Using local products has always been critical for the business operations of Jeff Caterers Ltd, which specialises in manufacturing pre-packaged foods such as Chinese stuffed dumplings, samosas, wontons and spring rolls.

The business, at Pokhor Road, Longdenville, started three years ago, and its director Jeffrey Mouttet said the idea was to bring the delicious finger foods to a larger section of the market at an affordable price.

He told Business Day that at the age of 77, he and a few friends decided to venture into the business, which was challenging because they nose-dived into a pandemic.

“Stuffed dumplings are a lovely item and...considered more of a gourmet dish for the affluent people. So we decided to make a dumpling that everyone could afford, and that was how the business came about.

“As in any new business start-up, we experienced our fair share of teething problems, and the covid19 pandemic did not help. We kept all our workers employed, even if it meant at times their schedule was a four-day work week. (As for) our buyers: although at times it was not huge orders, it was consistent orders and that was helpful to us.”

[caption id="attachment_923722" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Jeff Caterers Ltd specialises in manufacturing pre-packaged Chinese stuffed dumplings, samosas, wontons and spring rolls - Photos courtesy Jeff Caterers[/caption]

Despite the economic challenges, he said Jeff Caterers did not raise any of its prices.

Mouttet added that there was a lot of trial and error in getting the products right because of the distinctive palette locals possess when it came to food.

The top priority was taste, he explained, and they did widespread sampling and feedback research.

“With the many different tastes and cultures we have, finding the right balance was important. We did get negative comments about the taste, size and shape. We immediately went back to the drawing board and eventually arrived at the perfect formulation of seasoning and preparation techniques to delight the Caribbean tastebuds.”

Mouttet said most of the ingredients were supplied by local farmers, with the exception of shrimp, and the packaging and labelling were also done locally. He says the business will continue to use locally produced ingredients and other local suppliers and distributors.

“Our meats, flour, vegetables, seasonings, labels and bags are 100 per cent local, so we have no problem with foreign exchange. Sourcing fresh local ingredients of the highest quality keeps costs down, while supporting our local farmers and industries.”

[caption id="attachment_923721" align="alignnone" width="841"] Director of Jeff Caterers Ltd,Jefferey Mouttet. -[/caption]

Mouttet added that the factory and the processing plant have been internationally certified and the handling and refrigerated transport of the food items, from factory to the supermarket chillers, also met international standards.

Short-term goals included supplying caterers, especially with Christmas festivities right around the corner, he sai