It goes without saying that the traditional condiment of choice in most Caribbean households is (hot) pepper sauce.

Fiery, tangy, savoury, sweet; whichever way it comes, pepper sauce is beloved by almost everyone in the region and is put it on everything from salads and sandwiches to rice and meat, and even mixed in curries, soups, and stews.

Some people might rely on store bought bottles of pepper sauce, but a lot of households have their own ‘secret’ recipes which have been passed down through generations.

Barbadian entrepreneur Nick Bynoe started making his own version of pepper sauce when he returned to the island in 2015 after living for some time in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada.

Nick loves food and cooking but had no formal experience in the food industry after spending most of his career in warehousing, logistics, and operations.

However, when he realised his home island was importing lots of the same types of pepper sauce and did not even have a brand to call its own, he saw a gap in the market and an opportunity that could not be missed.

“The lightbulb moment came when I saw so many flavours and variations of pepper sauce in the international, mainly US market,” Nick recalls.

“I started watching YouTube videos and reading articles about the global trend in demand for speciality, small batch pepper sauce but I didn’t see a lot of genuine Caribbean representation. The idea grew from there.”

Despite his lack of professional culinary skills and his personal intolerance to hot, spicy food, Nick’s first batches of artisanal pepper sauce, made with smoked peppers, charred pineapple, local herbs, and spices were an instant hit with his friends and family.

Nick states: “Once I realised the business was going somewhere, I just tweaked the sauce a bit to make it more efficient for production because it wasn’t realistic to char the number of pineapples that I would need. I also chose peppers that were more readily available.

“After one or two adjustments we got it just right and we really let the ingredients speak for themselves because there are no fillers or preservatives. Once the real, natural ingredients are good, the sauce is good”.

Two more pepper sauce flavour profiles were soon added, the sweet and spicy ‘Pepper Punch’, and the milder ‘Zesty Jalapeno’.

All that remained was to officially name the business, but when Nick tried to register his local brand in 2018, the name he had in mind was already taken.

Slightly disheartened, he joined some friends on the beach for a bonfire and one of them suggested the name “Duppy” which in the English-speaking Caribbean means ghost or spirit. Nick liked the connotation and felt it even fitted in well with the sauce’s smoky origins.

Five years later and the ‘Old Duppy’ product line has gradually expanded to include five different kinds of pepper sauce along with tamarind sauce, BBQ sauce, Vex vinegar, Bajan Ganoush dip, and chili oil.

Nick has now turned his attention to exporting and took a major step towards achieving his goal of selling in the UK and Europe when he was accepted onto a 10-month ‘Launch to Market’ programme facilitated by the Caribbean Export Development Agency in September 2021.

Nick says: “‘Launch to Market’ really made us step back and focus on what larger markets would expect from our product. That programme was extremely helpful because as a small producer we would never have been able to afford that kind of assistance.

“Working with experts really gives you some unique insight into what you need to do for export and opens your eyes. The help was amazing and immeasurable.”

Last year, Nick had ‘Old Duppy Foods’ incorporated and took on a new business partner. The brand also took part in the Speciality & Fine Food Fair in London in September 2022 under the Caribbean Export umbrella.

“Taking ‘Old Duppy’ to England was always aspirational,” Nick states. “So, to see people there tasting and enjoying the product was very rewarding. We learned what the British market likes and doesn’t like, and it led to so many connections with buyers and distributors.

“We knew what we had to focus on and within a month we were working with an importer and distributor that matches the size of our brand, so we’ll grow together. Our first shipment to the UK went out in November and our second shipment is being prepared now.”

Nick believes the UK distribution deal will lead to more orders and to fulfil demand he has partnered with Export Barbados’s newly opened International Food Science Center in Bridgetown to assist with bottling and labelling.

In the short term, he is concentrating on developing a footing in the UK and plans to target two other major overseas markets. The long-term goal, he jokes, is “global domination”.

Nick adds: “When we decided to really have a go at this, we knew that Barbados was the foundation and an important part of the story. But we are very niche, so if we want to grow, we can’t stay in Barbados or even the Caribbean.

“One of my main goals is for tourists to come here and ask for ‘Old Duppy’ to take back with them. Not just a pepper sauce, any pepper sauce, but a Barbadian brand.”

The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, once said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This philosophy continues to resonate today, shaping current trends and lifestyles. People now view their food choices as a means of promoting health, well-being, and preventative health management. From herbal teas, tinctures, powders and supplements to meditation, digital detoxes and yoga, individuals are looking for holistic approaches to feeling their best. Research indicates that, “The rise in conscientious consumption has the potential to greatly impact the future of nutrition, health and wellness”.^[1]

From the Caribbean, with its rich base of folklore practices^[2] and traditional knowledge involving the use of medicinal plants^[3], new products are emerging that combine traditional wellness secrets with modern insights. These products cater to global consumers’ desires for quality products, plant-based foods, nutraceuticals, functional foods and natural food products that promote health and wellness.

At the renowned Food Industry trade fair, Agroalimentaria 2023, top exporting Caribbean brands and products will be showcased, offering a myriad of benefits for individuals seeking optimal health and well-being.

Bahamian company, Native Organic’s LLC, manufactures a line of 100% natural, pure and potent herbal dietary supplement capsules. Their vegan capsules, made from plants like soursop, papaya, cerasee, moringa, sea moss support overall wellness along with other capsules for colon cleansing, detox, and weight loss.

Native Organic’s line of supplements and capsules contain bioactive compounds, enzymes, and alkaloids that can offer functional benefits. Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B3 and B6, Iron, and Potassium which are present in Ginger and Turmeric contain more than 300 naturally occurring components including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc, and other nutrients. Ginger and Turmeric capsules contain plants that have been used to treat ailments, ranging from migraines to chronic inflammation and fatigue.

Cerasee or bitter melon is traditionally used to help reduce constipation, boost immune functions, stabilise the body’s natural functions, and treat common colds and flu. Cerasee vegan capsules help consumers embrace the benefits of bitter melon in more palatable ways.

Other capsules from Native Organic’s may contribute to eliminating toxins (Organic Colon Cleanse Detox Capsules), improving digestive health (Papaya vegan capsules), and boosting energy and enhancing endurance (Organic Sea Moss Capsules), among other benefits. Native Organic’s helps consumers embrace the power of natural supplements to support their health and well-being.

Caribbean Agro Producers Corp from Dominica is dedicated to producing a wide range of health-enhancing products including capsules, herbal teas, tinctures, powders, spices, and gourmet ginger syrup. Their “Give” brand by Chiacell Biological is dedicated to the research and development (R&D) of healthy, naturally grown herbal teas. The product lineup for teas features premium and herbal tea blends that reflect a traditionally Caribbean “ethnobotanical apothecary”. Each tea product is titled to highlight its specific advantages. From Diabetea, made with Spanish Needle and Neem (Bidens Pilosa and Azadirachta Indica) to Vigor, made with Bois Bandé (Richeria Grandis, used traditionally as an aphrodisiac), their teas cover a diverse range of health concerns. Other popular plants featured in their products include Moringa and Soursop in Revivify, Vervain and Guava in Nerves & Veins and Noni and Ginger in Digestive Health. Additional product offerings include Cleanse, Corossol, Weight Loss, Circulation, Breathe Easy, Joint Health, and Immunity.

By harnessing the power of natural ingredients, Caribbean Agro Producers Corp offers products that can contribute to the well-being of individuals seeking holistic health approaches.

With over forty different types of teas and 60% of its products being exported, Jamaican Teas is the largest producer of teas in the Caribbean. They are the award-winning company that manufactures the rapidly growing brand, Caribbean Dreams. Caribbean Dreams’ tea product lineup features 3 main product lines: Select Tea Infusions, Wellness Teas and Flavoured Teas.

Select Tea Infusions features premium quality products that are expertly blended with the consumer in mind. Ingredients like lemongrass, rosehips, orange leaves and other plants are featured in various blends. Ingredients are carefully selected to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort while balancing consumers’ need for uniqueness, wellness, delectable flavours, and fulfillment.

Wellness Teas are focused on supporting a healthy lifestyle by introducing a variety of herbs and spices that contain many health benefits while Flavoured Teas feature a wide variety of flavourful herbal teas that are made with popular herbs and spices that not only taste good but are good for you too.

In addition to black, green and herbal teas, Jamaican Teas also offers seasoning, loose tea, instant tea and a range of pastas and other pantry products.

RHS Marketing, an award-winning company from Trinidad, takes pride in manufacturing products that have their roots in the Caribbean and its cultural diversity. Their product lineup includes one of the hottest new wellness trends, traditionally known and used in Ireland and the Caribbean: sea moss. Popularized for both health and beauty benefits, Irish sea moss (Chondrus Crispus) is a species of red algae that has attracted praise from health enthusiasts and mainstream celebrities with #seamoss appearing in over 1.2 million Instagram posts. Catering to the demand for sea moss products, RHS Marketing offers sea moss drinks (concentrate) and dried Irish Sea moss. In addition to sea moss products, they also offer a range of sauces, seasonings, spices, condiments, jellies, fruit cordials and essences.

The fusion of traditional Caribbean practices with modern nutrition and wellness insights has given rise to an array of products from the region that help consumers prioritize health and well-being.

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^[1] https://store.mintel.com/report/the-future-of-nutrition-health-and-wellness-market-report

^[2] “The Use of Medicinal Herbs in Barbados.” Medicinal Plants of Barbados for the Treatment of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, Univ. of the West Indies Press, Kingston, 2015, p. 5.

^[3] Vujicic, T; Cohall, D. “Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the Use of Botanical Medicines in a Rural Caribbean Territory.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34776949/. Accessed 15 May 2023.

During this week, a delegation from Caribbean Export visited the Bahamas to conduct crucial meetings with key stakeholders while intensifying their preparations for the second edition of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF). This event is scheduled to take place from October 23-25, 2023 at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. In collaboration with the European Union and CARICOM, the Agency will partner with the Government of The Bahamas, working closely alongside teams from the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation.

The CIF aims to accomplish three significant objectives: (1) Attract targeted investments into prioritized sectors, specifically those essential for driving the region’s transition towards a greener and smarter economy. These sectors encompass the digital economy, agri-tech, renewable energy, and transportation and logistics. (2) Enhance the visibility of the region and the host country as attractive investment destinations. (3) Facilitate networking and collaboration among the investment community in the region, leading to agreements on key priorities that will expedite the region’s transition to a greener and smarter economy. The primary focus is to create a platform for businesses to engage with one another and foster new business opportunities.

Following the inaugural CIF, the emphasis in 2023 will be on packaging investment opportunities in the identified priority sectors and build upon the accomplishments of the inaugural CIF, which occurred in Trinidad and Tobago last November, and expedite the Agency’s mission of creating a more environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced Caribbean.

CIF 2023 will concentrate on assisting businesses in attracting investments in these key areas including the adoption of renewable energy practices to enhance competitiveness and leverage the green economy, the integration of technology in business operations, encompassing ICT, digitalization of processes, and FinTech, the development and implementation of technology in agriculture and support CARICOM’s goal of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025, and the enhancement of the region’s infrastructure pertaining to transportation and logistics.

It is anticipated that this year’s event will surpass last year’s achievements and attract over 800 business professionals seeking to invest in the Caribbean or secure investment into their multi-million-dollar projects.

The event serves as the foremost platform for attracting investments in the region, offering an opportunity to showcase the Caribbean as an appealing investment destination with the potential to drive transformative growth. The CIF is distinguished by its exclusive focus on investment, with the primary aim of attracting businesspersons from the region and carefully screened investors from around the world who are interested in participating and contributing to the event.

A group of Haitian and Dominican Business Supporting Organizations, led by  Chambre du Commerce et d’industrie d’ Haïti (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti) and the Federación Dominicana de Cámaras de Comercio-FEDOCAMARAS (Dominican Federation of Chambers of Commerce) strengthened collaboration ties through their joint participation in a Best Practices Mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This mission was coordinated by Caribbean Export as part of its Private Sector Dialogue Work Plan stemming out of the implementation of the Trade and Private Sector Component of the Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Cooperation Program, financed by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).

The delegation was comprised by Chambre du Commerce et d’Industrie d’Haïti-CCIH (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti), Association Des Industries d’Haïti-ADIH (Association of Industries of Haiti), the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti-AmCham Haiti and the Chambre de Conciliation et d’Arbitrage d’Haiti-CCAH (Chamber of Conciliation and Arbitration of Haiti),  Federación Dominicana de Cámaras de Comercio-FEDOCAMARAS (Dominican Federation of Chambers of Commerce), Cámara de Comercio y Producción de Santo Domingo-CCPSD (Chamber of Commerce and Production of Santo Domingo), Asociación Dominicana de Exportadores-ADOEXPO (Dominican Exporters’ Association) and the Centro de Resolución Alternativa de Controversias de la República Dominicana-CRC (Dominican Republic’s Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution).

Argentina has a long track record of supporting export of its services industry in a worldwide scale, namely in the innovation and technology sector. Such is the case that Argentina has eleven (11) companies that are considered unicorns (valued at over USD$1 billion). Moreover, Argentina has had to overcome major challenges in the political and social realm that have greatly affected private sector development and overall trade.  In this context, Caribbean Export organized this mission to enable r Haitian and Dominican BSOs to discuss what operational and policy frameworks were put in place to support Argentina’s private sector; along with the challenges that were faced and the best practices of what worked.

During the mission, the delegation was able to engage and share best practices with the Cámara Argentina de Comercio y Servicios-CAC (Chamber of Commerce and Services of Argentina), which served as the primary host for this mission, along other private sector support institutions. These exchanges allowed participating BSOs to learn about the services provided by their counterparts in Argentina and improve their technical capacity to support the country’s business development with the appropriate tools to improve their management. In addition, the delegation was able to engage with the Cámara Argentina de Comercio Electrónico-CACE (Digital Chamber of Commerce of Argentina), allowing the acquisition of knowledge about the electronic commerce program (experience and training) implemented by after the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of the private exporting sector.

With this activity, the participating chambers of commerce will be able to increase the quantity and quality of the services offered to their members and improve their long-term sustainability, while strengthening their collective interinstitutional cooperation ties across the border and the overall binational private sector.