, Jamaica Beverages Ltd (JBL), officially announced an important and noteworthy acquisition, the purchase of Jamaica’s Citrus Growers Limited – through which they will produce and endorse the Juciful line of fruit juices. Below is the speech made to observe the occasion by Mr. Paul Shoucair, Acting General Manager of Jamaica Beverages Ltd, followed by links to articles from the Jamaican press.

“Today, we at Jamaica Beverages Limited, feel honoured and proud to be hosting this Announcement Event regarding the purchase of the Jamaica Citrus Growers Limited’s Bog Walk Plant, at which the Juciful box juice has been manufactured for 50 years. Juciful box juice, as we all know, was the first of its kind in Jamaica. We could say it was the foundation of the box juice industry.

I am sure I would see a smile on the faces of many persons here, if I asked you to think back to your school days when you couldn’t wait for lunch break to have a patty and a Juciful box juice. Those days are here again!

Under the new sale agreement, Jamaica Beverages Limited will pay a royalty to the Jamaica Citrus Growers Association for use of the Juciful brand, which it still owns.

It is very important to also remember that a major part of the product portfolio manufactured at the Bog Walk Plant is the Dairy Farmers 100 per cent cow’s milk. In the age of uht brands, we are very proud to have such a brand in the Jamaica Beverages Limited product line and look forward to bolstering the island’s dairy industry with the systematic distribution to the market of the Dairy Farmers brand.

We are even more excited about the fact that our investment in the Bog Walk Plant will positively impact the livelihood of 7,000 citrus farmers directly – and thousands more indirectly – and that our acquisition of the plant saved the 2012 citrus crop, which would have otherwise seen tons of oranges and grapefruits rotting in the fields. The farmers themselves informed us at two town hall meetings which we hosted at different locations, that they had previously scaled down or were contemplating closing their farms because of the low demand for citrus.

We pledge to continue to work with them as friends and business partners, whose growth and development we will facilitate as we rebuild the citrus industry in Jamaica. Already they have been reassured and convinced by our prompt payment policy.

Also, Jamaica Beverages Limited has assured citrus farmers that we will be purchasing all their citrus products. And I wish to declare here and now that we stand by that commitment.

Jamaica Beverages Limited took over the management of operations of the Jamaica Citrus Growers Limited’s Bog Walk plant in May last year, while due diligence was still taking place, as our show of commitment to the investment plan. The final agreement was completed in December, 2012 with a total investment of J$1 billion over the first year – inclusive of the purchase of the property, as well as the cost of upgrading equipment at the plant and overall renovation of the facilities.

The Bog Walk Plant is located on seven acres of land, with an additional seven acres which can be used for future expansion. There are four cottages sited on a further 2.2 acres and we have agreed to lease at a concessaneary rent one of those cottages available to the Jamaica Citrus Growers Association for use as their offices.

In addition, Jamaica Beverages Limited has made available US$100,000 to construct a nursery and green house for the Jamaica Citrus Growers Association to grow citrus seedlings, which the association will sell to its members at a subsidized cost.

Since we have acquired the plant and taken over operations of the Jamaica Citrus Growers Limited’s Bog Walk plant we have rebuilt all the filling machines and juice extractors, bringing them back to industry standards. Currently there are four (4) sections in the plant:

–   the concentrate plant, which runs for six months a year during the
orange and grapefruit season – that is from November to May;

-   the feed mill plant, which is in operation six months a year, is the section where the pulp from the citrus is converted to animal feed .

-   the chill juice plant, which produces juices, and….

-   the milk processing plant which produces whole milk and flavoured milk-based products.

Our aim is to supply the local market through island wide distribution, after which we shall be looking at exporting concentrate throughout the Caribbean and the UK. In the medium term, too, we plan to be an earner of foreign exchange.   This, in addition, to being the sole and exclusive supplier of 100 per cent grapefruit juice to the manufacturers of the Ting brand which, as you know, boasts 100 per cent Jamaican grapefruit.

We at Jamaica Beverages Limited are committed to doing whatever we can to grow the company, the products and by extension provide opportunities for citrus farmers to increase their output and provide employment for persons in and around the community of Bog Walk.

We must also remember that with the success of the Bog Walk Plant , Jamaica Beverages Limited will be creating employment - not only at the plant and through its distribution system – but at the farms of the 7,000 members of the Jamaica Citrus Growers Association.

We are also pleased to say that since the acquisition of the plant the Jamaica Beverages Limited has increased its staff complement by approximately 30%.

As our market share increases, we will be adding more contract van sales representatives, more staff at the plant, more merchandisers, more distributors and more contract truck drivers to our team.
In other words….we intend to create more employment for Jamaicans.
With this investment, Jamaica Beverages Limited is sending a message to all Jamaicans that we have full confidence in the future of our country.”

Please see the two excerpts below taken from the Jamaican press for more details and insight into this story.

Jamaican Gleaner – Jan 13

Jamaican Gleaner – Feb 7

Jamaican Gleaner – Feb 8

Jamaica Observer – Feb 8

When water burns

admin — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:59:50 +0000

As one of the most anticipated return sponsors for the Hott 93 Burn, Oasis Bottled Water helped fans and patrons of the annual aerobic competition to burn unwanted calories in the afternoon sun. Over the past few weeks, as people searched for last minute ways to get into shape for the upcoming festivities in T&T, Oasis Bottled Water got prepared, was ready and waiting, and jumped at the opportunity to deliver.

On January 22nd, 24th, 29th & 31st and February 5th & 7th, Movie Towne Port of Spain was all abuzz with music, tents, people, hosts, sponsors, prizes and judges – all culminated for the sake of fitness.

Proud sponsor, Oasis Bottled Water, was pleased to participate with a team of their own and to afford the opportunity to donate hampers as prizes for “top two best bodies” each day, as well as hampers to “Mr. and Mrs Burn”, and their runners up. The added and perhaps most necessary perk of each event, the convenience of having cold, refreshing water available to all participants, was in itself a priceless commodity. Oasis Bottled Water was pleased to rehydrate and be that special something that helped its people achieve what they wanted most – a word not usually associated with something so refreshing - to burn.

Chubby Scores!

admin — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:13:22 +0000

Bad pun notwithstanding, Chubby kicked off the New Year by sponsoring the National Under 10 Football Tournament, an initiative spearheaded by All Sport Promotions to make the National Under 10 Championship an authentic national event. From this event, the organization intends to select a squad of players to start training for a new National Under 12 team.

On January 5th, Chubby made its way down to King George V Park where a complement of 20 clubs, including 2 from Tobago, challenged each other for the trophy and title.

Synonymous with this initiative by All Sport Promotions is Chubby’s aim and view to encourage an active lifestyle for children. To help attain this, Chubby has partnered with All Sport for years in the past in efforts such as Sport Camps & Tournaments for children. With a shared vision in contributing to our youth, Chubby agreed to maintain support to All Sport in this venture for an additional 2 years, with a commitment to nurture and develop our future football talent and by extension the children of our nation.

The teams turned up in their numbers on January 5th, complete with fans and supporters. The results were as follows:

1st Place – Eastern Boys United
2nd Place – 2018
3rd Place – Semi-Pro Youths
4th Place – Ralph’s Coaching School
MVP of the Tournament – Tyrique Sutherland

Congratulations to all!

On to 2013!

admin — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:57:48 +0000

We closed 2012 the same way we started it, with action and adventure. A vibrant range of activities from sports and adventure on the high seas with Fruta and Oasis Water, to the more tempered Orphanage visits by Chubby over the Christmas season helped bring an eventful end to a prosperous year.

Fruta kicked off the start of December, literally, by part sponsoring Savannah Football by All Sports Promotion as well as our own Fruta Football team! Free product and Fruta gear were among the contributions from Fruta which culminated in the Fruta sponsored team placing 2nd in the tournament.

On December 16th, Andrew Lewis, our sailor sponsored by Oasis Bottled Water, took on the self-named Wild Energy Challenge. He sailed from 9am that Sunday morning, from Pigeon Point – Tobago, to Maracas Bay, Trinidad. To date this has been the longest distance ever triumphed by a 14ft Laser Sailboat. He arrived on the shore of Maracas Bay later than he expected, but completed the journey nonetheless to a waiting crowd of fans, supporters and sponsors.

Chubby made his contribution to the eventful closing of 2012 by visiting 4 Orphanages with his inflatable play park, gifts and treats for the children. Between December 17th and 21st, he visited the Islamic Home for Children in Gasparillo, the Jaya Lakshmi Home in Montrose, the Darul Ahamad Home, Freeport and Casa de Corazon, in Sangre Grande. More so than the gifts they received, the children were happy enough to get the visit and attention they deserved for Christmas. The added fun from the inflatable play park was the cherry on the top! Chubby too left with a feeling of joy and Christmas cheer.

We’re ready for a New Year of action packed events. Cheers to 2013, and a Happy New Year to all our readers!

Andrew Lewis hits the water again with Oasis!

admin — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 21:38:23 +0000

As a continued and proud sponsor of local sailor Andrew Lewis, Oasis Bottled Water is pleased to announce Andrew’s next feat! Coming off his stint at the London 2012 Olympics, Andrew has decided to give himself another challenge, one he terms the Wild Energy Challenge, where he will sail from Pigeon Point, Tobago – to Maracas Bay, Trinidad, on December 16th, 2012.

This will be the first time someone has attempted this 50 mile journey in a 14t Laser Sailboat. He leaves Pigeon Point, Tobago at 9am and hopes to make it into Maracas Bay, Trinidad at 2:30 PM. Come out and support Andrew Lewis and be part of the action at the beach on Sunday! See you there!

Dr. Aleem Mohammed Shares his Story

admin — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:17:25 +0000

Recently, Dr. Aleem Mohammed, Chairman of SM Jaleel & Company Ltd, was invited to address the audience at the Chamber’s 8th Annual Induction Ceremony on the Evolution to Excellence; the critical factors that made SM Jaleel successful.

No novice to sharing, Dr. Mohammed retold his touching journey from childhood to present, bringing to light even the tender, personal moments that impacted his decisions and steered his life on an unforeseen course. His advice to young entrepreneurs seeking success not only in the business world, but in life, came in the form of three lifelong lessons. He termed these The Three Ds: Destiny, Dreams and Distance.

You may view and enjoy his speech by clicking here!

Chubby makes a little boy’s dream come true in South Africa!

admin — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 20:55:39 +0000

Chubby Soft Drinks has been touched by a beautiful story in South Africa this week. Being the sponsor of one of South Africa’s heroes, world renowned cricketer Hashim Amla, has brought many rewards to the brand and to subsidiary SM Jaleel South Africa as a company. Chubby Soft Drinks is proud to have Hashim Amla as their brand Ambassdor, even more so when through his positive influence they are able to reach and touch the lives of their customers in unforgettable ways.

This week Chubby was able to help fulfill a 6 year old boy’s dream. Six year old Naemo Abdullah, who suffers from a life threatening kidney disease, dreamed of meeting his hero Hashim Amla. The Reach for a Dream Foundation, knowing Chubby’s affiliation with the cricketer, contacted SMJ South Africa for assistance in making Naemo’s dream come true. Not a moment was lost. The South African team came together and made sure that this meeting happened in a memorable way.

It was called the Hashim Amla Day! The cricket hero arrived at 10:30 am and humbly participated in the day’s activities for Naemo’s benefit. He played cricket with Naemo and the SMJ staff members before attending the function in Naemo’s honour. At the event, prizes were distributed to the winners from the friendly cricket match which Hashim presented himself. The day’s event culminated with perhaps the most special prize of the day when Naemo received from Hamla a cricket set and autographed t-shirt, much to everyone’s delight.

SMJ South Africa and Chubby Soft Drinks feel privileged to be a part of an event so special and important. It’s not every day one receives the opportunity to make the dream of a seriously ill child come true. His smiles were reward enough.