KINGSTON, Jamaica — One of Jamaica’s leading egg producers, CB Foods, has suspended distribution of its flagship egg brands following extensive storm damage to its primary poultry facility in Bamboo, St Ann.
The disruption comes in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which decimated a significant portion of the nation’s agricultural infrastructure. CB Foods confirmed that its facility sustained major damage, leaving operations at a standstill and cutting off supply of both Smart Eggs and Chippenham Eggs indefinitely.
In a public address, the company expressed solidarity with affected Jamaicans, stating, “These have been trying times for many, and our team is no exception. We are committed to restoring supply and rebuilding what’s been lost.”
The egg shortage compounds what has already become a national agricultural crisis. Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green, speaking in Parliament earlier this week, disclosed that approximately 458,000 layer birds—roughly half of Jamaica’s egg-laying stock—were wiped out during the hurricane. In response, the government has initiated emergency imports of eggs and key household staples to stabilize market supply and prevent a broader food shock.
CB Foods has launched internal recovery plans and is mobilizing resources to expedite repairs at the St Ann farm. However, no timeline has been provided for the return of regular production and distribution.
Despite the setback, the company praised its customers for their patience and reassured them of its commitment to transparency and recovery. The announcement was shared via its official Instagram page and has since circulated widely, sparking concerns about short-term availability across grocery chains and restaurants.
With hurricane recovery efforts now in full motion, CB Foods joins a growing list of Jamaican companies forced into temporary halt by a disaster that has exposed the vulnerabilities of domestic food supply systems.
