After pivoting to nationwide delivery of its Caribbean DIY meal kits during the Covid-19 pandemic, Juici Jerk will now focus on a retail approach with a range of homemade sauces, cooking kits and hampers.

Following the launch of its DIY meal kits in November 2020, the London-based company saw its overall sales rise by 30% and weekly food deliveries increase by over 70% over a three-month period.

From 1st June, Juici Jerk’s range will feature a summer barbecue kit with its homemade secret recipe Jerk BBQ Sauce, Rum and Honey Sauce, and Jerk Mayo, along with Caribbean summer staples such as rum, jerk chicken wings and plantains. The Classic BBQ Kit focuses on jerk-marinated chicken, while the Premium Kit features a selection of seafood and premium cut meats.

Director Troy Johnson, who founded the company with his brother Jarrell, said: “When the pandemic hit us last year, all our event bookings for weddings, birthdays and other festivities were wiped clean, which left us in a really difficult position – and operating alone on Deliveroo and UberEats wasn’t sufficient enough to make us stay afloat, especially since the commission rates are so high. As a small business, we managed to successfully adapt and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the pandemic.”

He added: “Meal kits found their way into the nation’s homes in the absence of the eating out experience, and we found a way to enable anyone to recreate authentic Caribbean dishes from the comfort of their home – for those who love Caribbean food, or for those who want to try Caribbean cooking whilst at home.

“Despite restaurants and pubs reopening, we are positive that consumers are still excited by the concept of cook-at-home experiences and want to explore new cuisines, which is why we want to roll out our own products and sauces.”

The company’s main operation is its delivery and collection service, running five days a week and serving over 1,500 meals per week from the commercial kitchen in Tooting.

Juici Jerk is set to introduce its first vegan Caribbean meal kit this summer while continuing to provide catering services, including at Taste of London 2021.