Sheryl’s Homemade Pepper Sauce creates a flavourful experience
Published:Saturday | September 28, 2024 | 5:29 PMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Despite struggling with a non-communicable illness, Sheryl Kerr-Palmer remains a determined entrepreneur, and the recent launch of her innovative pepper sauce brand, Sheryl’s Homemade Pepper Sauce, is a testament to her resolve to help stamp Brand Jamaica across the globe.
This authentic Jamaican sauce, which is known for its mouth-watering flavour and fiery kick, is quickly gaining popularity in the local market and is also getting a foothold overseas.
“Within a month, I can do two batches consisting of seven cases of 24 bottles, and, if that sell off, I can do another batch or even more, because I have the pepper,” said Kerr-Palmer, whose pepper sauce is created from a combination of Scotch Bonnet pepper, escallion, lime juice, salt, ginger, onion, sugar, and carrots.
Manufactured and distributed from Galloway District in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, Sheryl’s Homemade Pepper Sauce can be found on the shelves of local supermarkets and in restaurants. And she is beaming with pride that it has made its way into Jamaican communities overseas where it is bringing them happy memories of home.
Kerr-Palmer’s journey to her Sheryl’s Homemade Pepper Sauce brand is being viewed as a testament to her resilience and passion, having transitioned from a career in cashiering to farming. She began growing peppers, which later blossomed into her bottling, labelling and packaging her own brand.
“My story exemplifies how determination and hard work can transform one’s life and lead to significant achievements,” said Kerr-Palmer, who is now happy that she decided to follow her passion, and adapting to the challenges.
As Kerr-Palmer now eyes expanding the business, Sheryl’s Homemade Pepper Sauce brand has been registered with the Company Offices of Jamaica and has the stamp of approval from the Bureau of Standards of Jamaica.
Kerr-Palmer expressed her appreciation for the guidance she received from Camille Ambersley, a social services and home economics officer at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in Westmoreland.
It was Ambersley who introduced her to the idea of backyard farming and provided practical advice on growing and caring for containerised Scotch Bonnet peppers in a greenhouse setting.
“I saw where backyard farming and doing my pepper could work. It became not just a hobby, but I saw where I could get a business out of it,” said Kerr-Palmer, who is a member of the Savanna-la-Mar Health Centre Support Group for persons living with non-communicable illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension.
WANT OWN SUPPLIES
At present, the female farmer and entrepreneur works alone in her agro-processing cottage industry business, but she hopes to have a member of staff as part of her expansion plans.
“I know it’s me alone now, so I take my time to do what I am doing. But, in time to come, I will employ even one person to help,” said Kerr-Palmer.
Among the outlets that now carry Sheryl’s Homemade Pepper Sauce are: Long Peng Supermarket and Successor Supermarket in Savanna-la-Mar; B & D Meat and Minimart in Sheffield Square; and Sunset at the Palms Gift Shop on the Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril.
Eateries Sweet Spice Restaurant in Darliston and the Gazebo Restaurant at Dunbar’s River in Savanna-la-Mar are now using Sheryl’s Homemade Pepper Sauce to spice up their dishes.
“When customers taste the pepper sauce, they write down the number from the bottle and call me to get their own supply. If they are going overseas, they will pick up a couple bottles to take with them,” Kerr-Palmer shared with The Gleaner.
“As a woman farmer, I see myself as an achiever.”