For generations, Jamaicans in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds have supported family back home by packing a barrel. It works, but it is slow, and by the time freight, clearance and transport inside Jamaica are added, it is not always cheap. Today you can send groceries to Jamaica from the UK online and have them delivered from inside Jamaica. Here is how it works with Jamaica Online Shop.
How sending groceries from the UK works
Jamaica Online Shop is based in Jamaica. When you order from the UK, you are buying groceries that are already on the island. We pack them and deliver them to your family's door, or they can collect for free in May Pen. Nothing crosses the ocean, so there is no barrel, no shipping line and no customs queue for your relatives.
- Switch the currency to GBP using the selector at the top of the site, so you see prices in pounds.
- Add groceries or pick a ready-made Yard Box care package.
- Choose your family's parish in the bag to see the delivery fee before you pay.
- Enter their address and phone number at checkout, with your own email for updates.
- Pay by card or PayPal. Your card or PayPal account shows the final amount charged.
Where in Jamaica can you send to?
We deliver to all 14 parishes. Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Catherine (Portmore and Spanish Town), Clarendon (May Pen and outer areas), Manchester (Mandeville) and St. Thomas have local door-to-door delivery. St. Ann, St. James, St. Mary, Portland, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and Trelawny are served by tracked islandwide courier through Knutsford Express or ZipMail. You can compare every option on our delivery by parish page.
How long it takes
Most delivery options are listed as 1–2 business days after payment is confirmed. May Pen area delivery is listed as same-day or next-day, and free pickup at Good Deal Supermarket, 25 Sevens Road, May Pen is ready within 24 hours of confirmation. Orders placed after 2 PM Jamaica time are counted from the next day. Remember Jamaica is 5 hours behind the UK (6 hours during British Summer Time), so a morning order in London lands before the Jamaican working day starts.
What UK families usually send
- Staples: rice, flour, cornmeal, sugar, cooking oil, tin mackerel and corned beef.
- Chicken and meats, packed in insulated cold boxes with ice packs for local delivery. This is something a barrel can never carry.
- Fresh produce like yam, callaloo and plantain.
- Wholesale sizes for big households.
- Appliances and electronics, such as a fan, microwave, blender, TV or phone.
Note that loose rice, sugar, flour and cornmeal are priced per pound (lb), and the quantity box is the number of pounds.
Barrel vs. ordering online from the UK
A barrel still makes sense for clothes, shoes and items you already own. For food, buying in Jamaica means fresh meat and produce can be included, your family gets the groceries in days rather than weeks, and nobody has to travel to the wharf. We compare the two in more detail in our barrel vs online grocery delivery guide.
Making sure it arrives
We contact the recipient by phone or WhatsApp to arrange the drop-off, so give a number they actually answer. Islandwide courier orders get a tracking number. You can see real photos and video from deliveries on our proof-of-delivery page, and you can reach us on WhatsApp +1 (207) 613-5240 from the UK at any time.
Tips for UK senders
- Add a clear landmark to the address; many Jamaican districts have no street numbers.
- Tell your family the order is coming so they keep the phone on.
- For birthdays or Christmas, a Yard Box makes ordering quick.
Start shopping in GBP and send groceries home today.
