The Solomon's Fresh Market brand has "revolutionized" the food shopping experience in Nassau, offering competitive prices and unrivaled quality, according to the chairman of AML Foods.
Dionisio D'Aguilar, a former head of the Chamber of Commerce, announced yesterday that the new concept has "single-handedly raised the expectations" of consumers and forced competitors to up their game.
D'Aguilar was addressing a large crowd at the ceremonial grand opening of the Solomon's Fresh Market at the Harbour Bay Town Centre. The eastern New Providence location is the second store of its kind following the launch of a Fresh Market at the Old Fort Bay Town Centre in November 2011.
With an emphasis on healthy and organic foods, D'Aguilar insisted that Solomon's Fresh Market has also listened to consumers. AML Foods has stocked up on conventional products that people are looking for while selling them at the same price as a standard Solomon's Super Center.
Gavin Watchorn, the CEO of AML Foods, told Guardian Business there is a perception that the Fresh Market concept is overly expensive. Executives are keen to show Bahamians that the model can offer a more diverse group of products and a superior shopping experience while also staying competitive in terms of prices.
The Solomon's Fresh Market out east has enjoyed steady sales since it unofficially opened around Christmas. However, AML Foods believes that the store has greater potential once consumers become more comfortable with the format.
With government officials in attendance, D'Aguilar highlighted the company's rising investment in The Bahamas.
"I am delighted to report that behind me represents an investment of approximately $7 million in renovating, outfitting and stocking this store," the chairman said. "I am also delighted to report that this store has created 92 permanent and part-time jobs for Bahamians, and will generate an annual payroll of $1.3 million for Bahamians."
He went on to note how AML Foods now has a total staff complement of 860 people, with benefits paid to Bahamians in excess of $15 million per year.
In the past 18 months, the BISX-listed firm has created 250 jobs through various store openings.
While the growth has been good news for an otherwise struggling economy, shareholders have also benefited from the expansion.
AML's annual sales have grown to more than $150 million, almost double where it was five years ago, according to D'Aguilar.
Shareholders have received a "healthy" 20 percent return for the past five years.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian