Feature image created using Canva Pro. Just one day after National Donut Day in the United States (June 2), Jamaica went into something of a donut feeding frenzy as the American franchise Krispy Kreme opened its first outlet in uptown Kingston. Although it was unusually chilly and damp after heavy rains had just broken Jamaica’s weeks-long drought, some donut enthusiasts camped out overnight for the opening. Not everyone, however, was amused at the idea: If I see anybody I know camping outside of Krispy Kreme mi done wid uno — gaza slim 🪐 🛸 (@_charistweets) June 1, 2023 One Facebook user made fun of the overnight campers: Lol Krispy Kreme Jamaica has set up tents and port-a-potties so that the public can camp out in their parking lot/make shift camp site ahead of their grand opening tomorrow at 9am, Jamaica is not a normal place, I would really like to see who is going to do it, this is going to be hilarious, smh, you would think this is the 2nd coming of Jesus. Lmao However, one TikTok user who attended the pre-launch understood why: there was a chance of winning anywhere from three months’ to one year's worth of free donuts if you were among the first few customers: https://t.co/ac6SrZhnGh She said it ain’t no joke! 🤦‍♀️ — Danielle Bolton (@soldxbolton) June 1, 2023 As the launch drew nearer, one Jamaican Twitter user had many hilarious visual responses to his tweet on what outfit to wear for the opening: https://t.co/7JsWGiEd8f pic.twitter.com/zskMsGB3OH — Ken (@Englishgyal) June 2, 2023 Ntn too drastic https://t.co/SeR2CfU3TR pic.twitter.com/7mEIB4kkph — exquisite pumpussity 🩷 (@Crissy876_) June 2, 2023 Other social media users were amused by Jamaicans’ pronunciation of the brand's name: Normal people: Krispy Kreme Jamaicans: Kripsy Kreme — Jason_dxn10 (@JasonJo41698474) June 2, 2023 Meanwhile, hundreds gathered outside the outlet early on Saturday morning: Mommy a tell me a 300 people did deh a Krispy Kreme before 9am this morning. Good God 😂 — Bike Back Body🏍️ (@SuperJodi_) June 3, 2023 Two weeks earlier, the company had held a “donut drop” to tickle the palates of Jamaicans, handing out free donuts. Some on Facebook commented on the health impacts: More sugar and fat. May God help us. We need no more of these – we have enough sugar/diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. Plus a poor health service. Be careful my fellow Jamaicans. Psychologist Leachim Semaj concurred: Just what Jamaica need. A boost in the consumption of empty calories from flour and sugar, Fun and prizes galore as Krispy Kreme launches today https://t.co/rZvi2aZ0fh — Dr. Leahcim Semaj (@LSemaj) June 3, 2023 He continued: Will they offer a regular contribution to the NHF or MOH&W to help fight the obesity epidemic in Jamaica? https://t.co/w0JMiS38Ot — Dr. Leahcim Semaj (@LSemaj) June 3, 2023 The NHF is the National Health Fund, and the MOH is the Ministry of Health. His tweet prompted one Twitter user to respond: Anything from overseas always gets most Jamaicans in a frenzy. Doesn't matter if it's not beneficial or unhealthy. Jacans easy fi frighten and jump pon hype.🙄 — Truth Seeker (@Shininglightja) June 4, 2023 Commenting on the brand's marketing tactics, another quipped sarcastically: Krispy Kreme understands the Jamaican population and how to market to them. The owners must be politicians or something. — 🙃 (@SadeShades) June 3, 2023 Several entities, including the country's police force, cleverly capitalised on the Krispy Kreme hype to further their own messages: You might not have been the first in line when the store opened, but you can still receive a reward. ‘Donut’ forget to report Gangs, Gun & Gunmen to Crime Stop at 311. #AForce4Good pic.twitter.com/FP1g8obZaO — Jamaica Constabulary Force (@JamaicaConstab) June 3, 2023 One marketing executive commented: This should go down in the Marketing textbooks as ‘the Krispy Kreme Effect’#doughnutgate pic.twitter.com/5BcxYePoBE — hellojhoni (@jhoniwright) June 3, 2023 Excitement was so rife that those living outside of the capital city tweeted: Me on the outside watching everyone else get their Krispy Kreme donuts. pic.twitter.com/SHSlFmsO9C — #ClimateChange (@aneikaangus) May 22, 2023 While the marketing blitz excited the taste buds, created some much-needed fun, and was generally acknowledged to be skilfully done, it may also spark a “donut war.” Jamaica already enjoys a popular local donut brand, Prestige, which operates a bakery in downtown Kingston. To date, however, the brand does not appear to have its own website. Krispy Kreme, therefore, seems to be winning the day — for now, at least — but its approach has propelled Prestige, to at least venture into the world of social media.