In addition to its thriving tourist industries, Jamaica is also home to a variety of other factories and industries, some of which produce products that are known and respected internationally. Several of these factories offer tours that are really quite interesting, allowing the visitors to see a different side of Jamaica than that which they would ordinarily get to see by sticking to the traditional tourist sights throughout the island.

Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of these interesting places, offering day tours and group tours to the public. Blue Mountain coffee beans are considered by many connoisseurs throughout the world to be among the highest quality coffee beans in the world. These are the coffee beans that are processed at the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, run by a family whose roots in the Jamaican coffee business go back generations. Visitors will enjoy a tour through the facilities and see the various processes that these famous beans go through before reaching the coffee international market.

High Mountains Coffee Factory also offers day tours and group tours. At this factory, visitor will learn a great deal about the roasting process and taste a sample of their fine quality coffee. Located in Mandeville, this factory produces the second most well known coffee variety in Jamaica. There is a gift shop at which, among other things, coffee beans roasted on site can be purchased.

Also in Mandeville is the Bammy Factory, which produces the Bammy, which is an integral part of Jamaican cuisine. This traditional cassava cake is often served with fish. This, and the nearby Pickapepper Sauce Factory at Shooters Hill can be toured by appointment, and are sure to please those with an interest in traditional Jamaican cuisine. For those whose taste leans towards health foods, a tour of the West Indies College’s Westco Foods Factory will prove to be a rewarding experience.

The Magic Toy Factory is found in the very small town of Walderston. It is housed in an old, red house in a rural setting. The grounds are beautiful, with gardens featuring lovely orchids. Beyond the gardens are forests. A variety of items are produced here, many by hand, including jigsaw puzzles, earrings, pins and plaques. Prices are reasonable, and the products are interesting and often quite unique. 

In Williamsfield, the Pioneer Chocolate Factory offers tours by appointment. It’s a wonderful chance to purchase some of the best chocolate made on the island, in addition to learning about the chocolate making process while touring the scrupulously neat facility.

Touring the local factories and industries is an educational and interesting experience. In addition to learning about how both internationally respected products and local favorites are produced and enjoying some great samples, you will get to meet local residents outside of the traditional tourist settings. This may be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. By purchasing local goods, you’ll not only enjoy unique, quality products, but also you’ll make an important contribution to the local economy.

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