The Caribbean and the world have lost a remarkable leader, diplomat, and advocate for small nations with the passing of Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal. Born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana), he rose to become one of the Caribbean’s most distinguished global statesmen. His career, marked by service to the Caribbean, the Commonwealth, and the international community, spanned more than five decades, leaving an indelible impact on global diplomacy and development.

As the Caribbean Export Development Agency reflects on its Memorandum of Understanding with the Shridath Ramphal Centre at the University of the West Indies (UWI), this moment offers an opportunity to honor the man behind the name—a figure whose life’s work focused on justice, equality, and advancing the interests of small and developing nations on the world stage.

Regional Leadership: Champion of Caribbean Integration

In the Caribbean, he is revered for his role in fostering regional integration. His early involvement in the creation of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) laid the groundwork for what would later become the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). As Guyana’s Foreign Minister from 1972 to 1975, he was instrumental in promoting economic cooperation within the region, encouraging the development of shared institutions that would support Caribbean self-reliance.

His visionary leadership also extended to his advocacy for Caribbean unity on the global stage. He believed that the Caribbean’s collective voice could carry weight in international forums, giving small island nations a seat at the table on issues such as trade, development, and climate change.

Global Statesman: Commonwealth Leadership and Beyond

It was in the international arena, however, where Shridath Ramphal became a household name. As the second Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, serving from 1975 to 1990, he was a tireless advocate for the interests of the developing world. Under his stewardship, the Commonwealth became a vital platform for promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, and the economic rights of small nations.

Shridath’s leadership of the Commonwealth came at a critical time. The 1970s and 1980s were marked by intense geopolitical tensions, apartheid in South Africa, and growing global economic inequality. He played a pivotal role in the Commonwealth’s opposition to apartheid, standing firm against racial injustice and advocating for economic sanctions against the South African regime. His moral clarity and diplomatic skill helped to strengthen the global movement for human rights and justice.

The Shridath Ramphal Centre: A Lasting Legacy

In recognition of his contributions to Caribbean integration and global diplomacy, the University of the West Indies established the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services. The Centre, based at the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, is a tribute to his lifelong commitment to promoting the interests of the Caribbean in global trade negotiations.

The Centre’s work, which includes research, policy analysis, and capacity building, reflects Sir Shridath’s belief that the Caribbean must be proactive and united in asserting its rights in the international system. Through its partnership with organizations like the Caribbean Export Development Agency, the Centre continues to champion the cause of economic empowerment and sustainable development for the region.

A Life of Service

Sir Shridath Ramphal’s passing marks the end of an era for the Caribbean and the international community. He leaves behind a legacy of principled diplomacy, unyielding advocacy for justice, and a vision of a fairer, more equitable world. As we honor his life and contributions, we are reminded of the power of leadership that is guided by integrity, intellect, and a commitment to the common good.
For the Caribbean, Shridath Ramphal will always be remembered as a statesman who understood the unique challenges facing small nations and dedicated his life to ensuring that these voices were heard. His influence will continue to shape Caribbean diplomacy and international relations for generations to come.

Turning your passion into a business is one of the best ways to ensure you create a company that you can be proud of and that will make a real difference.

Entrepreneur Marcia Peak describes herself as “a passionate educator” and has spent over 15 years working as a teacher in Jamaica at various levels from pre-schoolers to adult learners.

In 2021, while assisting a friend’s child with lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic and studying for a PhD in Education Policy Leadership and Management, Marcia got the idea for her business ‘Focus on the Gap Educational Services’.

She envisioned a revolutionary e-learning platform that utilises a child’s educational strengths to improve their weaknesses through personalised lesson plans, videos, games, and fun activities.

Initially, Marcia launched her company on a small scale and only offered her services to friends and clients via word-of-mouth.

But eventually she decided to enlist the help of a Business Development Officer (BDO), who subsequently introduced her to the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s ‘Virtual E-Commerce Accelerator Programme (VEAP),’ which she participated in along with businesses and BDO’s from across the region.

VEAP was a 15-month project funded by Expertise France under the auspices of the Digital REsponse Connecting CiTizens Programme (DIRECCT), which aimed to train Business Support Organisations and Caribbean firms in e-commerce strategy and operations. It covered a wide range of relevant topics including e-commerce coaching, e-commerce value and pricing, e-commerce payment systems, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

At the BDO’s insistence, Marcia enrolled in VEAP’s first cohort of Caribbean companies despite having “no knowledge” of e-commerce terminology or business models.

Marcia quickly realised the benefits of the intensive programme. She made copious notes, asked lots of questions, and then set about putting to use her practical skills training to transition the large-scale plans for her business from paper to reality.

Marcia admits that finding time for her doctorate while running her business and completing assignments from VEAP was “a sacrifice” but insists it was worth it.

She says: “VEAP taught me so much as an entrepreneur even from a basic level. Then from the e-commerce standpoint I learned about inventory management, return policies, payment processes and the relevant software. I also learned how to adapt my model for B2C (business to consumer) and B2B (business to business).

“The resources and tips that were shared were highly appreciated and I certainly encourage others to make use of it.”

Following her participation in VEAP, Marcia launched her business website while working closely with a developer on the essential elements she wanted to include. She recalls: “While I was on VEAP I created a checklist of what my website would need. There was no company website before VEAP so the knowledge I gained went straight into that project which was a huge part of my 2024 business plan. VEAP allowed that to materialise, and I know it will be rewarding once all the elements are set up properly.”

Marcia is particularly grateful for the expertise, guidance, and engagement of the master trainers who, she says, made space for the participants to ask questions pertaining to their specific business needs. She said listening to the issues faced by the other business owners, even though some were selling products and not services, helped her consider her own brand’s development from a different point of view.

Marcia is now working on the e-commerce aspect of her website with one of the VEAP master trainers, Gilbert Williams. She has held preliminary discussions with him and is excited about being able to set up multiple streams of income while also scaling up her services to appeal to an international audience.

“Once we launch the e-commerce aspect the business really becomes unlimited,” Marcia states. “I can imagine us being able to reach people all over the world and even tapping into different languages.”

Focus on The Gap’s stated vision is “to inspire, motivate, and engage individuals with the ability to access and utilise skills training to bridge learning gaps in the global community” and over the next year, Marcia’s priorities are expansion and reach.

She is hoping to add around eight staff members to her team including a website manager as well as subject tutors. Marcia believes there are people all around the world who can benefit from her innovative approach to learning, and she is enthusiastic to get going.

Since its establishment in 2021, Pleion Group Inc., a leading economic development company in the Caribbean, whose purpose is to trigger economic growth through business development initiatives in the Caribbean and beyond, has been playing a critical role in the establishment and implementation of Connect Caribé, the private-sector led caribbean ferry project.

The company’s genesis is as a direct result of the company’s participation in the roundtable on transportation and logistics at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 in Trinidad and Tobago, where key members of the consortium who were participants of the CIF2022 came together to establish what is now Connect Caribé. Connect Caribé focuses on four key pillars to address challenges affecting interregional transportation and trade among Caribbean nations in the areas of travel, cargo, agriculture, and e-commerce.

The diverse perspectives and industry insights shared during CIF2022 sparked innovative ideas and solutions that were later intentionally incorporated into its strategic plan for the Caribbean. During the second installment of CIF2023 in the Bahamas, Pleion Group Inc. led by Dr. Andre Thomas presented the Connect Caribé project in the investment village providing a broader scope of the project’s business model to investors. The CIF platform and the exposure the event provided has contributed to the successful acquisition of funding for the fleet of ships and various business operations. With this major development, Connect Caribe is targeting the commencement of service in the fourth quarter of 2024 for cargo operations and the first quarter of 2025 for travel operations.

At this year’s Caribbean Investment Forum 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana, Connect Caribé will present on the major developments of the Connect Caribé project during the afternoon session on July 12th, 2024 in the Country Presentation segment with special focus on Connect Caribe E-shops, an e-commerce marketplace targeted for the Caribbean region. The goal is to facilitate economic transformation within the Caribbean region by creating a marketplace which will allow entrepreneurs to use e-commerce in their businesses to generate local, regional and extra-regional sales.

On the heels of Caribbean Investment Forum 2024, Pleion Group will be presenting Connect Caribé Summit (‘Navigating New Horizons: Bridging Travel, Trade, and E-Commerce Across the Caribbean’) in Bridgetown Barbados July 23rd and 24th at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The Connect Caribé Summit’s (CCS) aim is to propel the maritime travel and logistics sector toward a future of seamless connectivity and enhanced trade opportunities within the Caribbean. The CCS will serve as the platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to convene and learn of the opportunities within each division of Connect Caribe operations.

This post was submitted by Connect Caribé. For more information on Connect Caribé visit their website at www.connectcaribe.com or contact Jennifer Highland at Jhighland@connectcaribe.com

The Caribbean economy is rapidly evolving, fueled by the need to, among other things, implement innovative responses to climate change, increase competitiveness through digitalization, and reduce the reliance on the often volatile Tourism Industry through strategic diversification of national economies. As governments, Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and regional bodies lead the charge to transform the Caribbean economy, global investment trends are further positioning the region as a lucrative location for global investors seeking to diversify their portfolios, make developmental impacts and enhance their ROIs.

The data is already showing the movement towards increased investment in the region.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2023, foreign investment in Latin America and the Caribbean rose by 51% in 2022, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the Caribbean, specifically, increasing by 53%. The same report indicated that over the past five years, regional economic bodies have attracted FDI flows in line with the overall trend seen in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2022, member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) saw investment doubling to 6.9 billion.

Of course, there is room for even more investment opportunities and FDI to flow into the region if the region capitalises on investment trends.

Renewable Energy Investments

The region’s abundant sunshine and strong winds make it a prime location for investments in renewable energy projects. Already, Caribbean governments are enshrining sustainability goals and climate resilience into their national development policies. Private interests are also developing Solar PV initiatives and Wind Farm projects. While this shift is underway in the region, global investors are capitalising on lowering costs in the renewable energy sector. The reduced costs have led to an impressive growth in clean energy investments in recent years. According to Bloomberg NEF Energy Transition Investment Trends 2024 global clean energy investment jumped 17% to $1.8 Trillion in 2023. The trend of clean energy investments is likely to continue in the foreseeable future, and regional governments, companies and start-ups can position themselves for partnerships with global investors to achieve renewable energy goals.

Agribusiness Venture Capital

In a world being radically transformed by the effects of climate change and buffeted by military conflicts and geopolitical tensions around the world, the global food supply chain seems constantly under threat. In vulnerable regions like the Caribbean, where 23 CAIPA Secretariat countries import 94% of their food, and the agricultural sectors seem routinely under-developed, it is vital for governments to increase investment into the sector. While vertical farming has been a recent buzz term in agricultural spaces, the integration of artificial intelligence into agribusiness is also very popular among venture capitalists.

Of course, there are other investment trends to which regional leaders must pay attention. For more insight on such trends there is no better resource than the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2024. The third iteration of the seminal event developed by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) will be held in Guyana from July 10 – 12, 2024. It will bring together global investors, innovators, industry leaders and policymakers to discuss opportunities across four key tracks – Sustainable Agriculture, Green Economy Transition, Digitalisation of Business, and Sustainable Development.

Among the presentations expected to showcase the ways regional governments, companies and start-ups can adapt to changing investment trends are:

• The presentation on ‘How the CARIFORUM-EU EPA Facilitates Investment‘ to be given by Carlene Hamilton, Trade Policy Officer, Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, OECS, and CARICOM/CARIFORUM
• The Ministerial Roundtable: ‘Fostering Sustainable Development through Innovative Investment Strategies In the Caribbean: Opportunities and Challenges‘ which will feature ministers from Grenada and Guyana, and
• A Panel Discussion on ‘Revolutionising Investment Finance in the Caribbean For a Thriving Future’ which will feature representatives from the European Investment Bank, Republic Financial Holdings, CrossBoundary Group and Impact Investing Institute.

By adapting to changing investment trends and positioning itself as a viable investment locale, the Caribbean will increase and enhance the investments and partnerships it secures. Be part of CIF 2024 to discover more about what trends could have the biggest impact on different sectors and how public and private sector decision-makers are seeking to respond.

Register now for CIF 2024 at https://caribbeaninvestmentforum.com!

The 2024 Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF 2024) was at the forefront of the agenda during our Executive Director’s recent mission to Guyana from January 29-February 1, 2024. The Caribbean Investment Forum has emerged as the premiere regional forum bringing investors and businesses together to create deals in sectors that can drive regional transformation.

During the visit, Mr. Maharaj conducted high-level meetings with H.E., the President and key policy makers. He also engaged in dialogue with the CARICOM Secretary-General, development partners, the media and other stakeholders.

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali confirmed the government’s partnership in hosting CIF 2024 from July 10-12, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Georgetown, Guyana. “I am delighted with the commitment of the President to this flagship initiative. Guyana clearly recognises CIF 2024 as a pivotal platform to bring investments to the Region to create jobs and opportunities for Caribbean people.” said Mr. Maharaj.

He added, “We are excited to showcase sustainable agriculture investment opportunities and innovation in the heart of the Caribbean’s breadbasket.”

The Caribbean Investment Forum is a crucial platform for shaping the region’s economic landscape by helping steer private investments in transformative sectors such as sustainable agriculture, technology and innovation and the green economy transition.

Discussions with the Secretary-General and other CARICOM officials explored avenues to extend partnerships from CIF to other programming areas. CARICOM has again committed to partnering with Caribbean Export for CIF 2024.

Mr. Maharaj had constructive engagements with other stakeholders, including Dr. Peter Ramsaroop who leads the Guyana Investment Agency. He remains supportive of advancing our impactful initiatives in the region. As Caribbean Export implements the Regional Private Sector Programme on behalf of the European Union, our focus will be on a few key areas. These include accelerating regional development through promoting green economy practices and digital transition. We will also focus on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises’ access to finance through the expansion of the range of financial offerings.

The short but fruitful mission strengthened existing relationships and lays the foundation for an exciting Caribbean Investment Forum 2024 which will help create jobs and opportunity for Caribbean people.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency is carrying out a survey to understand the contribution and impact of our activities on businesses since 2017, during the implementation of the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme funded by the European Union (EU).
 
The programme aims to support the development of businesses in the Caribbean and support them to export their products and services ultimately to create jobs and alleviate poverty.  This survey is designed to collect information on the Agency’s activities and resources e.g. grants, trade missions, webinars, trainings, resources via website, amongst others. 

Take Survey

 
Please be informed that all information shared and collected via this survey will be used for the purpose of reporting the outcomes and impacts of the activities on your firm and will be shared with the relevant donor partner.  
 
Thank you for your participation and we look forward to supporting you in the future. 

If you grew up in the Caribbean, chances are you spent some of your childhood climbing trees to pick a mango, papaya, breadfruit, or coconut.

Our region is resplendent with fruit trees which give up their yield on a frequent basis to provide a natural bounty that has been utilised by Caribbean people for generations in our kitchens, and to the benefit of our hair and skin.

Now, people around the world are realising the potential of what mother nature generously provides for us, with consumers increasingly gravitating towards products labelled as ‘100% natural’, ‘pure’, and ‘simple’, and preferring food that is minimally processed and free of artificial colours, additives, flavours, and sweeteners.

Recent research from Reportlinker.com predicts the global natural food and drink market will be worth $263.1 billion (US) by 2028, rising at a compound annual growth rate of 10.8% from 2022-2028.

This exponential growth provides an opportunity for Caribbean brands that have been successfully operating in this space locally and regionally and have access to superfoods and other potent ingredients on their doorstep.

Five regional companies heading to SIAL Paris 2022 will be hoping their natural products can attract attendees looking for innovative, exciting, and unique food and drink offerings.

SIAL is billed as the world’s biggest food fair and brings together influential producers, importers, buyers, and retailers from the global food industry to network, connect, and debate. This major event is particularly key for businesses that want to expand their exports to Europe and beyond.

Guyana’s Only Coconuts brand is the definition of wholesome, healthy food.

The range includes flour, chips (baked not fried), virgin oil, refined oil, and desiccated coconut and all the coconuts used are handpicked by Guyanese farmers growing trees on the Essequibo Coast, along the Pomeroon River, and in parts of Berbice.

Only Coconuts products are processed at the company’s 45,000 square foot facility based at Marudi Creek, and every item is free from preservatives or artificial additives and packed with healthy fats and antioxidants.

Artisan bean to bar chocolate company, Cacoa Sainte Lucie, was founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Maria Jackson and is situated in Canaries on the west coast of St Lucia.

St Lucia has been associated with chocolate since the 1700s when the island exported its cacao beans to Europe where it was used to make some of the finest chocolate in the world.

Cacoa Sainte Lucie continues the tradition of using local, organic cocoa farmers to create its authentic handcrafted chocolate products such as bars, cocoa nibs, milk chocolate, truffles, and chocolate coated nuts.

Ms Jackson is a skilled chocolatier who is also passionate about enhancing her community by providing employment and passing on her passion for cacao.

Established in 1992, Coffee Roasters of Jamaica Limited (parent company ‘Country Traders’) is a family-run business which started out distributing other coffee brands before managing director, Mark Fletcher, decided to set up his own roastery and begin distributing his own blend.

Mark went to the Jamaican Coffee Industry Board to learn the fine art of coffee making and then set about establishing a talented team of coffee lovers to produce 100% authentic Jamaica Blue Mountain® coffee.

Shortly after Mark set up the business, his dad John, who has years of food manufacturing experience, came on board and together they have taken their coffee brand to another level.

Coffee Roasters of Jamaica currently supplies approximately 2,000 pounds of coffee every week to the local market and the Jamaican tourism industry, and its export strategy involves working with small and specialised distributors in the US, UK, Germany, Canada, and China.

Jamaica Blue Mountain® coffee accounts for “half of Country Traders’ business value,” according to the company website, but they also produce another blue mount blend and an authentic Jamaica blend, which is a combination of low mountain coffee and imported blends for distribution.

Coffee Roasters of Jamaica is one of just ten Jamaican roasters recognised and licensed by the Jamaican Coffee Industry Board. One of the reasons for its ongoing success is the close contact it has with its coffee farmers which ensures they produce the highest quality coffee beans.

Bahamian brand Native Organics LLC is on a mission to “help any individual seeking to maintain their overall health and skin” with its range of 100% natural, herbal dietary supplements.

The company was started in February 2015 by sole proprietor and founder Nelticka Moxey. The idea came out of her work as a palliative care nurse, when she would often hear patients and relatives expressing their preferred desire for a natural pathway to health, as opposed to chemically based medications with severe side effects.

Ms Moxey began research, testing, and developing a line of plant-based, organic vitamins and supplements from indigenous ingredients with proven health benefits such as moringa, turmeric, ginger, aloe vera, and sea moss.

Native Organics supplements can assist with a range of ailments including joint stiffness, allergies, immune health, and digestive problems. The supplements are suitable for vegans and contain no sugar, salt, preservatives, or additives.

Choko Lakay is a Haitian company run by businesswoman Jheline Avrilien.

Started in 2016, Choko Lakay specialises in crafting organic, fair-trade chocolate, and partners with associations of organic cocoa producers in northern Haiti to produce cocoa powder and other premium products including dark chocolate spread and chocolate cookies.

Despite the challenges of operating from Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, Choko Lakay’s stated vision is to “become one of the best manufacturing companies of cocoa products” and its mission is “to promote the sustainable development of the agro-industrial sector” in Haiti.

Caribbean people have an unmistakable gift for infusing spice, heat, and flavour into every occasion, and our island cuisine is no exception!

Hot sauce might be our ‘go-to’ condiment, but many producers across the region have also started introducing a wide variety of tropical ingredients into other types of sauces, dressings, seasonings, and marinades.

Five leading Caribbean food brands are excited to be sharing what they have to offer in the competitive sauce and condiment market at the world’s biggest food fair, ‘SIAL Paris 2022’.

Naledo Belize Ltd, Sishado from Suriname, Vincyfresh Ltd, Flauriel from St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados’ Superb Blend, are all exhibiting at the major event from 15-19 October with the support of the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the European Union.

SIAL Paris 2022 brings together thousands of producers, importers, buyers, and retailers to network and connect. This prestigious platform will offer these Caribbean agro-processors the ideal chance to show how their products can satisfy the public’s growing interest in Caribbean-inspired flavours, while also ticking the healthy living box.

According to Statista, the global sauces and condiments market is currently worth $227.90bn (US) and is expected to grow annually by 5.78% from 2022-2027. A key factor behind this growth is the consumers’ desire for more tasty, nutritious food.

Naledo Belize is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the upward trajectory for natural sauces and condiments as the world’s first producer of wildcrafted, whole-root turmeric.

The company’s flagship product, ‘Truly Tumeric’, has won countless awards, along with admiration and recognition for its proven health benefits, coupled with the versatility of the product which enhances any meal.

Naledo is managed by mother and daughter team Umeeda and Nareena Switlo. They started the business in 2016 and have focused on keeping their product line as simple as possible, with the contents list containing only whole root turmeric, cold pressed coconut oil, fresh lime juice, and sea salt. The black pepper version incorporates pepper that is cultivated in Belizean forests.

In addition, Naledo is run as a social enterprise that works directly with over 300 small-scale growers based in Toledo, Belize to ensure they are paid a fair price. The company is also a certified B Corporation which means it has met strict social and environmental standards in relation to performance, accountability, and transparency.

Naledo’s ‘Truly Turmeric’ paste is currently sold in over 1,000 retailers in Canada, America, UK, and Europe and online and attracts followers from all over the world who enjoy its deep flavour.

In Suriname, Sishado sauce is a household name renowned for its consistent quality and taste.

Produced by family-owned company, Gom Food Industries NV, Sishado was started in 1996 by mother and son Yvonne and Kenneth van Gom, who based their sauce on Yvonne’s homemade recipe, and initially started bottling the product out of a small shed.

Sishado soon proved popular among family, friends, and acquaintances and was then introduced to the Surinamese public in 1997.

Gom Food Industries quickly expanded within the local market before branching out with exports to the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curacao. Sishado also started exporting to Guyana in 2011, Antiqua in 2014 and French-Guyana in 2016 and has plans to move into more Caribbean and European markets.

Sishado sauces and marinades come in eight different varieties. They are gluten-free, suitable for vegetarians, and do not contain any artificial sweeteners.

Vincyfresh Ltd (a subsidiary of Winfresh Limited) prides itself on offering authentic, high-quality products “filled with the rich history of the Windward Islands”.

Managed by Vincentian entrepreneur Shelly-Ann Fraser, Vincyfresh produces small batch sauces, marinades, and jellies made from familiar island ingredients such as jalapeño pepper, mango, ginger, and passion fruit.

The brand works with farmers all over the region to transform their produce into condiments that give every dish a splash of Caribbean colour and taste. The Vincyfresh range goes particularly well with crackers, chips, and breadsticks.

The Flauriel food brand will also be on display at SIAL Paris 2022. Produced by Kittian entrepreneur Anastasha Elliott, Flauriel is a vegan and organic label which includes ketchup, jams, jellies, and salad dressings.

Every single product is methodically handmade by an all-female team who use traditional extraction and infusion techniques which have been passed down through generations.

The ingredients list is easy to understand and features various fruit and superfoods including coconut, sorrel, soursop, guava, hibiscus, and mango.

Jay Enterprise Inc is a Barbadian-based, family company offering a wide variety of traditional and gourmet condiments, sauces, wet and dried seasonings, and marinades, under the Superb Blend brand.

The Superb Blend range draws on a rich heritage of Caribbean recipes that have been handed down through five generations by the beloved matriarch of the family, Grandma Marjorie.

All Superb Blend products, which include spicy mango chutney, zesty onion relish, and tangy Carambola sauce, are made with the health-conscious consumer in mind and therefore contain less sugar than similar food items.

The Superb Blend offers customers “authenticity and convenience”, as well as a touch of nostalgia as the flavours take you back to Grandma’s kitchen, where the food was served with love, and always tasted good.

If you’ve ever sipped a rum while the sun goes down as you chill out at a beach bar or beside a hotel pool, you’ll know how good the beverage tastes poured over ice, and how well it evokes feelings of calm, warmth, and relaxation.

Originating in Barbados in the early 1600s, the spirit has played a pivotal role in the history and culture of the entire Caribbean region. But even the enslaved Africans who discovered it by fermenting sugarcane molasses could not have imagined the drink they called ‘kill-devil’ (which later became known as ‘rumbullion’ or ‘rumbustion’) would eventually be enjoyed around the world.

In fact, the global rum market was valued at $11.26 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2022 to 2028, mainly fuelled by the introduction of new flavours and the rising popularity of premium products.

Consumers demanding a unique and authentic rum experience will naturally be drawn to its ancestral home in the Caribbean, where producers have remained true to its tradition and heritage, while sensitively working to adapt the drink to ensure that its appeal continues to entice new generations.

At SIAL Paris 2022, three Caribbean distillers will be demonstrating their range of traditional and non-traditional rum products.

The St Lucia Distillers Group of Companies, Chicharum SRL and J&J Spirits, SRL are taking part in the world’s leading food fair from 15-19 October with the assistance of the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the European Union.

SIAL Paris gives these rum brands the chance to engage with 310,000 retailers, buyers, and importers from around the world who are looking for exceptional products that can capture and excite their customers’ imagination.

The St Lucia Distillers Group of Companies (SLD Group) has over 50 years’ experience with rum and was initially managed by the Barnard family who have been rum distillers for almost a century.

Located in the agriculturally rich town of Roseau, this boutique rum distillery uses copper stills to produce over 25 quality rums and rum products from premium rums and liqueurs to traditional pouring rums.

According to its website, the SLD Group is “not afraid to take risks and is always innovative,” which has led to it winning several awards, including the prestigious gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2012 for its flagship premium rum Admiral Rodney.

The SLD Group is also focused on corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability. Rainwater is harvested and treated for use in the blending of rums, steam turbines run the distiller plant, the boiler operates primarily on recovered waste oil, and effluent discharge from the distillery meets EU standards. The Group has also awarded secondary school scholarships for children in the local community and at least 30% of its workers are St Lucians.

‘Chicharon The World’s Cinnamon Rum’ is produced in the Dominican Republic by Chicharum SRL and is specifically targeted at millennials who are attracted to spiced or flavoured rums especially for mixing with cocktails.

Handcrafted with aged rum, cinnamon, and green chili extracts, ‘Chicharon The World’s Cinnamon Rum’ is a trendsetting, original product with a spicy kick and aromatic flair that takes rum to a different taste level. All the ingredients are natural and sourced locally.

The marketing of Chicharon is inspired by the company’s Spanish heritage and incorporates a connection to pork rinds or ‘Chicharrón’, a popular fried finger food recognised by the Latin community around the world, along with the Spanish word for rum – ron.

J&J Spirits, SRL is a pioneering family business based in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

This company manufactures a range of exotic rum-based products including their signature, ready-to-drink ‘Kalembú Mamajuana’. This traditional beverage was originally made by native Taino Indians who used it as a potent herbal medicine and is widely consumed throughout the Dominican Republic.

Blending dark rum with red wine, honey, tree bark, roots, and botanical herbs Mamajuana is believed to aid in digestion, circulation, and many other ailments.

J&J Spirits was one of the first companies to commercially produce Mamajuana and currently makes three varieties – the original Kalembú, Kalembú Café rum with coffee beans, and Kalembú Guavaberry rum.

J&J’s version of Mamajuana has been embraced by the global drinks market and is currently distributed in the United States, various Caribbean islands, Chile, Peru, Germany, and China.

Although rum is synonymous with the Caribbean, the region also has some award-winning wine producers, including Trinidad-based V’Toria Rhonda Vineyard & Winery which is also exhibiting at SIAL Paris 2022.

Started in 2012 by winemaker Nekeisha Charles, this brand crafts innovative, premium wines from exotic, tropical fruits blended with grape varietals.

V’Toria Rhonda Vineyard & Winery currently offers six non-vintage wines made with local ingredients; Love Affair with sorrel and Concord, True Passion from passion fruit and Sauvignon Blanc, Just Perception made from pomegranate and Zinfandel, Pure Diamond from rice and Riesling, Remember Me which is orange and Muscat, and Discover made from grapefruit and Merlot.

In January 2020, the winery established a passionfruit vineyard, the first one of its kind in the Caribbean, and Ms Charles has also diversified into making wine jelly and plans to add chocolate wine bars to her product list.

Ms Charles named her brand in honour of her grandmother, Victoria Richardson Harper, and her handwritten initials, extracted from an old letter which she signed ‘VR’, can be seen proudly printed on the label of every bottle offering them her personal stamp of approval!