Local cassava starch now key ingredient in Red Stripe beer

By Michelle Nurse Last updated Jun 21, 2015

Minister of Agriculture, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier (left), and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton (second left), raise a toast to the new brew of Red Stripe Beer, which now incorporates locally produced cassava starch in its production. The Ministers were participating in a ceremony on June 18, during which the brewery’s cassava starch factory was officially commissioned into service. Others (from third left) are: Managing Director, Cedric Blair; and Chairman, Richard Byles. (Photo via Jamaica News) — Minister of Agriculture, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier (left), and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton (second left), raise a toast to the new brew of Red Stripe Beer, which now incorporates locally produced cassava starch in its production. The Ministers were participating in a ceremony on June 18, during which the brewery’s cassava starch factory was officially commissioned into service. Others (from third left) are: Managing Director, Cedric Blair; and Chairman, Richard Byles. (**Photo via Jamaica News)**

As Red Stripe moves to reduce imported raw material for its production, locally produced cassava starch is now a key ingredient in the brew of Red Stripe Beer and consumers will soon be able to get their hands on this new mix.

The brewing company produced the first batch of beer using this local ingredient on June 18, following the official commissioning into service of the brewery’s cassava starch factory, located at its Spanish Town Road headquarters in St. Andrew.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, and Minister of Agriculture, Labour and Social Security, Hon Derrick Kellier, were both on hand to oversee the process.