required report public distribution date 11 21 2003 gain number jm3008 ja3008 jamaica & dep retail food sector approved by david g salmon us embassy prepared sylburn thomas highlights despite modest contraction during the jamaican remains attractive for imported high value products includes psd changes no trade matrix unscheduled santo domingo dr1 jm i market overview businesses within are differentiated on bases of service quality price and convenience giving rise to a structurally composed upscale conventional chain independent supermarkets wholesalers grocers small stores mini marts gas collectively account approximately 71 percent total beverage sales in most recent addition carry limited snack pastries dairy juices drinks other ready eat they only minuscule portion mostly located rural towns less segments urban areas growth