Wed Sep 18 05:08:00 UTC 2024: ## Local Farmer’s $200 Million Expansion: From Small Plot to Fast Food Giant Supplier
**Clarendon, Jamaica** – Nigel Benjamin, CEO of RansBriya Greenhouse Producers Limited, is set to embark on a $200 million expansion of his Douglas Castle farm, driven by growing demand from major fast food chains. This ambitious project signifies a major step forward for the farmer who started with a passion for agriculture nurtured during his childhood.
Benjamin, who grew up in a farming community, inherited his father’s love for agriculture, even tending to his own half-acre plot before school. Following his father’s footsteps, he started supplying restaurants and hotels in Montego Bay in 1995, after leaving high school. He later adopted greenhouse farming, navigating initial challenges with limited information and trial and error. His early adoption of greenhouses gave him an advantage during the rainy season, solidifying his reputation as a reliable supplier.
Benjamin’s journey took a significant turn when he began supplying Versair In-Flite Services, a joint venture between Goddard Enterprises Limited and GraceKennedy Limited, with lettuce for airline meals. This early success was later impacted by Air Jamaica’s divestiture and subsequent changes in airline menus.
However, Benjamin’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore new avenues. He supplied McDonald’s and KFC with vegetables, eventually becoming the sole supplier for KFC on the north coast. He further secured a contract with KFC to process coleslaw, showcasing his processing facilities and commitment to quality.
Today, RansBriya Greenhouse Producers Limited supplies a wide range of fast food restaurants including Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, Burger King, and Popeye’s with fresh produce. Benjamin’s dedication to quality and consistency, even during challenges like Hurricane Beryl, has earned him a reputation for reliability.
Despite the ongoing success, Benjamin is looking to expand his processing facility to meet the ever-growing demand. He recently visited the Netherlands to explore innovative expansion methods, which will be implemented early next year.
Beyond farming, Benjamin is also venturing into other areas, including real estate and construction. He has built a plaza in Kellits with a Juici Patties franchise and is currently developing a residential project in Kingston.
With his commitment to innovation, efficiency, and unwavering passion for agriculture, Nigel Benjamin’s journey from a small plot to a leading supplier for major fast food chains exemplifies the spirit of Jamaican entrepreneurship and highlights the potential of the local agricultural sector.
First Piper 