Are Jamaican consumers willing to try new products?

Teri Ann Renee Paisley, Gleaner Online Writer

How do you feel about trying something new?

Many people resist new products simply because if they don’t like it then they feel as if they have wasted their money. The simple truth is that you can’t discover if you like something unless you try it.

So how do you commit if you have genuine concerns about a product?

Well I suppose you could ask a friend to taste it and tell you what they think. That method might not work for everyone though as tastes vary from person to person. The best way is to simply dive right in and try it yourself and view it as a lesson learned if it is not quite to your taste.

I have a good tip for those who want to do taste tests. Most supermarkets have taster sections especially on the weekends. Various companies will set up tables and encourage customers to try a small portion of their product. You can also ask for a sample at restaurants if you are unsure you are ready to commit to trying a full serving of the product.

I have always been an adventurous person and I like when my food choices are not limited. Variety is the spice of life and it is refreshing to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy something different.

I am not a coffee drinker so I usually avoid places that focus on that particular beverage. So when Rituals Coffee house located opened its doors in 2010 Shop 5, Village Plaza, 20C Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, I was really not too interested.
I often passed by and noticed it had a good decor but was never really tempted.

That all changed when I decided on one of my regular ‘passes’ to see what all the excitement was all about. I must admit I am still not a fan of coffee, but their blends had an interesting flavour and I liked the unique almost spicy taste.
I also tried two fruit smoothies, ‘Peach Pizazz’ and ‘Pomegranate and Blueberry’ and I really enjoyed them.

Before trying anything new, chat with the serving staff, they usually respond well to friendliness and might be more than happier to recommend their favourite product or flavour.
I have a policy that I never trust servers who sell food that they have never tasted so I always ask what they like the best on the menu or what they can personally recommend.

So was it worth the cost?
First of all, the items on the menu though a bit pricey were different and the atmosphere was very relaxed.
I especially enjoyed the plush chairs and reading material along with the free Wifi access on my laptop.
My fruit smoothies cost $390.56 each, however the price of the coffee varies depending on what size or blend you order.

Also on the menu at the coffee shop are Flantinis, wraps, sandwiches, salads, pies and pastries.
Their iced coffee has a kick with flavours such as hazelnut, French vanilla, amaretto, chocolate, raspberry, chocolate mint, vanilla, almond, banana nut, Irish cream or caramel.

So try something new this summer!!
Let me hear from you what new thing you tried