Aunt Sue-Ann Foods turns Jamaican sweet potato surplus into snack business

Aunt Sue-Ann Foods Limited, led by founder Sue-Ann Hambleton and co-founder Kishana Armstrong, has moved from farming in Clarendon into producing Jamaican sweet potato chips after a surplus of the crop opened the door to manufacturing.

Hambleton said her interest in business began in primary school, long before she attended the University of Technology, Jamaica. She grew up in Angels, attended Angels Primary and Holy Child High School, and later studied business and production operations management at UTech. While at university, an agronomist encouraged her to consider farming, despite her having no rural background or family land.

After researching Jamaica’s dependence on imports, Hambleton said she wanted to help address that gap. She started farming about two years later, after sharing the idea with Armstrong, whom she met at university. Armstrong manages the accounting and now helps run the factory while Hambleton handles interviews, networking and sales.

The business first planted peppers in Clarendon and began supplying hotels within its first year, later selling peppers, okra and other produce to hotels, supermarkets and restaurants. A heavy supply of sweet potatoes about three years ago led the partners to donate some to a children’s home and a church, but they still had more than they could move.

Armstrong then suggested that the company begin manufacturing earlier than planned. Hambleton said they tested several product ideas before choosing sweet potato chips, focusing on what they could produce consistently. The development process included recipe work, finding the right slice thickness and calculating frying times.

The company now produces two chip varieties: a lower-salt option aimed at health-conscious customers and a barbecue flavour for shoppers who prefer a stronger taste. Hambleton said a spicy version is also planned.

Aunt Sue-Ann Foods’ chips are now carried in five supermarkets, including Loshusan, Master Mac on Constant Spring Road, General Foods at Liguanea Plaza and Sovereign Supermarket, along with two pharmacies and two restaurants. Hambleton said the chips are made in May Pen, Clarendon, using 100 per cent Jamaican sweet potatoes from the company’s farms, with plans to buy from other local farmers as the business expands.