Seprod sells biscuits business to sharpen distribution-led strategy 

JAMAICA – Jamaican food and distribution group Seprod has sold its biscuits manufacturing unit, International Biscuits Limited (IBL), in alignment with the Group’s ongoing portfolio optimization strategy to enhance operational focus, strengthen its balance sheet, and deliver sustainable long-term value to shareholders.  

IBL is the maker of popular biscuit brands such as Butterkist and Snackables, as well as contractmanufactured lines for other brand owners including Ovaltine and Miss Birdie, and the transaction marks a strategic exit from inhouse biscuit production while preserving key commercial relationships.  

The financial terms of the transaction and any information about the buyer were not disclosed. 

Under the agreement, Seprod will continue to distribute IBL’s Jamaica portfolio and maintain existing export arrangements, with the group appointed as IBL’s exclusive distributor for the next five years.  

Chief executive Officer Richard Pandohie said the sale represents a “deliberate and strategic step” to align Seprod’s portfolio with its longterm growth priorities, sharpen operational focus, and accelerate deleveraging after a period of regional expansion and acquisitions.  

CEO Richard Pandohie added: “This transaction represents a deliberate and strategic step in aligning our portfolio with our long-term growth priorities. We are sharpening our operational focus, strengthening our balance sheet, and preserving strong commercial partnerships that support our broader manufacturing and distribution platform.” 

The company has also stressed that the transaction will not affect IBL’s workforce, with staff terms and conditions remaining unchanged. 

The divestment underscores Seprod’s pivot toward a more distributionheavy model, leveraging its position as the largest food and fastmovingconsumergoods distributor in the Caribbean to generate stable cash flow and support regional brands.  

By shedding the biscuitmanufacturing arm, Seprod aims to reduce channel conflict, streamline its footprint, and redeploy capital toward higherreturn platforms such as distribution and selected manufacturing units.  

The transaction takes effect immediately. Seprod and IBL’s new ownership are working collaboratively to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for customers, suppliers, employees, and other stakeholders. 

Last month, Seprod, home to brands including Betty milk and Swizzle beverages, reported its annual revenue increased 15% to J$153.62bn (US$977.8M) during 2025. 

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