With a household brand and burgeoning profits in the last financial year, Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies is known for its astute business practices, and for this it has been given a Gleaner Honour Award.

However, CEO and president of the group, Christopher Levy, attributes the success of the company to its reliance on Christianity.

"At Jamaica Broilers, we depend on the Lord for our strength behind us, and when the times get tough and turbulent as they are, it really is important that we understand that our life and our source of life come from Jesus Christ and without a doubt, the nation as a whole recognises how good God has been to us and how good He can be to us if we truly honour Him," Levy said yesterday after being presented with the award at The Gleaner's North Street headquarters.

The company, which in local parlance is another word for chicken, is one of the most advanced and diversified agricultural producers in the developing world.

Levy, whose company was started in 1957, was happy to receive the award.

'It's a privilege to be honoured by The Gleaner Company - such an established company - to be recognised by your peers. It is great, and I am truly grateful."

Robust growth

Jamaica Broilers has been on a path of robust growth and development with its investment of more than US$20 million in JB Ethanol Ltd, the single largest investment in Jamaica's ethanol industry to date.

From that, the company produced more than 45 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol for export, turning over an impressive $6 billion in revenue in its first 10 months. The group reported record revenues of $20 billion in its financial year ended May 3, 2008, up from $11.5 billion in 2007.

However, Levy does not want the company to be known for that alone. He also wants it to be known for its contribution to society.

Jamaica Broilers' Fair Play Awards has encouraged journalists to do their jobs within an institution of checks and balances. The company has also contributed to gospel events.

"Jamaica Broilers has become a household name and you want it to be thought of in the light of good corporate citizens and good-quality products, and a company that has invested in Jamaica," Levy said.