Roberts 70th Anniversary 1944 2014

Contents

Quick snapshot of the extensive history of this

70-year old enterprise – Roberts Manufacturing

Co. Limited. Did you know the company started

out under a breadfruit tree? Look how far we

have come thanks to you!

The Board of Directors of Roberts

Manufacturing Co. Limited stands confi dent

with the management and staff looking

optimistically toward future successes of the

company.

We continue to be challenged as part of the

manufacturing sector by regional and

international competitors. Read how we plan

to press on and overcome these challenges.

BMA Director acknowledges Roberts’

milestone worthy of high praise.

Learn the background of the directors who

chart the path for Roberts Manufacturing Co.

Limited.

As an institution that takes its social

responsibility very seriously, Roberts

Manufacturing Co. Limited has over the years

provided valued support to many a worthy cause.

Acclaimed Chef Peter Edey praises Roberts for

investing in the development of the local and

regional culinary fi eld.

Want to purchase our products? Get in touch

with any of our local distributors in Barbados

and across the Caribbean and North America.

Meet the men and women who have led

Roberts this far and who will continue

steering the company into the future.

Let’s introduce you to all those whose love and

hard work are key ingredients in the cooking

products and animal feeds produced by the

Roberts family of companies – Roberts

Manufacturing Co. Limited, Pinnacle Feeds Ltd.

and Vitamin Pet Foods Ltd. Also meet the staff

of the Roberts Farm & Pet Mart.

Our people mean everything to us.

Without our employees, Roberts Manufacturing

could not exist. Naturally we place a strong

focus on our human resources. Read more.

The attainment of any milestone in business is

worthy of celebration, but none more so than

the celebration of longevity in one’s chosen

industry. Here’s to 70 years for Roberts!

Learn how we add healthy fl avour to your life

with our beloved range of cooking margarines,

spreads, shortenings and soybean oil.

You’re already familiar with our products

but we’d love to tell you more about them.

Show off your love of cooking with the

Roberts recipe cards on pages 37 – 44.

The marketing function is critical to the success

of the entire Roberts family of companies.

Bakeries large and small choose no substitutes

to the high quality and consistency of Roberts’

products.

Every year thousands of Roberts-manufactured

products are shipped out of the island enriching

our economy and spreading the word of valued

Barbadian goods. Here’s a testimonial from one

of Roberts’ long-time export partners in Trinidad.

Historical Highlights

Message from the Chairman

Message from the Managing Director

Message from the BMA

Board of Directors

Roberts –A Cheerful Giver

Passion Feeds Success

Distributor ListingCompany Leadership

Meet our Staff

Strong Focus on HR Development

Time for Thanksgiving

The Production Process

Know Our Products

Roberts Recipe Cards

Marketing – Propelling the Company Forward

Consistency Pleases Bakers

Little Woods FoodsA Long-Time Partner of Roberts

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Editor: Lyle Jones, Advertising Manager: Paulette Jones,

Writers: Nick Nunes, Tyson Henry, Lyle Jones,

Shari Green, Jennifer Branch-Maloney

Photography: Brian O’neale, Amery Butcher,

Crucial Productions Inc

Design: Sian In Design Inc., Layout: Imageworx

Advertising Executives: Kelly Johnally, Debbie Brathwaite

Printers: Printweb Caribbean Ltd.

Credits

2 ROBERTS MANUFACTURING CO. LIMITED • 70TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE

1944 Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited was established on March 24,

1944 - named after founder, J. C. Roberts (pictured above left).

1947 Roberts Glow Spread Margarine and Roberts Mello Kreem

Margarine were fi rst produced in the old BICO building on Bay

Street, St Michael, and launched in Barbados.

The canning plant was commissioned to produce cans to contain

margarine and for the local paint manufacturing industry.

1956 Animal feed for United States brand Full-O-Pep began under an

arrangement with the Quaker company. Full-O-Pep Feeds was

later renamed Wayne Feeds under a franchise from Continental

Milling.

1969 The shortening and margarine plant moved to join the feed

operation in Government Hill, St Michael.

1981 The company acquired the majority shareholding in Vitamin Pet

Foods Ltd and added the production of dog, puppy and cat food.

Cat food production was later discontinued.

Roberts also purchased Chick Growers Ltd – a poultry processing

plant.

1988 The computerised feed plant and administrative offi ces moved to

Lower Estate, St Michael.

1989 Roberts ceased production of metal containers and introduced

packaging confi gurations for the shortening and margarine

products in plastic containers.

The Roberts Farm and Pet Mart was added to the Lower Estate

operation.

1991 The shortening and margarine plant was relocated to Lower Estate.

1993 The plant at Lower Estate was expanded with the commissioning

of the soybean extraction plant.

1998 Roberts gained International Organization for Standardization

(ISO) 9002: 1994 certifi cation within a record time of nine months.

2000 The feed division of Roberts was amalgamated with that of ADM

Barbados Feeds to form Pinnacle Feeds Ltd.

2001 Pinnacle Feeds Ltd introduced a quarterly newsletter for the

farming community called The Feed Solution which is still

published today.

2002 Roberts upgraded its ISO certifi cation to ISO 9001: 2000

management systems.

2003 Roberts obtained the Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Point

(HACCP) certifi cation.

2005 Roberts partnered with the Junior Duelling Challenge programme

which has soared in popularity. This has grown into an additional

programme for the region under the Caribbean Junior Duelling

Challenge name, both of which Roberts title sponsors to this very

day.

Pinnacle Feeds Ltd became the sole platinum sponsor of Agrofest.

Installed a new fully computer-operated system to provide more

effi cient controls for the feed plant.

2008 Installed a state-of-the-art Gerstenberg Schroder Perfector unit

(heat exchanger) to automate some aspects of Roberts’ shortening

and margarine production process to optimise consistency in

product quality.

Installed a new Geelen pellet cooler for the feed plant.

Historical Highlights

ROBERTS MANUFACTURING CO. LIMITED • 70TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE 3

2009 Installed a new Andritz pellet mill in the feed plant.

2010 Implementation of health and safety procedures throughout

the company.

2011 The Roberts quality assurance team commenced the

migration of margarines and spreads to trans-fat-free

formulae.

Launched Eat Bajan Meat advertising campaign for Pinnacle

Feeds Ltd.

2012 Formed an alliance with Eurofi ns Laboratory to provide

technical support for analysis of raw materials and fi nished

products enabling same-day analysis.

Created a Facebook community for local dog enthusiasts at

Barbados Loves Dogs supported by Vitamin Pet Foods Ltd.

2013 Launched Roberts online cooking community on Facebook

at Caribbean Loves Cooking, which won a Gold Addy

Award in 2014, in line with the overall theme “For The

Love Of Cooking!” for the Roberts portfolio of shortenings,

margarines, spreads and soybean cooking oils.

Roberts won the Best Booth Award for the Food Pavilion at

the Barbados Manufacturers’ Expo (BMEX) 2013.

Pinnacle Feeds Ltd opened a Facebook page to promote

farming and eating locally produced meat. This page can be

found at Eat Bajan Meat.

Roberts provided sponsorship of the 20th Biennial

Conference of the Caribbean Association of Home

Economists Inc. held in Barbados.

2014 Pinnacle Feeds Ltd returned as the sole platinum sponsor of

Agrofest.

Commercialisation of new packaging – labels and caps – for

the soybean cooking oils under the Roberts, Sunrise and

Buyer’s Choice brands.

Roberts won the Best Booth Award for the Food Pavilion

at the Barbados Manufacturers’

Expo (BMEX) 2013.


Message from the

Chairman

THIS YEAR MARKS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE FOR ROBERTS

MANUFACTURING CO. LIMITED AS IT COMMEMORATES ITS 70TH

ANNIVERSARY.

Established on March 24, 1944, as a private entity producing soap

and its fi rst margarine formulation called Oleo, the history of Roberts

Manufacturing has been one of challenges and successes.

The company emerged at a time when the island was oriented towards

an agricultural economy; moreover, its continuing dependence on

imported raw materials made it susceptible to market demands and

increasing costs. Additionally, the onset of market liberalisation over

the last decade has led to increased competition.

Despite these challenges, the development of Roberts over the past

seven decades has been nothing short of remarkable. Its growth and

development have been characterised by the enterprising spirit of

its management, its talented and highly trained staff , exceptional

products, outstanding product innovation and diversifi cation, a loyal

and valued customer base – both locally and regionally – and its

evolution into a modern plant with more effi cient processes.

In fact, the true mark of this progressive indigenous company has been

its ability to consistently adapt, forge ahead, and make the necessary

adjustments in unpredictable operating environments with changing

customer demands and expectations.

However, Roberts cannot rely solely on its past experiences and

achievements to ensure its success in the future. Our focus for

the future will therefore hinge on a number of strategic

initiatives:

• As an industry leader, Roberts has an important role to play in

the area of food security and sustainability and the generation

of foreign exchange. Our aim will be to strengthen our eff ort to

further support the farming community in initiatives which seek to

increase the production of high-quality poultry and meats for local

consumption, thereby assisting in the national eff ort to shrink the

annual food import bill.

• We must vigorously pursue the alternative use of local ingredients

in the manufacturing of feeds, which would result in a substantial

reduction in our demand for foreign exchange to buy raw materials

while at the same time benefi t our agricultural community.

• With the national fuel bill hovering around $800 million yearly,

we will be seeking to utilise alternative energy in the running

of plant operations, which will result in a decrease in the use of

foreign exchange and operating costs, redounding to benefi t the

consumer through lower prices.

• Ultimately, our goal as a business will be to fi nd new markets and

increase market penetration. Roberts is therefore poised to grow

through its relationship with its shareholding companies, Neal

& Massy and ANSA McAL, which both have a strong retail and

distribution presence throughout the Caribbean.

As Roberts stands on the cusp of this platinum anniversary, the board

of directors and management draw their confi dence for the future

from the successes of the past 70 years, but we assure our valued

stakeholders – employees, customers, suppliers and associates – of our

commitment to be more deliberate and forward-thinking to ensure the

sustainability of the company for generations to come.

Frere DelmasA History of Challenges and Successes


THE YEAR 2014 MARKS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE

HISTORY OF ROBERTS MANUFACTURING CO. LIMITED;

from humble beginnings and a vision from our founders, we

have grown from a workforce of 25 employees in 1944 to more

than 160 employees in 2014. Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited

is recognised for producing quality products that are consumed

locally, regionally and internationally.

The company has worked systematically to transform its

manufacturing processes and products over the years. In 1998,

Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited gained recognition for being

the fi rst company in Barbados to be ISO (International Organization

for Standardization) registered and in June 2003, the company

attained certifi cation in the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control

Point (HACCP) system. These certifi cations confi rm the high

standards in terms of quality and production processes that exist

within the company which our customers have grown accustomed

to, but they will also signal to potential customers that our

products meet the rigours of international standards.

As the modern consumer evolves so must our portfolio of

products. Research and development is a major strategic initiative

that we are constantly investing in to ensure that we build a

pathway to the future. Technology will also play a key role in

maintaining competitiveness as competition both locally and in

the export markets will continue to increase.

It is vital that with the growth of the company, there will be further

need to provide specialised training for staff to ensure we can

cope with the demands of our current operating environment.

A key initiative going forward would be the implementation of a

customer service management system to solidify our commitment

to maintaining and improving the level of service we provide to

our internal and external customers and to better understand their

needs.

The local manufacturing sector will be challenged by regional and

international competitors that will continue to threaten our market

share. This will call for increased innovation, further improvement

to our manufacturing processes and implementation of increased

effi ciencies as markets become more liberalised. This is a challenge

that we need to respond to rapidly if we are to continue to be

sustainable. I am confi dent that with the necessary resources we

can continue on a path for expansion and competitiveness.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our partners

in helping us achieve this important milestone – our employees,

customers, suppliers and associates that have contributed to our

continued success. Special thanks to all of the past and present

chairmen and directors of Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited, who

have provided guidance and support to the management through

the years, as well as our shareholders Neal & Massy Holdings and

ANSA McAL Limited for their confi dence in the long-term viability

of the Roberts Group of companies.

Message from the

Managing Director

David Foster

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our partners in helping us achieve this important milestone.

Ever Keeping PaceWith The Times


FOR 70 YEARS, ROBERTS MANUFACTURING HAS WHIPPED

ITS WAY INTO THE HEARTS OF BARBADIANS – BOTH YOUNG

AND OLD.

For those who have been around long enough to savour the

memories of breadfruit topped with Roberts Mello Kreem

Margarine (when it came in a can) and Roberts Glow Spread which

was served on biscuits or was the key ingredient for every cake or

sweet bread made, Roberts is indeed a Barbadian household name.

This company’s impact goes way beyond the culinary delights that

it has presented to us through the years. Its growth, development

and vision over the decades have made it a sterling contributor to

our national economy and as an exporter of a variety of products,

its contribution to our foreign exchange reserves is undeniable.

As an employer of over 150 staff , Roberts continues to create jobs

and supports local families right across Barbados. Its investment

in state-of-the-art equipment ensures operational effi ciency and

high-quality products for all Barbadians and, most of all, Roberts

ensures that the products that we have grown to rely on for our

favourite dishes are still available today.

Roberts Manufacturing has been a member of the Barbados

Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) for more than 30 years; as

part of the Food and Beverage Group, its contribution has been

commendable. It is a long-standing partner and has consistently

supported the BMA’s fl agship exhibition – BMEX. Year after year

patrons look forward to the impact and contribution of Roberts’

exhibit. From its prized recipe cards, to new product off erings, to

the demonstrations of creative ways to use Roberts’ products, the

company is defi nitely a must-see exhibitor at BMEX every year.

Roberts is an authentic Barbadian company, designing its products

with Barbadian fl air and fl avour. Its product range has exploded

over the years and quality has been delivered with continued

excellence. Roberts Manufacturing is one of those companies that

the BMA is proud to have as a member. Its contribution to the

manufacturing sector is noteworthy and the organisation is well

positioned to help share its best practices and pave the way for

other manufacturers to follow. Its visibility and contribution at the

community level are also admirable and convey a true sense of

Roberts’ identity.

Seventy years is indeed a great milestone and worthy of

celebration. Many companies have risen and regrettably fallen

over this period of time, but the strength and character of Roberts

Manufacturing have seen it through the years.

Manufacturing is at the heart of our national economy and

when we choose local products rather than lesser quality imports,

we continue to ensure that companies like Roberts

Manufacturing are here for many years to come. The company

knows and shares our tastes; its products are competitively priced;

it provides jobs for Barbadians and thus strengthens our

economy.

This is an excellent opportunity for us at the Barbados

Manufacturers’ Association to salute Roberts Manufacturing on

this milestone. The journey has only just begun as it continues to

innovate, improve and deliver great Barbadian products both here

and abroad.

Message from the

BMA

Bobbi McKayA Milestone Worthy of High Praise

[email protected]


Board of Directors

CHAIRMAN

As Country Manager for the Neal & Massy Group in Barbados since 2013,

Frere Delmas serves as Chairman for a number of Neal & Massy’s locally based

subsidiaries and as a Director on the boards of others.

During his 35-year career, Delmas accumulated a wealth of management

experience and knowledge in the areas of food retailing and wholesale

distribution. He provides leadership oversight at the domestic level and for the

group’s retail interests in St Lucia.

Prior to his current post, Delmas was the Executive Chairman for Neal & Massy’s

Retail Business Unit and, before that, the Executive Chairman of the BS&T

(Barbados Shipping & Trading) Food Retail and Distribution Division. He was also

a BS&T board director prior to Neal & Massy’s acquisition of BS&T and also held

other management positions in this sector.

Delmas pursued studies in Business Administration at Loughborough College in

England prior to starting his career.

HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE

(ENGINEERING) – MANAGING DIRECTOR

In 1992, David Foster joined Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited as Chief

Engineer, after a career in the sugar industry where he was part of the

engineering team responsible for building the Portvale Sugar Factory.

Foster was appointed Managing Director in 2008 and has been serving the

company with exemplary service for the past 22 years. He represents the

company on the boards of Pinnacle Feeds Ltd, Vitamin Pet Foods Ltd, Barbados

Agricultural Society, Southern Meats Inc. and Plastic Containers Ltd.

Foster served with distinction as a former president of the Barbados

Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) and actively lobbies on behalf of the

manufacturing sector. He represented the BMA on the board of the Barbados

Investment and Development Corporation and was specially selected as

Chairman of the Facility Committee.

He has a passion for photography, enjoys sports, is a keen squash player and

has also represented Barbados in this game.

Frere Delmas

David G. Foster


NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nicholas Mouttet is the President and Chief Executive Offi cer of the ANSA McAL

(Barbados) Ltd. Group of companies. This includes responsibility for subsidiaries across

the Caribbean, including Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua and Jamaica.

Mouttet has over 16 years’ experience in marketing and sales regionally and holds

a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Florida International

University.

He has been actively involved in charitable work and has served as President for the

Young Men’s Christian Association in Trinidad and also as a Director on the board of

the Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, among many other associations.

(HBA IVEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 1983)


Randall Banfi eld has been employed by the BS&T Group of companies since 1983.

He currently serves on the boards of Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited, Super

Centre Ltd, Knights Ltd, Neal & Massy Inc. (USA), NMH Trading & Distribution

(Jamaica) Ltd and as a trustee of the BS&T Pension Fund. Banfi eld is the Managing

Director of SBI Distribution Inc. He and his wife Marcia are the proud parents of

three children.

MBA, ACIB –


Ray Sumairsingh holds directorships on several ANSA McAL boards, including ANSA

McAL Limited, ANSA Merchant Bank Limited, TATIL and TATIL Life Assurance Ltd. He

represents the group on associated companies’ boards in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada,

Guyana, Jamaica and St Lucia.

Sumairsingh is a former President and Director of the Association of Trinidad and Tobago

Insurance Companies, where he served with distinction for 18 years, as well as President

and Director of the Insurance Association of the Caribbean, where he also served for

over 15 years. A former Director of the Unit Trust Corporation representing the Financial

Services Sector of Trinidad and Tobago, he is currently a Director representing the

publicly listed companies on the board of the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange.

Nicholas V. Mouttet

Randall Ian Banfield

Ray A. Sumairsingh


Jason Sambrano Cameron Pile Gilli Jonteaux Roger Abram

As Chief Financial Offi cer

I am responsible for the

organisation’s fi nancial aff airs

and I assist the Managing

Director in leading the

company. I started my career

at PricewaterhouseCoopers

(PwC) in the Assurance and

Business Advisory Department.

After a fi ve year stint at PwC,

I spent one year as the Group

Internal Audit Manager for Clico

Holdings (Barbados) Ltd. I was

later transferred to St. Lucia

Distillers Ltd as Finance and

Information Systems Director

– a position I held for fi ve years

before coming to Roberts

Manufacturing Co. Limited. I am

a Chartered Accountant (ACCA),

a member of the Institute of

Chartered Accountants of

Barbados and hold Bachelor of

Science degree with honours in

Management from the UWI.

I began my career at Roberts

in January 1994 as Assistant

Accountant and in August of

the same year, I was promoted

to the position of Offi ce

Manager/Accountant. I have

held this post for the past

20 years and am responsible

for offi ce administration,

credit control, preparing the

company’s fi nancial statements

and budgets and information

technology administration. I

also oversee the operations

of the Accounts Department,

which has a staff complement

of eight.

With 24 years’ experience

in engineering and

manufacturing, I have worked

across various industries such

as electronics, food and tool

manufacturing. I fi rst joined

Roberts Manufacturing in 2003

and was appointed Engineering

Services Manager in 2009.

My responsibilities include

managing all engineering and

maintenance requirements for

all plant machinery and the

compound. I also oversee the

operations of the extraction

plant and am proud to head

the committee ensuring the

health, safety, security and

environment for all employees,

suppliers and customers. I

have been trained and hold

qualifi cations in mechanical

and electrical engineering,

automation and management.

I am the plant manager for

the plant that produces our

shortenings, margarines, spreads

and soybean cooking oils that

our customers have embraced

and made household names. I

fi rst joined Roberts in 1995 as

an Offi ce Junior/Messenger and

was promoted to Offi ce Assistant

then to Production Supervisor. In

my current role as Plant Manager,

I manage the operations of the

various production lines and

am responsible for production

planning, coordinating,

scheduling and staffi ng. I hold

a Diploma in Production and

Operations Management from the

Barbados Institute of Management

and Productivity (BIMAP) and

am enrolled in the Executive

Development Programme at UWI.

I am also the proud recipient of

various departmental awards

over the years.

Chief Financial Offi cer

Accountant/Offi ce Manager

Engineering Services Manager

Shortening and Margarine Plant Manager

Company Leadership


Francis DottinAdrian Yard Tony Spencer

I joined the staff of Roberts

Manufacturing in March 2001,

having previously worked at the

Caribbean Agricultural Research

and Development Institute and

the Ministry of Agriculture. A

graduate of the University of the

West Indies and the University

of Reading, I hold a Bachelor of

Science degree in Agriculture,

a Master of Science degree in

Animal and Forage Science

and an Executive Diploma

in Management Skills. I have

attended training courses at the

University of Wisconsin-Madison

and University of Arkansas.

My responsibilities include

supervising the Farm Services

Department under Pinnacle

Feeds, the Roberts Farm and

Pet Mart and coordinating

production among all the

manufacturing plants at Roberts

Manufacturing.

I joined Roberts in 1978 as a

Laboratory Technician and in

2000, I was promoted to Quality

Assurance Supervisor. In 2011,

I assumed my current role as

Laboratory Manager. Roberts

has invested signifi cantly in my

training and I have successfully

completed training in statistical

quality control and supervisory

management at BIMAP, quality

assurance principles at UWI,

feed manufacturing technology

at Kansas State University and

fats and oils technology from

AarhusKarlshamn, Sweden.

I am a proud member of the

American Oil Chemist Society

team and am responsible for

ensuring that the company

receives quality raw materials

and processes them to the

high standards to which our

customers hold all of our

products.

Having started my career with

Roberts in 1977, I now have 37

years’ experience in the business

of animal feed manufacturing.

In 2001, I was promoted to Feed

Plant Manager – a role I enjoy

immensely and for which I am

thankful to God, my family,

friends, management, staff and

customers. I have always taken

great pride in going beyond the

call of duty having served on

quality assurance, international

certifi cation, research and

development, and health and

safety committees. I graduated

with a distinction in the BIMAP

Diploma in Management, am

holder of certifi cations in feed

manufacturing technology from

Kansas State University, and

aquaculture, pet food extrusion

and nutrition from Texas A&M

University. I take very seriously

my role.

Farm Service Manager/Production Coordinator

Feed Plant Manager Laboratory Manager

Company Leadership


Allison Kirton-Holder Paula Kinch Shari Green Verstine Sargeant

I am responsible for the Human

Resources Department in my

capacity of Senior Human

Resources Offi cer. A proud UWI

graduate, I have completed

my undergraduate degree

in the social sciences and

am currently completing my

postgraduate degree in Labour

and Employment Relations. I

have been a trainer for over

15 years and have pursued

additional studies in the areas

of compensation, performance

management and occupational

health and safety.

I joined the company in

1994 as an Offi ce Junior

and subsequently fi lled the

positions of Receptionist,

Accounts Clerk and

Administrative Assistant

before becoming the head of

the Purchasing Department

as Senior Purchasing Offi cer

with responsibility for

acquiring the necessary raw

materials required to make

our margarines, spreads,

shortenings and oil as well as

those for Pinnacle Feeds Ltd.

and Vitamin Pet Foods Ltd. This

department is also responsible

for coordinating all incoming

shipments. I attended the

Academy of Commerce &

Technical Studies, completed

training at Kansas State

University on grain purchasing

and Aarhuskarlshamn Sweden

in fats and oils.

Having joined the company

in 2012, I have taken on the

role of heading the Marketing

and Export departments

at Roberts Manufacturing

for the past two years,

overseeing a complement

of four stellar staff members.

After graduating in 2007

with fi rst class honours from

the UWI Cave Hill Campus

with a Bachelor of Science

degree in Management

and a minor in Spanish,

my work experience has

largely been within the local

manufacturing community.

In 2012, I completed the

MBA programme from

the University of Wales by

distance. I enjoy travelling and

experiencing various cultures.

I have been working at Roberts

Manufacturing for almost

23 years. I am the Senior

Supervisor at the Farm and

Pet Mart and am responsible

for 11 employees who work

in my department. The Farm

Store sells all animal feeds,

pet food, gardening and

agricultural supplies as well

as shortening, margarine and

cooking oil manufactured by

the company. My responsibility

is to manage the day-to-day

operations of the store. My job

is quite challenging but I enjoy

interacting with the customers

and try always to ensure that

they are satisfi ed with the

service they receive. Customer

service is key for us.

Senior Human Resources Offi cer

Senior Purchasing Offi cer

Senior Marketing Representative

Senior Supervisor, Roberts Farm and Pet Mart

Company Leadership


Erwin CollymoreMichael Pierce Christopher Brathwaite

I have been employed with

Roberts Manufacturing for 19

years and as Senior Supervisor

for three years with 36 years

of warehousing experience

throughout my lifetime. I

have a Diploma in Operations

Management and Warehousing,

and I oversee the fi nished

product warehouses that store

feed and margarines. My job is

to make sure that operations run

eff ortlessly, ensuring customers

get their products within a set

standard time.

I am the HSSE Offi cer

responsible for the health,

safety and security of our

people ensuring a clean

and effi cient environment

conducive to maximum

productivity. I serve on the

Health and Safety Committee

as vice-chairman and am

responsible for business

continuity planning and loss

control. I am a graduate of the

UWI Cave Hill Campus with a

Bachelor of Science degree in

Biology and have completed

a certifi cate course from the

UK-based National Examination

Board in Occupational Safety

and Health (NEBOSH). As

a believer in continuous

improvement, I am currently

pursuing a Diploma in

Occupational Safety and Health

with NEBOSH.

I started working with Roberts

in 1998, left to pursue studies

and rejoined the company after

two years. I was rehired, later

promoted twice and am now

the Production Engineer for

the extraction plant. My direct

staff complement comprises

16 highly skilled personnel.

I am responsible for power,

steam and air generation in

the process of extracting meal

and oil from soybeans, which

are used in our separate animal

feed and cooking products

manufacturing processes.

I enjoy the dynamic

environment of Roberts where

I have the opportunity exercise

a wide range of skills.

Senior Warehouse Supervisor

Production Engineer, Extraction Plant

Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Offi cer

Company Leadership


Meet Our Staff

LABORATORYFrom left: Francis Dottin,

Carlyle Jones, Curt

Thompson, V. Ernelle Lord,

Cheryl Maynard and Nadine

Benn-Greaves.

Missing are Kerry McKenzie

and Mario Arthur.

FINISHED PRODUCT

WAREHOUSE From left: Errol Garner,

Neville Hunte, Dale

Currency, Kerry Belgrave,

Ezra Leacock, Jeff rey French,

Anderson Carrington, Fedo

Payne, Llewellyn Hinkson,

Sean Spencer, Charles

Merritt, Ian Dottin, Michael

Pierce, O’Neale Thomas,

Michael Hunte and

Rawle Lynch.

Missing are Mike Ryan,

Nigel Alleyne, Carson Chase,

Rene Knight and

Jamel Lashley.


Meet Our StaffOFFICE From left: Kezia Nurse,

Deborah Grainger,

Erwin Collymore,

Cameron Pile, Sharon

Power, Priscillia Franklyn,

Allison Kirton-Holder,

Paula Kinch, Cherrydan

Lucas, Shari Green,

Gurceyne Williams, Ephna

Hinkson, Toni Goddard-

Greene, Jacqueline Best,

Adrian Yard, Sonia Nurse,

Rossana Skeete, Denis

Maynard, Jason Sambrano

and Diana Greenidge.

Missing are David Foster

and Terrel Niles.

ENGINEERING SERVICES

DEPARTMENTFrom left: Gilli Jonteaux,

Winston Hunte, Wayne

Springer, Wayne

Cumberbatch, Jason

Roachford, Kirk Lashley,

O’Brian Wilkinson, Nolan

Small, Terrance Porte,

Kenny Parris, Christopher

Brathwaite, Winston

Benjamin, Ronald Yearwood,

Melvin Worrell and David

Joseph.

Missing are Hubert Burnham,

Hallam Cheltenham, Everton

Greaves and Leon Hing.


Meet Our StaffSHORTENING & MARGARINE PLANTFrom left: Veronica Thomas, Damian Holder, Rodney

Holder, Shirley Squires-Payne, Dennis White, Delano

Holder, Michael Homer, Valencia Hunte, Randey

Morris, Wilbert Williams, Ryan Beckles, Sherry-

Ann Kellman, Henderson Carter, Cecilia Walrond,

Rommel Francis, Anthony Hunte, Wendie Headley,

Ena Gooding, Marlon Crawford-Roberts, Kenrick

Grazette, Cecily Caddle, Sharon Holder, Brenda

Maloney, Andrew Bruce, Ulric Burke, Bernard Shorey,

Corey Brathwaite, Roger Abram and André Lynch.

Missing are E. Veronica Applewhite, Lawrence Small,

Corey Brathwaite, McNeil Springer and Marcia Todd.

EXTRACTION PLANTFrom left: Dexter Briggs, Ebert Fields, Shane Parris,

Altmark Applewhaite, Charles Brewster, Arthur

Franklyn, Christopher Brathwaite, Gilli Jonteaux,

Randolph Franklyn, Christopher Small, Allan

Emtage and Vanrick Padmore.

Missing are Jason Wooding, Pierre Richards, Roger

Holligan and John Taylor.

FEED PLANTFrom left: Tony Spencer, Jason Gittens,

Roger Trotman, Jasper Grant, Michael Clarke,

Barry Callender, Leon Lashley, Terrol Alleyne,

Stephen Small, Dennis Harewood,

Adrian Holligan, Eli Williams, Ricardo Todd,

Arleigh Gibson, John Layne, Randolph Maloney,

Randy Hunte, Omar Layne, Fabian Smith,

Emmerson Hinkson, Charles Bowen,

Carlo Thomas, Reginald Broomes and

Damian Walcott.

Missing are Junior Harry, Hubert Weekes, Martin

Johnson and Charles Crichlow.


FARM AND PET MART

From left are Roslyn Bolden,

Carlos Alleyne, Tedson Greene,

Pedro Waithe, Verstine Sargeant,

Dennis Parris, Margaret Chase,

Akeem Franklyn and

Dwayne Gill.

Missing are William Ifi ll, Kirby

Clarke and Jennifer Murphy.

FARM SERVICES

From left are Dario Bryan,

Adrian Yard and John Gardiner.

Meet Our Staff


Allison Kirton-Holder

THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT IS HEADED BY

ALLISON KIRTON-HOLDER, SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES

OFFICER, WHO HAS BEEN IN THE POSITION FOR ALMOST FOUR

YEARS.

Her responsibilies include charting a path for employees from

recruitment to withdrawal from the company and ensuring that

the strategic objectives of the company are met.

The Senior Human Resources Offi cer sees the Human Resources

Department as the thread that binds such a complex, dynamic

company together. She is excited about its role in providing

challenging work and strategies to engage its workforce.

Kirton-Holder, who is currently completing her MSc in Labour

and Employment Relations, is well qualifi ed for the job, with

an undergraduate degree in the social sciences and job-

specifi c training as it relates to compensation and performance

management. With over 12 years’ previous experience as a trainer

and human resources consultant, she fi nds the eclectic mix at the

company stimulating and challenging.

The predominantly male environment comprises approximately

146 full-time employees and 20 part-time employees. There are

eight major departments, namely the Feed Plant, Shortening

and Margarine, Extraction, Engineering Services, Warehouse,

Laboratory, Farm and Pet Mart and Administrative. There is a

diversity of careers at Roberts, including lab technicians, food

technologists, operators, engineers, farm services representatives,

health and safety specialists, and much more; all with the objective

of ensuring that our feeds, margarines, oil and dog food are of the

highest quality.

Our employees are well trained, and exposed to a variety of

short- and long-term training and development opportunities. We

provide on-the-job, online, local and overseas training to ensure

that they are well equipped for the path ahead.

Roberts supports our local educational institutions and through

internship programmes has employed interns from the Barbados

Vocational Training Board, Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic

and the University of the West Indies. We are also a member of

the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity and an

annual sponsor of the Human Resource Management Association

of Barbados conference.

Roberts is a responsible employer and not only gives back to our

community, but is respectful and committed to the Barbadian

labour-management traditions. We work very closely with the

Barbados Workers’ Union to ensure that the interests of our

employees are respected.

Roberts is proud to have been around for 70 years and attributes

much of our success to our hard-working employees.

Even though the average tenure of employment at Roberts is

approximately 20 years, we seek out new talent to complement

our products and services and have boosted our research and

development arm in the Laboratory as well as our Farm Services

and Production departments.

We would like to thank all those who have contributed to

our production process in even the smallest way. To all those

from purchasing to production, from sales to delivery, from

management and supervisors to our general employees, we salute

you and sincerely thank you for your enthusiasm, dedication and

hard work.

We would also like to acknowledge all those retirees who came

before us and laid the strong foundation on which we now stand.

We endeavour to carry on your legacy as we continue to chart our

course in these challenging times.

Strong focus on HR development


Time forThanksgivingTHE ATTAINMENT OF ANY MILESTONE IN BUSINESS IS WORTHY OF

CELEBRATION, BUT NONE MORE SO THAN THE CELEBRATION OF

LONGEVITY IN ONE’S CHOSEN INDUSTRY.

It is an occasion for thanksgiving, as such success is the reward of hard

work, dedicated eff ort and sacrifi ce by all members on the team.

For the principals at Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited, the celebration

of their 70th anniversary presented the perfect occasion for a

thanksgiving service on plant where the Roberts family could celebrate

the blessings received and enjoyed as one.

Thus on Monday, March 24, at 7:45 a.m., management and staff

gathered at the Lower Estate, St Michael facility to give thanks – 70 years

to the date of establishment.

Prayers were off ered up by Production Engineer, Extraction Plant,

Christopher Brathwaite, and the scripture reading by Export

Administrator, Sharon Power. Marketing Representative, Denis Maynard,

provided his colleagues with a serving of spiritual food for thought.

Staff shared in singing songs of worship, praise and thanksgiving and

were also serenaded by the Roberts choir.

During the two-hour service attendees were also treated to

presentations by Chairman of the Board, Frere Delmas, who refl ected

on the company’s performance over the years and the prospects for

the future as the organisation charted its way through the waters of

economic uncertainty.

Following brief remarks by Chief Financial Offi cer, Jason Sambrano, it

was time to celebrate the contribution of the several employees who

had achieved perfect attendance records for the period under review.

The ever-present staff members were commended for their

dedicated service and received monetary awards acknowledging

their achievement presented by Allison Kirton-Holder, Senior Human

Resources Offi cer. Kenny Parris, Maintenance Technician, off ered the

closing prayer for the celebration.

1

Staff shared in singing songs of worship, praise and thanksgiving and were also serenaded by the Roberts Choir.

2


3 4

5

6 7

1. Christopher Brathwaite, Production

Engineer, starting off the

proceedings with prayer.

2. Opening remarks by Frere Delmas,

chairman.

3. Two years on the trot: Engineering

Services Manager, Gilli Jonteaux,

receiving his second consecutive

Perfect Attendance Award from

Allison Kirton-Holder, Senior

Human Resources Offi cer.

4. Allison Kirton-Holder, presenting

Jason Sambrano, Chief Financial

Offi cer, with a Perfect Attendance

Award.

5. Members of the Roberts 70th

Anniversary Choir: (left to right)

Verstine Sargeant, Gurceyne

Williams, Deborah Grainger,

Valencia Hunte, E. Veronica

Applewhaite, Everton Greaves

and Jacqueline Best.

6. Denis Maynard delivering the

sermonette.

7. Three times the charm: Feed

Plant Supervisor, Hubert Weekes

receiving his third consecutive

Perfect Attendance Award.


THERE IS A MIND-BOGGLING ASSORTMENT OF COMPONENTS

FROM AROUND THE WORLD THAT CONSTITUTES THAT BOTTLE

OF SOYBEAN COOKING OIL IN YOUR PANTRY AND THE SMALL

CONTAINER OF MARGARINE IN YOUR FRIDGE.

After you learn how Roberts Manufacturing meticulously

transforms raw materials in accordance with global health

standards to produce the fi nest soybean oil, margarines,

shortenings and spreads, you will realize why our products have

been an inimitable favourite for 70 years.

Sourced both locally and internationally, only the fi nest materials

and ingredients are used to produce and package the products

that have graced supermarket shelves and homes alike, both in

Barbados and abroad.

Paula Kinch, Senior Purchasing Offi cer at Roberts Manufacturing,

reveals: “Fats are imported from Europe, emulsifi ers are sourced

from Central America and Europe, and our fl avours come from

North America and the Caribbean.” It doesn’t end there either.

“Our lids and bases come from North America, our [soybean oil]

bottles are sourced both locally and in the region, the pails come

from Europe, and the cartons come from the Caribbean,” she

asserted.

The caps for Roberts soybean cooking oil bottles are bought

from an agent based in North America who in imports them from

the Caribbean, where they are made. Such is the strength of the

Roberts Manufacturing brand and its reputation that the majority

of business relationships were formed over 20 years ago and are

still strong to this day.

Our soybean cooking oils are very popular, partly due to their

rich content of omega 3 and omega 6. These fatty acids regulate

lipid and cholesterol metabolism and prevent narrowing in artery

veins. In addition, its high content of vitamin B prevents digestive

problems. For these reasons, refi ned soybean oil is widely used all

over the world.

Roberts Manufacturing meticulously transforms raw materials in accordance with global health standards to produce the finest soyabean oil, margarines, shortenings and spreads.

The soybean is an ancient crop native to eastern Asia with a

history dating back 3 000 years. Because no other oilseed can

grow on such an expanse of latitudes as soybeans, soybean oil is

widely available and provides a consistent supply year after year,

regardless of crop growing conditions.

Here at our plant, the production of crude oil (which is later

refi ned) and high quality meal (a critical component of our

animal feed) is the main objective in soybean processing. For

achievement, thorough knowledge of the technical system and

disciplined operation is required, which is why the company

boasts a complement of highly trained technicians, scientists and

engineers, all possessive of a gamut of experience and skills.

How We Add Healthy Flavour to Your Life

The Production Process


REFINING THE OIL

The production of your favourite soybean cooking oil from its

crude form requires a combination of refi ning steps, all of which

require attention to detail, progressing under the watchful eyes

of Francis Dottin, Laboratory Manager at the plant.

“After the oil leaves the refi nery it undergoes purifying that

removes the typically nutty smell and pigment. This process is

executed in 10 tonne batches at 200 degrees Celsius for 8 to

9 hours. After this it is cooled to 50 degrees, when it is then

stored, quality tested, and then bottled,” Dottin explained.

With deliberately subtle fl avours that won’t distort the aroma

of your food, Roberts soybean oils are an excellent cholesterol-

free source of vitamin E, with 0g trans-fat per serving. The high

smoke point at 465°F makes soybean oil excellent for frying

foods quickly and easily.

MARGARINES MAKE FLAVOURFUL, HEALTHY DIFFERENCE

Roberts Manufacturing has consistently focused its energies

on producing high quality products for its local regional

and international clientele. This focus not only relates to its

adherence to the best practices during the production process,

it is refl ected in the healthy nature of the product inputs as well.

In the case of its shortening, margarines and spreads, all of the

fats used are vegetable sourced.

TESTS FROM BEGINNING TO END

Fat forms a major part in the production of the widely popular

margarines and spreads, and in the case of shortenings, is the

only component.

As such a key ingredient in the company’s product lines it is

easy to understand why the laboratory performs solid fat index

tests on all fats purchased for use in the production process to

determine the percentage of solid fats at various temperatures.

Such information is important since monitoring solid and fat

levels in the margarine is an important part of the production

process.

With such attention to detail at the beginning of the cycle

it should come as no surprise that testing continues on the

fi nished product. Shelf stable margarines including Glow Spread

and Mello Kreem, for example, undergo a penetrometer test,

which measures the fi rmness or consistency of the margarine.

According to Senior Laboratory Technician, V. Ernelle Lord:

“Product consistency is important not only for establishing

EXTRACTING THE OIL

When the facility is ready to process the soybeans, the beans are

removed from the silo or tank and cleaned of foreign materials

and loose hulls. Screens typically are used to remove foreign

materials such as stems, pods, sand, and dirt.

During the extraction process, which is well standardized

worldwide, the soybeans are conveyed to the mill by means of

belts or mass fl ow conveyors and bucket elevators. In the mill,

the whole particles of beans are cracked into several pieces. After

this it heads to the extruders where the hulls are removed, and

the process of heating begins before it heads to the expellers.

According to our Production Engineer, Christopher Brathwaite,

“The [soybean extraction] process at Roberts Manufacturing is

two-fold. The soy beans are delivered and we sieve those beans

and start the process of extrusion where we squeeze them using

expellers. During this process of squeezing, two things happen:

the machine produces oil on one end and meal comes out of

the other.”


warehousing conditions, but also for the bakers as it will impact

the yield and the texture of their cakes.”

A LOOK AT THE PROCESS

Margarine production involves combining heated fat and water

in a controlled process to create a new by product that can

vary in composition and utility based on the percentages of the

components combined.

Margarine typically has two phases, the fat phase and the water

phase, both of which are prepared in the preparation room.

Soluble inputs (including the unique ingredients for each product

such as fl avours and so on) and emulsifi ers are added to the fat

in the fat phase, in which fat is heated to high temperatures and

pumped into the stainless steel tanks.

In a similar procedure, water is combined with soluble inputs and

pumped into the same tanks as the fat-based solution where they

are combined to create an emulsion.

This emulsion is then sent through a system of pipes to an

apparatus called the heat exchanger. The margarine emulsion

enters the heat exchanger at temperatures ranging between 60

degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius and continues through

pipes that are cooled externally by ammonia in a chamber.

As this liquid margarine is cooled, it is pumped through a system

of pipes to the refi ner. Once in the refi ner, the cooled margarine

solution is whipped and readied for packaging in containers such

as foil wrappers and tubs for retail, and pails and corrugated boxes

lined with plastic for commercial usage.

The whipped product is then passed through pipes to one of two

fi lling chambers where it is packaged according to the tub size

required. For pails exceeding four pounds, the product is directed

to the bulk-fi lling chamber.

Consumers have found a dependable line of Roberts’ products that enhance both the flavour and nutritional value of their food.

FOOD SAFETY COMES FIRST

A typical day for Nadine Benn-Greaves, the tireless Food

Technologist, entails documenting the plant’s operations for

the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.

Benn-Greaves also checks with the various supervisors and

managers to make sure they have done checks and also to verify

any corrective actions, where improvements are needed with

procedures and/or equipment.

“I look at every area within the process and try to mitigate

with preventative systems. For the diff erent areas on the plant,

we look at the premises, process and people and how they all

impact the food. We keep up with the US FDA (Food and Drug

Administration) to make sure we are aligned with any new

requirements because we also export to the USA,” she said.

Once a year, primarily during off -peak periods, the staff is

trained to adhere to food safety and HACCP standards. Every

year employees are screened medically as part of fulfi lling the

requirements of keeping a food licence. Along with health

inspectors, we also receive visits from our customers and an ISO

NQA (National Quality Assurance) external auditor.

This constant and deliberate adherence to quality is mirrored

across the breadth of the sprawling factory and vindicates

the company’s 15-year-old International Organization for

Standardization (ISO) certifi cation. In its soybean cooking oils,

margarines, shortenings and spreads, consumers have found

a dependable line of Roberts’ products that enhance both the

fl avour and nutritional value of their food.


RobertsMello Kreem Spread

RobertsHealth Spread

Roberts Sunflower Spread

Roberts Garlic Spread

Roberts Mello Kreem Spread

is a reduced fat cooking spread

that contains no cholesterol.

Known as the tastemaker, its

smooth, creamy texture adds

a distinctive fl avour to gravies,

soups and stews. Roberts Mello

Kreem Spread is available in

250 gram refrigerated packets

and shelf-stable 445 gram and

1.81 kilogram tubs at retail. For

commercial use, this product is

packaged in a shelf-stable 12

kilogram pail and an 18 kilogram

cube.

Roberts Health Spread

is a salt-free but tasty spread

specially formulated for

consumers who require a

sodium-free diet. It can be used

on toast and other areas of light

cooking, has 30 per cent less

fat than margarine and a low

caloric content. This product is

not recommended for deep-

frying because it is a reduced

fat formulation. Roberts Health

Spread contains no cholesterol,

no trans-fat and, of course, no

salt. Roberts Health Spread is

available in 220 gram and 445

gram refrigerated tubs at retail.

Roberts Sunfl ower Spread

spreads straight from the fridge

perfectly on toast and rolls. This

versatile spread contains zero

trans-fat or cholesterol and is

also great for light frying and

ideally formulated to incorporate

into baked goods such as cakes,

pies and cookies. This product

is also available in a low-calorie

version. Roberts Sunfl ower

Spread is available in 220 gram,

445 gram and one kilogram

refrigerated tubs as well as in 240

gram packets at retail and in a

refrigerated 12 kilogram pail for

commercial use.

Roberts Garlic Spread

boasts an unmistakable fl avour

with its real bits of garlic and

parsley that will turn up the

taste of any savoury dish. It is

the perfect product for making

garlic bread and can be easily

incorporated into your cooking.

This reduced fat product contains

no cholesterol or trans-fat. Grab

Roberts Garlic Spread from

the supermarket’s refrigerated

section today. Roberts Garlic

Spread is available in 220 gram

and 445 gram refrigerated tubs

at retail and in a refrigerated 12

kilogram pail for commercial use.

Know Our Products


Know Our Products

Roberts Glow Spread Margarine

RobertsDove Spread

Roberts Velvo Kris Shortening

Roberts Glow Spread Margarine

is an all-purpose margarine used

primarily for baking that can be

used in a variety of recipes from

cakes, coconut breads, cookies,

cupcakes, icing and more. This

margarine can also be blended

seamlessly with Roberts Velvo Kris

Shortening to make delightful

pastries. Roberts Glow Spread

Margarine contains no cholesterol

and bakes perfectly every time.

Roberts Glow Spread Margarine is

available in 250 gram refrigerated

packets and shelf-stable 445 gram

and 1.81 kilogram tubs at retail.

For commercial use, this product

is packaged in a shelf-stable 12

kilogram pail and an 18 kilogram

cube.

Roberts Dove Spread is made

primarily for export and is a tasty

cooking blend that adds great

fl avour to gravies and stews. It is

also reduced fat. What’s more is

that it blends easily with Roberts

Velvo Kris Shortening to make

delectable pastries and other

baked goods. Roberts Dove

Spread is available in shelf-stable

220 gram and 445 gram tubs

at retail and in a shelf-stable 12

kilogram pail for commercial use.

Roberts Velvo Kris Shortening

is an all-purpose shortening

formulated for baking all types of

breads and pastries. This product

is also great for light frying and

gives fried foods a beautiful

golden brown appearance. It

is also cholesterol free. Roberts

Velvo Kris Shortening is available

in 250 gram refrigerated packets

and shelf-stable 500 gram and

1.36 kilogram tubs at retail. For

commercial use, this product is

packaged in a shelf-stable 10

kilogram pail and a 20 kilogram

cube.


Roberts Soybean Cooking Oils

Roberts Cooking Oils are made using soybeans from which the oil is

extracted and refi ned before bottling. Our soybean oils are heart healthy

as they are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can

improve cardiovascular health, including heart disease prevention and the

lowering of blood pressure and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

These oils are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E

– an antioxidant that stops cell damage that may lead to conditions like

heart disease and cancer. They are cholesterol free, contain zero grams of

trans-fat per serving and have virtually no fl avour or aroma thus letting the

full fl avour of foods prepared with them stand out.

The high smoke point at 465ºF (240.6˚C) makes soybean oils excellent

for frying foods quickly and easily. Not only are they great for frying but

ideal too for baking and drizzling on salads. The oils are packaged in 500

millilitre, one litre, two litre and 3.79 litre bottles for retail also 18 litre

bottles and one tonne tanks for commercial customers.

Exclusively Commercial Shortening and Margarine Products

Roberts Baker’s Special MargarineSpecially formulated high-yield

margarine designed for bakeries.

Ideal for making bread, roti skins

and more, Roberts Baker’s Special

Margarine contains only one per

cent salt. It has no fl avour thereby

giving the baker greater fl exibility in

preparing any type of dough. This

product is packaged in a shelf-stable

18 kilogram cube.

Roberts Butter Glow MargarineSpecially formulated high-yield

margarine designed for bakeries.

It gives baked goods a delicious

buttery fl avour for an economical

price. This product is packaged in a

shelf-stable 18 kilogram cube.

Roberts Eagle Bakery ShorteningAll-purpose shortening that can be

used in most types of breads and

pastries. When making puff pastry,

a blend in the ratio of two parts

Roberts Eagle Bakery Shortening

to one part Roberts Glow Spread

Margarine can be used. This product

is packaged in a shelf-stable 20

kilogram cube.

Roberts Puff Pastry MargarineRoll-in margarine is ideally suited for

preparing all types of pastries. This

product is packaged in a shelf-stable

18 kilogram cube.

Know Our ProductsTHE SAME

FANTASTIC OILS IN

BRAND NEW PACKAGING

[email protected]

Visit www.ncf.bb


THE MARKETING FUNCTION IS CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS

OF THE ROBERTS FAMILY OF COMPANIES – ROBERTS

MANUFACTURING CO. LIMITED, PINNACLE FEEDS LTD AND

VITAMIN PET FOODS LTD.

Marketing represents the face of the companies as we interact with

our valued customers on a daily basis. We obtain feedback from our

customers to further develop our portfolio with a view to continuously

improve our product and service off erings at all levels.

As a company in existence for 70 years, Roberts Manufacturing has a

wide range of products with very established brands, each of which

bears a high level of brand equity. We have built a solid reputation for

delivering products of the highest quality. Many of our products are

now in the mature phase of the product life cycle and the onus is on

the marketing team to continually refresh the image of our portfolio

in an eff ort to maintain our relevance in the market. This includes

updating the packaging of our products – an exercise we have recently

concluded for our brands of soybean cooking oil. In the coming

months, you will see our new, exciting packaging for Roberts, Buyer’s

Choice and Sunrise soybean oils (see page 34).

The marketing team forms part of our internal product development

team as we work to continuously improve the nutritional value of all

products. In 2009, we commenced the transition of our margarines

to spreads with Sunfl ower and Mello Kreem with a reduction in fat

content. This is consistent with the purpose of our parent company,

Neal & Massy Group, to be a “Force For Good – Creating Value,

Transforming Life”.

We see it as our responsibility to produce products that aid in our

nation’s fi ght against chronic, non-communicable diseases. This

strategic initiative has led to the development of new products like

Roberts Health Spread designed especially for people with sodium-

restricted diets. We have also transitioned our products to the point

where a serving of our margarines, spreads and cooking oils contains

no cholesterol or trans-fat. This is an ongoing programme as we seek

to bring our cholesterol-free shortenings in line with our other trans-

fat-free products.

Our competitive advantage lies not in economies of scale but rather in our focus of producing high-quality goods and offering reliable service to our customers.

As market leaders in the categories in which we compete, it is

important that we continually renew our message to appeal to the

changing demographic of consumers. It is in this vein that we have

conceptualised our new tagline – For The Love Of Cooking! – and

created a Facebook page at Caribbean Loves Cooking which

embraces our kaleidoscope of cultures depicted in Caribbean cuisine.

We have recognised the importance of listening to our customers and

involving them in the process of researching and developing new and

innovative products. For example, on our Facebook page, we recently

launched a well received application to engage our customers in

suggesting ideas for new spread fl avours. We at Roberts hope to

continually inspire the love of cooking in our region and have seen

it fi t to partner with Chef Peter Edey through the national Junior

Duelling Challenge competition in Barbados and the Caribbean

Junior Duelling Challenge contest, bringing students together from

across the region with food.

Our competitive advantage lies not in economies of scale but rather

in our focus of producing high-quality goods and off ering reliable

service to our customers, who can testify to the excellence of our

unique products. However, we cannot ignore the threat of increased

competition from imported substitutes in our categories. Therefore

we have strategically adjusted our prices to combat these dangers to

our dominant market position.

Marketing Propelling The Company Forward

Shari Green

There are opportunities in our existing export markets for expansion and

we are actively working to capitalise on these with our local distribution

partners in each territory. Our products are currently represented as

far north as the United States and Canada and as far south as Guyana.

We are constantly on the lookout for ways to expand our distribution

reach and partner with associations such as the Barbados Manufacturers’

Association and the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation

on export trade missions and product expositions in new geographical

areas.

Part of our strategy for growth includes the production of private label

spreads, margarines and oils. Outside of Barbados, our private label

portfolio includes Grace Prima Margarine for GraceKennedy Ltd and

LASCO Margarine for LASCO Foods in Jamaica, Country House and Sun

Meadow margarines and spreads for Little Woods Foods in Trinidad

and Gloja’s Soybean Oil for Gloja’s Trading Ltd in St Vincent and the

Grenadines.

Dog food products produced by Vitamin Pet Foods are well distributed in

Barbados and we hope to replicate this success throughout the region in

the years to come. At Pinnacle Feeds, we remain committed to producing

safe animal feed with the ultimate goal of having safe food available for

the population of Barbados. Thank you for supporting our products.


The Barbadian public has long been enriched with the fi ne

foods that have come out of Purity Bakeries for almost as long as

Roberts’ 70 years in operation. The two companies, well versed in

their respective fi elds for many decades, have been symbiotically

enhancing the fl avour palates of the Barbados public with their

fi nely tuned products.

Purity Bakeries started up in the 1930s and it has been using

Roberts’ products for as long as anyone can remember. General

Manager, Andy Hope, recalled that in his 16 years with Purity, the

bakery had always used Roberts’ margarines and shortenings.

“Roberts is very consistent. In the baking industry that’s one less

thing to worry about,” said Hope. “They’re a reliable supplier and

they are very ethical people to do business with. Some wonder

why one would say that but it counts a lot in today’s world.”

Tucked away in Baxters Road, St. Michael is a small operation that

seems quiet and unassuming from the exterior but step through

the doors and you will see and smell the lovely goods that are

produced using many Roberts’ products by the bakers at Bryan’s

Bakery. Spending more than the short time to place an order

and receive your delectable treat, Bryan’s Bakery shows to be a

buzzing operation that has been utilising Roberts’ margarines and

shortenings for its beautiful cakes and pastries for many years.

Francine Quimby is the mastermind behind this delightful shop’s

attractive desserts. The business was started by her parents Julius

and Dorothy Bryan, and her son is now a part of the family’s

business too. Passers-by and order pickups abound at this little

bakery that has been operating at its current location since 1991

and has been using margarines and shortenings from Roberts in its

delectable desserts for years.

ConsistencyPleases Bakers

“[Marketing Representative] Denis Maynard is very good to work

with. Roberts is effi cient and reliable and I get good results with

what I use. If Denis has something new, he will send a sample and

ask my opinion,” said Quimby on the bakery’s relationship with

Roberts. Going further, she said, “Margarine plays a big part in my

cakes and, as you can see, they are gorgeous!”

Many Barbadians know about Baker’s Mart, which has been in

operation for many years. But few have ever walked behind the

scenes to fi nd the towering racks plentifully stocked with fl uff y

treats whose aroma wafts through the entire building. Anderson

Nicholls, the proprietor of Baker’s Mart, has been using Roberts’

products for 30 years and their quality and consistency are

precisely what keeps his business coming back to Roberts.

From the shortenings and margarines to the soybean oil produced

by Roberts, all are products that go into creating the golden

deliciousness that is produced daily by Baker’s Mart. Nicholls has

been maintaining a healthy relationship with Roberts across more

than just the baking sphere as he used to be involved in farming

and purchased animal feeds from Pinnacle. Now Baker’s Mart

purchases goods from Roberts once a week for use at both of

its outlets. From the margarine in its cakes to Roberts Sunfl ower

Spread in its specialty breads, Baker’s Mart has been showcasing

the value of its goods with Roberts’ ingredients.

“Over the years, their care and relationship with the customer has

improved 100 per cent,” said Nicholls. “Roberts has a good product,

don’t fool yourself; Puff Pastry, Glow Spread, Mello Kreem and its

other margarines can compare with anywhere in the world.”

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1. Roberts Manufacturing’s margarines and

shortenings have been featured ingredients in

Purity Bakeries’ products for decades.

2. Puff Pastry Margarine supplied by Roberts

Maufacturing combine with savoury meat

fi lling to produce the tasty meat rolls at Bryan’s

Bakery .

3. Roberts’ margarines are key ingredients in

many a tasty pastry.

4. Horseshoes in the making at Baker’s Mart.

5. Baker’s Mart relies on the consistency of

Roberts’ Puff Pastry margarine to produce the

perfect horseshoes every time.

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3

5

4


EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS OF BARBADOS MANUFACTURED

PRODUCTS ARE SHIPPED OUT OF THE ISLAND, ENRICHING

OUR ECONOMY AND SPREADING THE WORD OF VALUED

BARBADIAN GOODS.

Roberts Manufacturing has been a large exporter of goods to the

Caribbean for many years. One importer that benefi ts from this

relationship is Little Woods Foods Company Ltd in Trinidad.

Since 1991, Little Woods Foods has been doing business with

Roberts, distributing its private brands Country House and

Sun Meadow in the Trinidad market. Every week containers of

retail packaged and bulk margarines are sent to Trinidad for the

consumer market and the baking industry.

Managing Director, Gerry Harding, whose relationship with the

Barbadian company spans more than 20 years, said he was very

pleased with the services and products of Roberts.

“Roberts’ consistency is what keeps customers purchasing its

products,” said Harding, who has been doing business with the

70-year-old company through fi ve generations of chairmen and

four managing directors, and enjoyed very cordial relationships

with them.

“We started our negotiations in July of 1991 and by September our

fi rst container of bakery products arrived. In November 1991, our

fi rst shipment of packaged margarine was in the supermarkets. We

are the largest importer of Roberts in the Caribbean,” said Harding.

He continued: “I’ve been to their 50th anniversary celebration and

now it is good to see them through to their 70th. We continue to

have a very good relationship.

“Little Woods Foods has had to compete with two Trinidad

manufacturers and some importers, but we continue to give to our

customers that extra taste and quality that they so richly deserve.

Seventy years is a mammoth of a milestone in a company’s history.

“Seventy years is a mammoth of a milestone in a company’s history. It shows the value of product and displays the ingenuity that keeps them afloat in a dynamic market.”

It shows the value of product and displays the ingenuity that keeps

them afl oat in a dynamic market. Little Woods Foods would like

to commend both past and present employees and the various

directors who have steered this ship and contributed to the

success that is Roberts.”

Little Woods Foods –A Long-Time Partner of Roberts

Gerry Harding, Director, Little Woods Foods Company Ltd.


AS AN INSTITUTION THAT TAKES ITS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

VERY SERIOUSLY, ROBERTS MANUFACTURING CO. LIMITED

HAS OVER THE YEARS PROVIDED VALUED SUPPORT TO MANY A

WORTHY CAUSE.

From dog shows, equestrian events and other sporting activities to

the popular Agrofest and Foreday Morning Jump Up at Crop Over,

Roberts has established itself as an active benefactor of community

initiatives.

Ever seeking out opportunities to make a positive diff erence in

the lives of its constituents, some ten-plus years ago Roberts

Manufacturing adopted the Thelma Vaughn Children’s Home and

has since then attended to some of the children’s and the home’s

pressing needs.

April 17, 2014, turned out to be one such occasion as Senior

Marketing Representative, Shari Green, and Administrative

Assistant, Diana Greenidge, presented a brand-new Whirlpool six-

burner stove to the home. Adding fl avour to the presentation was

the addition of bottles of Sunrise Soybean Oil and tubs of Mello

Kreem Spread.

“We take this opportunity to give back to those within our

community,” Green said. “We see this home as a very deserving

constituent. The work that you do for these children is vitally

important and we implore you to continue doing all that you do

with love and dedication every day. There are many needs in our

community and we at Roberts vow to do our utmost wherever we

can to help as many as we can.”

Matron of the home, Janice Smitten, thankfully received the

generous gift; she said that it would replace an older stove that

had stopped working. Smitten, who has been matron of the home

for the past ten years, said Roberts was already a benefactor of the

home when she joined the staff , and that the company had helped

the home in several ways.

Roberts

A Cheerful Giver

1. From left: handler, O’Neale Holder, with the Best In

Show bull mastiff , judge, Michael Quinney, and Roberts

Manufacturing representative, Denis Maynard, after the

All Breeds Show sponsored by Vitamin Pet Foods Ltd.

2. Part of the massive from the Roberts Manufacturing

Truck escorted by members of the Task Force.

3. Matron of the Thelma Vaughn Home, Janice

Smitten (left), receiving the Whirlpool stove from

Senior Marketing Representative, Shari Green, and

Administrative Assistant, Diana Greenidge (right).

Delighting in the moment are Cameron Marshall and

Pedro Phillips.

1

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HIS ENDURING PASSION IS COOKING AND, AS A BARBADIAN,

HIS FOCUS IS STEADFASTLY TRAINED ON BAJAN CUISINE.

As a boy, Peter Edey knew he wanted to be a chef. It was a burning

desire he had, but it was neither nurtured at school nor at home.

He was not the best student at school, rather he fought being

the worst. But when he gained admittance to the Barbados

Hotel School, the transformation came. Edey’s star shone and he

graduated at the top of the class.

His journey would see him working at top luxury hotels, on cruise

ships and at luxury resorts in the United States, Canada, France and

Britain. In 1995, he attained the Grand Diplome from the culinary

college Ritz-Escoffi er Ecole de Gastronomie, Paris, to become one

of a few Barbadian internationally qualifi ed executive chefs. He

later became a certifi ed culinary educator, enabling him to train,

certify and accredit aspiring chefs.

He lectured at the Hospitality Division of the Barbados Community

College and was president of the Barbados Culinary Federation. He

was treasurer of the Caribbean Culinary Federation, and a regional

and international consultant for agencies such as the Canadian

Training Awards Projects, Caribbean Development Bank, Barbados

Tourism Authority, Roberts Manufacturing and ADM Barbados

Mills. He was also former manager of the very successful Barbados

Culinary team.

Inspired by the need to fi ll a void in the industry nine years ago,

Edey approached Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited with an idea.

It was an idea born of necessity, an idea that involved creating

among schoolchildren an interest in the culinary arts as a primary

career choice rather than entering it by default. He had previously

secured Roberts’ support for his Duelling Chefs programme, which

became a hit television series. That show featured adults, but

Edey believed focusing the initiative on the schools would help

to cultivate the interest among the youth, feed the industry with

developing talent and take Barbadian cooking to the next level.

He is full of praise for the team at Roberts, whom he said saw

the vision and not only helped to bring it to the point at which

it stands today, but continues to foster the development of the

young entrants to Barbados’ culinary sector. Roberts not only

PassionFeeds Success

provides fi nancial support, it supplies all the margarines, spreads,

shortenings and oils used in the programme.

“I get full support from Roberts in every area – monetary, products,

information . . . . Roberts is the backbone of this programme,” Edey

said. “And I can tell you clearly, we could never have done this

programme without Roberts. Everything that I get from Roberts

goes into this programme. This is theirs.”

The Junior Duelling Chefs initiative started as a programme within

Barbados’ secondary schools, but evolved to include tertiary

institutions such as the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic since

it was opened to participants from ages 13 to 18. It then expanded

to include students from the region, where the winner of the

Barbados Junior Duelling Challenge represents this country in the

Caribbean Junior Duelling Challenge. Edey and his amazing team

have hosted contestants from countries to which Roberts exports

its beloved cooking products, including St Vincent, St Lucia,

Guyana, Dominica and Grenada.

Thanks to Roberts’ continued support, the winners of the Junior

Duelling Chefs competition gain the opportunity to attend a

culinary conference in Florida. Underscoring the educational value

of the experience, Edey said it opened students’ eyes to the range

of possibilities the industry off ered.

“We take the winners to the Taste of the Caribbean competition

– a competition where all the biggest chefs in the Caribbean

compete for their country. Within that conference, you get training,

butchery, cheese and milk seminars, . . . food safety seminars . . . .

So I said let me go and expose these youngsters to this at this age

because then they could have a diff erent view of what being a chef

could be. They would see then that a chef is not only a person who

can cook well and make food taste good, but there are so many

opportunities open to you when you become a chef.”


Global Wholesale

Building #2 Bay 5

Ditraco Mall

St Thomas

U S Virgin Islands 00802

(320) 714-1310

Mangrove Bakery

East End

Tortola

British Virgin Islands

(284) 495-2418

Sunrise Bakery

Prucelle Estate

Roadtown

Tortola

British Virgin Islands

(284) 494-3344

A. S. Bryden & Sons (Antigua) Ltd.

Corner Fort & Anchorage Roads

St. John’s

Antigua & Barbuda

(268) 462-0381

Goodwill Agencies

All Saints Road

St John’s

Antigua & Barbuda

(268) 462-4793

Lake’s World

P.O. Box 76

The Quarter

Anguilla

(264) 497-2240

James Hughes

The Quarter

Anguilla

(264) 497-6359

Bryden Stokes Ltd.

Barbarees Hill

St Michael

Barbados

(246) 431-2600

SBI Distribution Inc.

Spring Garden Highway

St Michael

Barbados

(246) 424-9950

O. D. Brisbane & Sons (Dominica) Ltd.

P. O. Box 145

Roseau

Dominica

(767) 449-2460

Geddes Grant Guyana Ltd.

A Division of Trading & Distrbution Inc.

R6 Ruimveldt

Georgetown

Guyana

(011592) 272-031

Bryden & Minors Ltd.

P. O. Box 14

Lagoon Road

St George’s

Grenada

(473) 440-1325

Consolidated Foods

Choc

Castries

St Lucia

(758) 457-2000

Peter & Co. Ltd.

Cul-De-Sac

Castries

St Lucia

(758) 457-7000

O. D. Brisbane & Sons (Trading) Ltd.

C.A.P Southwell Industrial Park

P.O. Box 240

Basseterre

St Kitts Nevis

(869) 465-2330

Coreas Hazells Inc.

P.O. Box 122

Porters Wharf Building

Bay Street, Kingstown

St Vincent & the Grenadines

(784) 456-1201

Alstons Marketing Company Limited

Uriah Bulter Highway

Endeavour Road

Chaguanas

Trinidad & Tobago

(868) 671- 2713

RAM’s Emdee Enterprises Ltd.

Salem Main Road

Salem

Montserrat

(664) 491-4507

B & S Marketing Inc.

4417 Glenwood Road

Brooklyn, NY

USA 11203-6527

(718) 434-4706

Regent Distribution Importers

Showroom 6770-34

Devand Drive

Mississauga

L5T 2G3

Canada

(519) 571-4626

Distributor Listing


Industrial Gases • Welding Equipment & Supplies • Air Compressors & Tools • Fire Safety • Autobody Equipment • Pumps • Pool, Pond & Water Equipment • Safety Equipment & Shoes • Electrical & Hand Tools • Chemicals & Lubricants • Medical Equipment

CONGRATULATIONSto Roberts Manufacturing

on 70 years ofManufacturing Excellence.

LOCATED OPP. THE POST OFFICE, CHEAPSIDE, BRIDGETOWN Tel: 436-6788/9

Email: [email protected] www.caribsupply.com

A leader in industrial gas, merchandise, equipment and service!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RECIPIENTS OF AWARDS FOR 2013!

Perfect Attendance Awardees:

Corey Brathwaite, Sylvester, Burke, Ena Gooding, John Gardiner, Terrel Niles, David Foster, Francis Dottin, Carlyle Jones, Michael Pierce,

Hallam Cheltenham, Gilli Jonteaux, Terrence Porte, Melvin Worrell, Margaret Skinner, Carlos Alleyne, Jennifer Murphy, Verstine Sargeant,

Charles Bowen, Barry Callendar, Stephen Boyce, Charles Crichlow, Hubert Weekes, Michael Clarke, Martin Johnson, Tony Spencer, Arthur

Franklyn, Vanrick Padmore and Jason Sambrano.

Long Service Awardees:

40 years – Hallam Cheltenham; 35 years – Francis Dottin; 25 years – Nigel Alleyne, Stephen Boyce, Courtney Hunte, Martin Johnson; 20

years – Terrol Alleyne, Charles Brewster, Ebert Fields, Arthur Franklyn, Randolph Franklyn, Carlyle Jones, V. Ernelle Lord, John Taylor; 15 years

– Christopher Brathwaite, Roger Holligan, Omar Layne, Andre Lynch, Charles Merritt, Eustace Weekes, Gurceyne Williams; 10 years – Adrian

Holligan, Gilli Jonteaux.

Quality Awardees:

Carlos Alleyne, John Gardiner, Ronald Yearwood, Charles Crichow, Shirley Squires-Payne, Nadine Benn-Greaves, Christopher Brathwaite,

Rawle Lynch.

Special congratulations to our Employee of the Year from the Feed Plant, Charles Crichlow!

We are celebrating 70 years thanks to you!

Roberts 70th Anniversary 1944 2014

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Transcript of Roberts 70th Anniversary 1944 2014