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Cool Runnings is a popular term in the cultural zeitgeist. Most agree that it originates from the debut of the Jamaican National Bobsleigh Team at the 1988 Winter Olympics. However, it has also become popular because Cool Runnings is a term used by most Jamaicans. It means ‘peace be the journey’. Moreover, there is a popular film by the same name, which was released in 1993. In fact, the sports-comedy movie popularized the Jamaica National Bobsleigh Team’s success globally.
But Jamaicans missing a taste of home will also be happy to know that Cool Runnings Foods is a company that produces everything you need to make dishes that transport you back to the homeland. The spice brand has over 300 products today, including different spices, seasonings, sauces, drinks, etc. The business was established in 1992 and has been operational for over 30 years now.
As the summer season starts, everyone wants to enjoy the weather and get in touch with nature. After all, most Canadian cities experience significant snowfall during the winters, and staying indoors without being able to enjoy going on hikes or camping trips can take a toll on people.
When most people head into the woods on a camping trip, they usually bring enough pre-packaged goods to last them for their stay. However, taking pre-packaged food isn’t always the healthiest option. Instead, you might want to rekindle nature by barbecuing meat in the great outdoors.
If you’re from the Caribbean nations, you’ll want to ensure your meat tastes like home, and there’s no better way to do that than with the help of Cool Runnings Foods’ spices and seasonings, which are as authentic as they come. The Canadian-Caribbean Food Distributor prides itself on providing the most authentic Caribbean flavors and provides unique spice blends that can spice up the most basic meals. The company’s products are also affordable and easy to use, meaning you don’t need complicated recipes or appliances to cook authentic Caribbean food while basking in nature’s glory.
The company has an exceptional backstory. Paul formed the business after coming from a business-oriented family back in Guyana. He states, “My father was a rice farmer, and my mother had a stall selling clothes and food in the local market. My parents would purchase products in bulk, repackage them in smaller quantities to sell. The entrepreneurial world is full of ups and downs, but they experienced great success in the spices business. So, it’s all I have known in my life. I decided to follow in their footsteps because they always inspired me.”
After moving to Canada, Paul became an entrepreneur, sourcing barley flour and glucose locally, packaging and exporting it to Caribbean countries such as Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. This business performed well, prompting Paul to focus on his business instead of pursuing higher education at a university. Nonetheless, he wanted to expand his business, so he also began to try selling his products locally.
Selling products to local stores was tougher. Paul would go around town trying to sell barley flour and glucose to different stores. Unfortunately, he realized that while most stores were happy to purchase glucose, most weren’t keen to purchase barley flour because they didn’t know about it. It was unsurprising, considering barley flour is mostly popular with people from Caribbean countries.
Then, one day, his fortunes changed when he stumbled into an Indian spice shop. He noticed they sold spices in bulk, igniting a spark in his head. It was a lightbulb moment. Paul knew that spices were more popular. This realization gave him the idea to package spices and sell them to the local stores in Toronto. He also knew his demographic of Guyanese and Trinidadians in Canada weren’t keen buyers of his products because they preferred to make homemade food instead of using ready-to-go seasonings and sauces. Hence, he decided to focus on the Jamaican contingent in Canada instead.
Jamaicans were always proud of their heritage and didn’t shy away from spending money on food. They would happily spend on spices and seasonings if they reminded them of their homeland. Thus, with an ideal customer base and niche present, Paul decided to start Cool Runnings Foods.
Today, Paul is a self-made entrepreneur who acquired early capital from close friends and family to start the company. He poured his blood, sweat, and tears into the business, building it up brick by brick. The organization employs over 30 employees and continues to grow annually. Mainstream clients like No Frills, Walmart, Food Basics, Sobeys, etc., have also listed it. If you’re looking to ditch bland food and spice it up, Cool Runnings Foods has you covered.
