The Buzz Newsletter

SEPROD NEWSLETTER

QUARTERS 2 & 3

APRIL - SEPTEMBER 2023

On Saturday, September 30th, Team Seprod showed up and showed out at the 2023 staging of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. It was a fantastic evening filled with camaraderie and vibrant energy that culminated with Seprod taking home the Governor General’s Award for Manufacturer of the Year. A huge thank you to our Seprod family as this achievement would not have been possible without your contributions.

CEO’S

Message See pages 3

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS See pages 5, 23, 25, 27, 31, 34

NURSES Corner See pages 12-14, 32

SEPROD

Awards “SEPROD & ITS WINNIN’ WAYS”

The Seprod Group is the proud recipient of the esteemed Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Best in Chamber - Extra Large Enterprise Award 2023.

industry players and service providers – creating a carefully-curated display of Jamaican products and services.

The 38th annual Jamaica Chamber of Commerce award ceremony was held in Kingston on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Expo Jamaica was held from April 27 to 30, 2023.

EXPO JAMAICA 2023 The Seprod Group was awarded 1st place at Expo Jamaica for the “Most Informative Booth” and one of our new products, Supligen Max, which is our stout flavoured Supligen with 5 percent alcohol, got 2nd place for Best New Product.

Expo Jamaica is a multi-sectoral exposition showcasing manufacturers, exporters, primary producers, tourism 2

SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

We are at the end of the year, and how quickly it has flown! Firstly, thank you for choosing to be a part of our community and I hope that our journey together will continue to be mutually beneficial and exciting. I have been doing townhall meetings across the Group to engage with many of you in a more personal way; the discussions have been beneficial for me and I hope that you also share the same sentiment.

How did we perform in 2023?

2023 has been a challenging year on many fronts as we normalize post-Covid. CPL had a rough 18 months as we completed the margarine plant rebuild; the extreme heat and then torrential rains decimated the dairy farms; and IBL’s volumes have literally collapsed to the point where we have had to reduce production by 50%.

Despite these challenges, however, the Group delivered good results, primarily due to the impact of the Brydens Group that we acquired in June 2022. This is the benefit of being a part of a growing conglomerate with diversified businesses; when some businesses underperform, the others can offset it and we end up with decent results. We have done many good things in 2023, including looking after our people.

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If you were to take a step back and really do a honest evaluation, chances are you would conclude that your company is making progress in key areas. I have asked the HR team to list all the changes that have been made in 2023 and communicate them, because our memories are bad when it comes to remembering good news.

clear, the business and social environment is challenging, violent crime riddles our society, competition is getting harder and our overseas suppliers continue to raise prices.

Despite these challenges, we have the right business strategy, people with the right experience and the capability to overcome these challenges.

Plans for 2024

Let us strive to end this year strong, and keep a positive momentum into 2024. Let us be passionate about the business and passionate about winning as a team as we cement our legacy as a top tier company.

Persons keep asking me “What are the plans for 2024?” Well, we already have an approved budget for next year and the respective leadership teams will have discussions with you on the plans and targets, as we strive to create a more transparent organization and one that will be performance driven.

Our common focus across the organization will be on: • Measuring everything and having high urgency in delivering outcomes (i.e. increasing productivity).

• Holding each other (no matter the position) accountable for commitments made.

• Treating everyone with respect and equity.

• Increased marketing investment in our local brands.

• Continuing to improve compensation based on contribution to the business.

• Having an environment brimming with positive energy.

For 2024, we will grow the business by having CPL back to its normal operations and doubling our margarine/ fats output, growing exports, reducing the waste that we have everywhere in our system, being more strategic in our people management, and reducing the losses at the dairy farms. Let me be

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SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

Happy holidays to you and your family, I wish you good health, peace and prosperity.

Warmest regards, RP

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

IMPACT DAY On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Seprod/ Facey Health Services catered to 43 merchandisers and sales reps within the parishes of St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland providing health checks among other services.

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STAFF FEATURE

SERGE

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SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

DAY

The SIFL team enjoyed days of fun, food and frolic at their Serge Day Health and Wellness Fair on June 22nd and 23rd, 2023.

See pictorial highlights below

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Highlights

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D AY

Highlights

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SEPR

F O U N D

Seprod Foundation and USAID launch of the Edu-Skate Extended Programme

“Edu-skate Extended is a fantastic program that helps Kingston’s youth, especially those from undeserved backgrounds and volatile communities, develop important life skills such as awareness, confidence, respect, and resilience. Skills like these are critical for positive personal development and strong communities.”

- Holly Wheeler (US Embassy Representative)

Read Across Jamaica Day

On April 1st, 2023, we launched the partnership between Seprod Foundation and USAID at Freedom Skatepark in support of the Edu-Skate Programme.

Through a USAID grant, valued at USD $24,000, we are able to fund 2 seasons, and expand the reach of the Programme. The Edu-Skate Programme, developed by the Concrete Jungle Foundation, is an innovative and exciting programme that teaches youth life skills through skateboarding. The launch featured remarks from the Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, Holly Wheeler, a skateboarding demonstration and a preview of an Edu-Skate Lesson with students from RISE Life Management Services and Denham Town High School.

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SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

Read Across Jamaica Day is an initiative that is observed island wide that aims to encourage students to develop a healthy habit for reading. This year, Read Across Jamaica was held on Tuesday May 9, 2023.

The Seprod Foundation participated in this initiative

ROD

D AT I O N by having volunteers read to students at the Maxfield Park, Holy Family, Half Way Tree, North Street Primary schools. The Foundation also gifted each school 10 books. We look forward to continuing to work with these schools on other initiatives.

and Morris Knibb Preparatory. The students with the help of the Budding Farmers Grow Club initiative will maintain these starter gardens. The Budding Farmers Grow Club is an initiative that encourages gardening in schools. Seprod Foundation participated in this project by providing refreshments as well as providing four volunteers to assist with the successful completion of the project.

Budding Farmers’ Labour Gardens in school Budding Farmers is an organization that focuses on cultivating young minds through agricultural lessons and fun activities. This Labour Day, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, Budding Farmers moved their initiative to the schoolyards of four schools to participate in a Labour Day project. The team built a starter garden, that is, an 8x4ft plot at each of the four schools - Christel House Jamaica, Half Way Tree Primary, Maxfield Park Primary SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

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NURSES Corner

IBL Mental Health Talk with Dr. Fletcher

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SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

IBL Safety Talk

MY PERSONAL MENTAL HEALTH CHECKLIST Instruction: Select the options that best describe how you are feeling in this current state

□ Feel very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks □ Try to harm or end one’s life or making plans to do so □ Display severe, out-of-control, risk-tasking behavior that causes harm to self or others □ Sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or difficulty breathing □ Significant weight loss or gain □ See, hear or believe things that aren’t real □ Excessive use of alcohol or drugs □ Drastic changes in mood, behaviour, personality or sleeping habits □ Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still □ Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities □ Talk/ vent to family members and friends □ Make time for yourself doing activities that you enjoy □ Practice mindfulness, that is, staying present in the moment and be aware of your thoughts and emotions.

If you are struggling to be emotionally well or just need to talk, WhatsApp Call, Text or request a confidential call to the “Olive Branch Global” Hotline via 876-398-9778.

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Yoga offers physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. And, if you’re going through an illness, recovering from surgery or living with a chronic condition, yoga can become an integral part of your treatment and potentially hasten healing.

BENEFITS OF

Physical Benefits 1. Increase flexibility 2. Increase muscle strength and tone 3. Improve respiration, energy and vitality 4. Maintain balanced metabolism 5. Reduce weight 6. Maintain cardio and circulatory health 7. Improve athletic performance Mental Benefits Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life, Dr. Natalie Nevins.

Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well-being.

1. Create mental clarity and calmness 2. Relax the mind; centers attention 3. Increase body awareness 4. Relieve chronic stress patterns 5. Sharpen concentration

“Love your body, Treat your body right!”

5 Major Health Checks our men and women should conduct annually

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MALES

FEMALES

Blood pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Prostate

Blood pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Cervical cancer, and Breast cancer

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HOW D O YOU M A KE YO U R

VOX POP BRANDON Milk first then mi add di cereal.

That’s how I have been doing that for years, I have never questioned it. So, I don’t see any other way!

MESHEKKA

Okay, so, for me, it is cereal then milk. I have an equal ratio of cereal to milk and I enjoy it either way.

JODONNA

It HAS to be 100% milk and it has to be REALLY hot, then, I put the cereal in and it has to be REALLY soft. I don’t like my cereal crunchy any at all.

ELLINZO

Mi put di cereal and then the milk after cause that a di way mi like it.

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CHILD MONTH IN SCHOOLS Read Across Jamaica Day 2023

On May 9th, 2023, the Seprod Group went out in support of the Read Across Jamaica Day. Five of our employees from the Marketing Department and Business Analytics Team.

David Roper

Omar Dattadean

Sherida Cohen

Sandra Myers

Jamar Rowe

Butterkist in School for Child Month

For the month of May, Butterkist leveraged its products in the celebration of Child month. The brand focused on Cheezy Zoolu sticks, Cheezy Zoolu curls, cheese curls and sandwich cookies as it went into 28 schools through setup and sampling activities.

Dunrobin Primary School

George Headley Primary School

Maxfield Park Primary School

St. Catherine Primary School

St. Catherine Basic School SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

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SEPROD BUSINESS HOUSE

LEAGUE SPORTS TEAMS

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HURRICANE

TIPS It is hurricane season! Let us keep these things top of mind.

1. Prepare/ Retrofit House 2. Procure Emergency Supplies 3. Secure Valuables 4. Make Transport Preparations 5. Keep Safe as the storm approaches 6. Steps to Evacuate 7. Driving Precautions during a storm 8. Stay Safe During A Storm 9. Keep Food and Water Safe 10. Prevent Fires 11. Prevent Carbon Monoxide 12. Keep pests away

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1. Seprod shareholders approved the motion to increase the company’s authorized shares from 780 million shares to one billion, creating 220 million additional units. Though Seprod hasn’t disclosed the reason for the additional capital, our Chairman, PB Scott highlighted that there are “lots of different plans” to be pursued over the next 12 months.

2. Seprod is focused on doubling exports and reaching US$1 billion in sales within the next two years.

Though an ambitious target, our CEO Richard Pandohie said it is achievable, especially with plans to export at least 30 percent of all goods manufactured, including its own products and thirdparty brands, by 2025.

PB

Honoured 22

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STAFF FEATURE

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Shadae

Mitchell We are extremely pleased to recognize Shadae Mitchell, HR Coordinator- Seprod, for advancing her HR career towards achievement of her Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation. SHRM-CP is an international certification for HR Professionals.

Shadae joins the list of HR Professionals at Seprod, and within Jamaica who have achieved this designation.

Achieving this certi��cation is a major professional milestone.

It took sacri��ce, discipline and determination. I’m pleased to be among the HR Professionals within Jamaica who have achieved this designation, - Shadae Mitchel

We congratulate her for demonstrating the passion, discipline, grit and determination in undertaking this demanding course and for being successful in her recent examinations.

We are all proud of you... Miss Shadae Mitchell, SHRM-CP. SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

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SEPROD BRANDS C R U I S I N ’

T O

N E W

P O R T S

SEPROD POSITIONS ITS BRANDS FOR THE CRUISE LINE INDUSTRY On Wednesday, August 23rd, Jamaica hosted Royal Caribbean at the Cruise Procurement Expo at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The event brought together renowned suppliers from esteemed companies such as GraceKennedy Limited, Jamaica Producers, Seprod Group of Companies, Trade Winds (Tru Juice), AustroJam, and Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (CPJ).

The main objective of this expo was to showcase the diverse range of quality products offered by local suppliers that are poised to cater to the needs of cruise ships visiting Jamaica’s cruise ports. Each supplier had the opportunity to present their unique offerings, establishing valuable connections and potential partnerships with Royal Caribbean.

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STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Shalando WILSON Mr. Shalando Wilson, who is employed to Serge Dairies as an Electrical Supervisor, was recently appointed to the Committee of Examiners by the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology. In this capacity he is empowered under Part X of the Electricity Act, 2015 - Government Electrical Regulator (GER), to assist in the selection and certification of registered Electricians and Technical Electrical Assistants in Jamaica.

This appointment is valid for two (2) years and is effective July 1, 2023.

The Management and Staff of the Seprod Group of Companies commend and congratulate Shalando on his appointment. We wish him every success for the future in his acceptance of this noble call to serve his country and fellow citizens.

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Denbigh

HIGHLIGHTS

Once again the Seprod “House” at Denbigh was a hive of excitement and deals!

SIFL Winnings

There were a constant flow of patrons at the 69th Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show buzzing through the Seprod booth partaking in samples from our myriad of brands, purchasing our more than affordable combo joining in deals and customer engagement activities led by our resident MC, Markous Moore.

We made $2.3Mil in sales over the three-day period, which was a 109% increase from the previous year.

Infront: Nigel Rose Back L-R: Cavoney “Buju” McLaren, Rowaldo Humes, Marcia McPherson, Bryan Phillips, Devon “Khaki” Edmundson, Donald Bennett

The Serge Island Farm (SIFL) team went into the 69th Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show pumped and ready to display the best of Serge Farm’s cattle. This year, after months of careful selection and nurturing, the team selected 23 cows and one bull with the youngest being between 0-1 years and the oldest being between 5- 7 years.

In the end, the SIFL team walked away with four trophies, Livestock Competition for Best Uddered Dairy Cow, Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer, Champion Cow (Other Dairy Breeds), and Champion Heifer (Other Dairy Breeds).

Congratulations to our Serge Farms Team!

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SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

JGC STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

SHOE Farewell CLEANING “Pound”& Jack ETIQUETTE JGC Management Team brought in Mr. Asif Williams, Managing Director of The Heel Bar for a discussion and demonstration on Shoe Cleaning on June 30, 2023. The session was well received.

The major takeaway was the method of Shoe Cleaning outlined by Mr. Williams.

1. Wipe it clean 2. Protect it by polishing 3. Shine it The JGC employees were engaged and received prizes for: •

Cleanest Shoes

•

Dirtiest Shoes

•

Half Clean/Half Dirty & Steps for shoe cleaning

JGC said farewell to Alton “Pound” Davidson and Carl Jack at their Retirement Party on June 30, 2023.

These gentlemen have given the best years of their working life to Seprod in various capacities at JGC. They have accumulated a wealth of experience during their tenure and have shared equally their skills with us. Their high level of professionalism was admired and it was bittersweet having to let them go. Walk good, Alton & Carl!!

Jennifer Thompson hands a token of appreciation to Asif Williams of The Heel Bar for his engaging presentation to the employees of JGC on June 30, 2023.

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SEPROD FOUNDATION

Budding Farmers Summer Camp

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The Budding Farmers Grow Camp is a Summer programme for children ages 4-10 years old.

The camp organizers and Seprod Foundation share the same value in Food Security and its ability to contribute to sustainability in Jamaica. The camp’s goal is to teach the children the benefits of “eating what we grow”.

Throughout the course of both stagings of the camp, the students were engaged in several micro activity pods where they were able to learn about topics such as photography, the arts and climate change, shopping for a balanced meal as well as a myriad of agricultural topics like caring for farm animals and building composts.

OUCC AWARDS The Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC) tests the problem solving and computational skills of students from Grades 4-13. Seprod Foundation has partnered with Halls of Learning, who are the local organizers of the challenge. The challenge covers a wide range of topics in computer science and programming which encourages the students to think critically and creatively.

The first staging of the camp was held from July 3-15, 2023 where 17 children participated, 5 of whom were from Christel House. The second staging of the camp was August 8-19, 2023 where 15 students participated.

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At the end of the programme, Seprod Foundation joined the children, parents and administrators of RISE Life for a closing and awards ceremony. We were able to celebrate the students being recognized for excellence in various areas as well as observe their tablets through presentations of poetry, dance and seeing their work, done throughout the programme, on display.

RISE Summer Camp & Closing Ceremony RISE Life hosted its summer programme, under the theme Stimulating Young Minds to Become Achievers (SYMBA), from July 1027, 2023. The programme hosted 44 children from the wider communities of Parade Gardens and Rae Town. The goal of the camp was to cultivate within the students, a passion for learning through creative and engaging means.

Outreach Day Seprod Foundation partnered with Halls of Learning to host their Outreach Day. Outreach Day is a day where Halls of Learning opens their doors to children of all ages to come and participate in various robotics, coding and STEM activities, free of cost.

The day saw 150 children exploring and getting hands-on experience with each activity station. It was a great way to introduce or maintain excitement and fun surrounding robotics and coding in the youth.

SEPROD FOUNDATION

When the competition ended, Seprod Foundation was pleased to, again, partner with Halls of Learning in organizing an awards ceremony that showcased the students who performed exceptionally well on the challenges.

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IMPACT DAY #3

On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Facey team organized their third Health Impact Day #3. This third staging saw 68 employees from Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Thomas and St. Catherine.

According to chief organizer, Carol Morgan, Occupational Nurse based at Facey Pharmaceuticals, “it was a major success and we could not have attained such a significant level of success without the partnership of the internal and external stakeholders”.

The employees as well as members of the participating external health teams were all appreciative of the medical services rendered and the various samples offered.

Below were the offerings made available: • Free doctor’s visit • Optical screening • Vital signs checks - blood pressure, blood sugar & cholesterol • Height, weight & MBI • Dietary counselling • Complete blood count including Hemoglobin • Dental services • Health presentations • NHF card application & presentation • Services by RGD • HIV & Syphilis tests via MOH mobile Unit • Presentation & services of National Council on Drug Abuse

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STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

The Seprod Group has 36 certified Problem Management + Providers who can assist the employees and or can refer persons to the relevant professionals.

Problem Management + is a hybrid initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness in association with the World Health Organization and PAHO. We were a part of the second cohort to undergo this training.

According to the WHO, in a number of years, the impact of mental health is so severe, that, training the ordinary citizen in problem management will be vital.

“It will build the capacity of the Seprod participants to be equipped to assist or allow them the opportunity to refer an individual seeking assistance”, Nurse Carol Morgan.

The skills gained in the training can be of benefit to our work, home, communities, churches.

Five supervisors and 31 partners were trained in areas of problem solving.

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Corner

The men of Seprod got their Prostate Cancer Screenings done as a part of the Prostate Cancer Awareness Month activities. We applaud you for taking control of your health!

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Amazingly good School Invasion On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Butterkist embarked on a heartwarming outreach initiative to engage basic, primary, and high school students on Red Hills Road where it is located and its environs.

Butterkist visited eight (8) schools in a bid to spread some back-to-school joy and encouragement as part of its commitment to fostering community relationships and supporting education.

Butterkist gifted students with special packages filled with a delightful assortment of their signature biscuits and cheese snacks.

The schools visited by Butterkist include: • St. Richards Infant School • St. Richards Primary School • Meadowbrook High School • Meadowbrook Prep School • Dunrobin Primary School • Immaculate Conception High School • Sunbeam Early Childhood Development Centre • Constant Spring Primary and Junior High School

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STAFF HIGHLIGHTS 34

JAMAICA DAY

AT CPL

SEPROD NEWSLETTER - APRIL - SEPTEMBER

Football Knockout Champion

Seprod is the KSAFA Business House Football Knockout Champion for 2023.

Seprod denied Metrodade Security in the final knockout match. Tyreke Campbell, the double goal scorer on the day, ensured that Seprod secured the trophy in their 2 - 1 victory on Sunday, September 10th, 2023.

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We are pleased to announce the launch of our newest internal communications platform, WhatsApp Messaging. Now, employees all across the Group will be able to receive text, photo, and video messages Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Please note, that in the event of an emergency, we may be required to message you outside of this promised time frame.