Q & A with Mr. Edwin Naidoo, Managing Director of JENRAD Corporation

Within the framework of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2014), Caribbean News Digital sat down with Edwin Naidoo, managing director of JENRAD Corporation, a company based in Cape Town, South Africa, that hopes to pry into the Caribbean market with top-quality products and services.

Where is your company based?

We are based in Cape Town, South Africa.

What does your company sell?

We do fast-moving consumer goods with the focus on food and beverage, items and wine, as well as food service and hotel industry supplies. We supply products to all major retailers in South Africa, Australia, Dubai, Zimbabwe, Canada. 

Is this the first time you attend FIHAV?

Yes, this is the first time. I think there is great potential and I’ll be probably returning. 

Do you have a representation office in any other Caribbean market?

No, we do not have offices in Cuba or any other Caribbean market. We’re hoping to actually get the business started because one of our key strategies is to get into the Caribbean. Our spices, waters and even the wines have huge potential.

Have you outlined an investment plan targeting the region?

In terms of private investment, in Cuba it’s all owned and operated by the government, there is no private sector buying or selling. So, our intention is to get to the Caribbean market or supply directly from South Africa into Cuba rather than having a representation here ourselves. We are interested in other Caribbean regions to manufacture products and sourcing products from those regions to South Africa.    

We do a lot of spice and the Caribbean islands traditionally use spice. So, we could have the potential of importing some of the spices into South Africa. That’s why we’re so interested in engaging with the Caribbean market in general.

Have you been given information on Mariel Special Development Zone?

Yes, we did have a briefing on that. My opinion is that we still need to assess any risk that may be associated with direct manufacture investment in Cuba.

What’s your flagship product?

Our flagship product is our Refresh. It’s flavored water in a can and it’s better than having a soda, is sparkling, but it’s healthier. There is no sugar in it, just natural sugars like glucose, and no colorants. It’s a clear product. The soda is no good for children, so this is for them. It’s also diabetic friendly, so people with diabetes can enjoy it.