From the crystal-clear waters of St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda, the 4th Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conference (SIDS4) set the stage for transformative dialogue and action, particularly through the 2024 SIDS Global Business Network Forum. This premier event, organized by the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), served as a bridge connecting international private sector entities with SIDS to foster partnerships for the upcoming decade.

Forum Overview:

Held on May 25-26, 2024, just before the SIDS4, the SIDS Global Business Network Forum explored critical themes including community empowerment, blue-green growth, and creating an enabling business environment conducive to investment. The Forum’s outcomes were pivotal in shaping discussions during the dedicated private sector roundtable at SIDS4.

Background and Evolution:

The SIDS Global Business Network (SIDS-GBN), established in 2014 during the Third UN Conference on SIDS in Samoa, has continuously evolved. It initially focused on public-private partnerships in Aruba (2016), sustainable tourism in Mauritius (2018), and ocean partnerships in Palau (2022). This fourth Forum, convened under the SAMOA Pathway, provided an opportunity to review the Network’s first decade and integrate private sector perspectives into the new Programme of Action for SIDS.

Sessions Recap:

Session 1 – Sustainability: Unlocking Opportunities for Blue and Green Economies:

This session highlighted the necessity of accelerating sustainable development partnerships within SIDS. Emphasis was placed on the blue economy, stressing creativity and community engagement as vital components.

Session 2 – Inclusivity: Empowering Local Communities for Transformed Economies:

Panelists discussed rebranding beyond the “sun, sea, sand” narrative, advocating for economic diversification through creative industries, sports tourism, and digital economy integration. The focus was on empowering local communities to actively shape their futures and foster innovation.

Session 3 – Policy: Crafting an Enabling Business Environment:

The need for effective collaboration between governments and the private sector was underscored. Historical barriers to collaboration were acknowledged, with an optimistic outlook on emerging responsiveness and cooperative dynamics.

Session 4 – Funding: Securing Financing and Investment:

This session, which I had the honor of moderating, emphasized the creation of supportive ecosystems through collaboration, innovative financial solutions, and sustainable practices. Calls for actionable roadmaps and increased investment underscored the discussions.

At the closing of the SIDS-GBN António Guterres, UN Secretary-General urged businesses to align their practices with the SDGs, emphasizing climate action and innovative financing. “Together, let’s work to deliver a better, more resilient, more sustainable future for the people of small island, developing states. And together Let’s raise our voice for the reforms that are needed for a more fair and more effective international financial and economic system able to provide to the SIDS, the resources and the capacities they deserve, and they need”.

He also highlighted the Global Business Network’s role in supporting SIDS, promoting investment in blue and green sectors, and fostering economic diversification, particularly for women and youth.

SIDS4 Private Sector Roundtable

On the evening of May 28 at the SIDS4 conference, delegates gathered to hear the outcomes and recommendations for the SIDS-GBN. High-level remarks delivered at the opening included, among others:

Chet Greene, Minister for Trade, Commerce, Industry, Sports, Culture and National Festivals, Antigua and Barbuda:

Greene emphasized the private sector’s critical role in job creation, innovation, and supporting MSMEs. He stressed the importance of transitioning to a green economy and the private sector’s leadership in this endeavor.

Kerrie Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados:

Symmonds addressed the need for pragmatic financing solutions, including debt relief and innovative insurance mechanisms to support SIDS in the face of natural disasters. He also highlighted the critical role of technical capacity building in renewable energy and other sectors essential for SIDS’ resilience and growth.

Key Recommendations:

The key recommendations coming out of the SIDS-GBN were presented by Rabab Fatima, High Representative for OHRLLS at the SIDS4 Private Sector Roundtable.

Fatima reflected on the Network’s achievements over the past decade, highlighting the importance of leveraging private sector innovation for blue-green economics, empowering local communities, and creating an enabling business environment. She emphasized the need for enhanced financing mechanisms to support MSMEs and sustainable development initiatives. The recommendations included:

1. Multi-Stakeholder Forum:
   Establish a forum to design blue-green development roadmaps, connect initiatives to funding, and engage local communities in discussions between innovators and investors. This forum would facilitate knowledge-sharing and project matchmaking.
2. SIDS Development Fund:
   Create a fund for Public-Private-Community Partnerships aimed at MSME growth, community benefits (including women and youth), and ecosystem regeneration, focusing on enabling environments, capacity building, and finance blending.
3. Enabling Business Environment:
   Develop frameworks to enhance access to knowledge, support local chambers of commerce, and organize regional events to connect governments and the private sector.
4. New Investment Framework:
   Implement innovative solutions (like blockchain and AI) and regional approaches to increase capital efficiency and decrease transaction risks, fostering an environment conducive to investment in SIDS.

Conclusion:

The 2024 SIDS Global Business Network Forum was a beacon of hope and a catalyst for action, bringing together diverse stakeholders to forge partnerships and develop actionable strategies for sustainable development in SIDS. As we look towards the future, the private sector’s role in driving innovation, investment, and inclusive growth will be more critical than ever. The outcomes and recommendations from this Forum will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of SIDS’ development in the coming decade, ensuring that these vibrant communities can thrive sustainably amidst global challenges.

Guyana stands on the cusp of a transformative energy revolution, harnessing its natural resources to propel itself towards a sustainable future. As the global community shifts towards renewable energy, Guyana’s strategic focus on sustainable solutions not only ensures energy security but also paves the way for economic growth and environmental stewardship.

In the heart of this transformation lies the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF), a pivotal gathering slated for July 10-12, 2024, in Georgetown. This event serves as a beacon for global investors and businesses seeking opportunities in Guyana’s thriving energy sector.

With estimated reserves surpassing 10 billion barrels of oil and 15 trillion cubic feet of gas, Guyana’s recent oil boom has created substantial revenue streams. However, rather than falling prey to the “oil curse,” the nation is steering towards inclusive and resilient energy strategies.

Central to Guyana’s vision is the commitment to ensure that the benefits of the energy sector are equitably distributed among its citizens. A cornerstone of this approach is the drive towards energy security, underpinned by strategic investments in sustainable energy projects.

Leading the charge is the Gas-to-Energy project, a transformative initiative aimed at harnessing natural gas from offshore reserves to fuel electricity generation. By establishing an integrated processing facility, Guyana seeks to reduce reliance on imported energy, stabilize the national grid, and lower electricity costs for consumers.

Complementing this effort is the Hinterland Electrification Programme, targeting energy security in remote communities. Through infrastructure upgrades and grid expansions, Guyana aims to extend reliable power access to every corner of the nation, employing cost-effective and sustainable technologies.

Furthermore, Guyana is diversifying its energy mix with investments in hydro, solar, wind, and biomass technologies. These projects not only mitigate environmental impact but also ensure consistent and affordable energy supply, enhancing economic competitiveness and fostering growth.

In parallel, Guyana is modernizing its legal and regulatory frameworks to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in the energy sector. Mandatory environmental assessments underscore the nation’s commitment to sustainability and preservation.

Legislation such as the Local Content Act further reinforces Guyana’s dedication to fostering local participation and safeguarding citizens’ interests in the energy industry.

Foreign investors and global enterprises are invited to participate in Guyana’s sustainable energy drive, offering expertise and resources to accelerate the transition towards a resilient and inclusive energy landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) in Georgetown presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore Guyana’s sustainable energy initiatives. Attendees can engage in B2B sessions, gain insights into vetted projects, and discover investment opportunities in Guyana’s thriving energy sector.

As Guyana embarks on this transformative journey towards energy security through sustainable means, it invites the world to join hands in building a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Trinidadian entrepreneur Sian Cuffy-Young was working as an environmental officer for 20 years when she decided to “take a leap of faith” and start her own business in the waste management sector.

Sian sees education as the key to long-term behaviour change and so in July 2015 she set up ‘Siel Environmental Services Ltd’, a for-profit social enterprise, with the aim of revolutionising the way people in the Caribbean think about waste.

“I really started the company because I wanted to share my voice and my perspective on waste education based on my experience and training,” Sian recalls. “For me, waste education normally forms a part of something else like a recycling project, but no-one was wholly and solely focused on education, so that is what I decided to concentrate on.”

She adds: “I homed in on shifting mindsets and cultures as it pertains to how we interact with waste and getting people to see waste as a valuable resource because, just like in nature, nothing should be wasted.”

Through Siel Environmental, Sian has been challenging perspectives for over nine years and to date has worked with local manufacturers, food brands, non-profit organisations such as churches, schools, and community groups, as well as individuals, to radically challenge their handling of waste.

The business has three core services – waste management courses and training, waste education and food waste consultancy services, and a waste education and literacy programme for young people – and Sian’s efforts have garnered recognition including BUILD magazine’s award for ‘Best Waste Education Company in the Caribbean’ in 2019.

Siel Environmental utilises various educational tools to get its message across, including a self-paced four-part online course on home composting in tropical climates and two children’s books that show young people how they can become ‘eco-heroes’.

Siel’s products and services were previously hosted on third-party platforms but because of Sian’s recent participation in Caribbean Export’s ‘Virtual E-Commerce Accelerator Programme (VEAP)’, they can now be bought directly on Siel’s website.

VEAP was a 15-month technical cooperation initiative implemented by Caribbean Export in conjunction with Expertise France through the European Union’s (DIRECCT) Programme. The course covered various e-commerce related topics including how to develop an e-commerce business strategy; e-commerce payment systems; generating leads with target marketing; and understanding data analysis and reporting.

Sian says she applied for the course because she had “zero knowledge” about how e-commerce could assist her business. She explains: “I had heard about e-commerce, but I did not have a good understanding of how to make it work for me. So, I wanted to learn more, understand it better, and find out how it could be incorporated into the impactful work of Siel.

“Early on, I offered my website for critique so it could be made more e-commerce friendly, and with the tips I was given I was able to completely restructure it. Now we have a shop where people can seamlessly pay for our course and the books, which wasn’t possible before, and I plan to add four lead magnets as well.”

Crafting lead magnets and continuing discussions with people who download information from the Siel website is a key goal for Sian, as she continues to put into practice all she learned through VEAP.

“I signed up for VEAP because I wanted to put the information to use,” Sian states.

“I didn’t want it to be just another programme that I attended and then nothing happens. I wanted it to work specifically for my business model because we are a social enterprise and making an impact is extremely important, but we know that our money and mission are not disconnected so we need to be able to generate revenue to support the work that we want to do. Thankfully I was able to get a grant shortly after VEAP that allowed me to implement what I learned.”

Driven by her enthusiasm and passion to “build a legacy”, Sian has ambitious plans to grow her business over the next 12 months. She wants to write another children’s book, add two more online courses, and create a ‘Waste Management Academy’ catering for those who are just curious about ways to reduce waste, all the way up to a manager in charge of implementing waste projects for a business.

Sian also wants to export her services to the rest of the Caribbean as well as Africa. In 2024, she will speak in Abuja, Nigeria at the ‘Big Ideas Platform’ and is hoping that, that invitation will be a catalyst for further opportunities on the continent.

Sian is also working towards establishing “long-standing strategic partnerships” with companies that match Siel’s values to create “a movement of people who are excited to do better things.”

Sian says: “The quote I live by is that “it is not always about doing things better, but sometimes we simply need to do better things”. So, what are those things that we can start doing better now, no matter where we are at, and no matter what we have!”

This week, I had the distinct pleasure of connecting with the Swedish Ambassador, Anders Bengtcén, and exploring potential trade bridges between the Caribbean and Sweden. My initial meeting with Amb. Bengtcén at the awarding of the Swedish Foreign Service Medal to Honorary Consul Titti Kerr sparked a fruitful follow-up discussion on fostering stronger trade ties together with our Senior Advisor for Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Natasha Edwin-Walcott.

Sweden presents an interesting opportunity for some Caribbean businesses seeking new trade and investment opportunities. Trade between CARIFORUM and Sweden is governed by the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and has steadily increased over the period 2018-2022. As shown in the table below, the International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map reports that merchandise trade between CARIFORUM and Sweden increased by approximately 256% between 2018 and 2022. Albeit small quantities in the steady increase is encouraging.

In our meeting we explored our experiences of success with niche Caribbean products like Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, Haitian cocoa, and Belizean turmeric at international trade shows like SIAL Paris, ANUGA, and the UK’s Speciality and Fine Food Fair. These triumphs highlighted the potential for Caribbean offerings in the Swedish market with the right market intelligence and cooperation.

Consumer trends in Sweden offer exciting opportunities for Caribbean businesses:

• Sustainability-conscious: Swedish consumers prioritize environmentally friendly products and ethical sourcing. Caribbean producers focused on sustainable practices can resonate with this value-driven market.
• Early adopters: Swedes are known for their tech-savviness and openness to new trends. Caribbean businesses with innovative and tech-enabled solutions can find a receptive audience.
• Quality over quantity: Swedes value quality over low prices. Caribbean products known for their unique flavours and craftsmanship can appeal to this discerning market.

As we embark on our upcoming programming to continue supporting Caribbean producers look out for opportunities to participate once again at SIAL Paris and also Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona.

Beyond trade, we also discussed leveraging Sweden’s renowned technological expertise, particularly in engineering. Our upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum in Guyana (July 10-12, 2024) will focus on three key areas where Swedish investment can significantly impact our economies: digital transformation, green economy transition, and sustainable agriculture.

Building stronger ties with Sweden can unlock significant benefits for both sides. By understanding consumer trends and leveraging the expertise of both regions, we can create a win-win situation that fuels economic growth and prosperity.

Are you a Caribbean business owner looking to tap into the Swedish market? Let’s explore the possibilities together!

Table: CARIFORUM Exports to Sweden 

Source: ITC Trade Map 

Units: USD thousand 

Last week, I had the opportunity to step out of the confines of the office and immerse myself in the dynamic world of financial technology at Fintech Islands. Hosted at the magnificent Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle, this event served as a beacon for thought leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts alike, converging to explore the ever-evolving landscape of fintech.

At Fintech Islands, the discourse spanned across several captivating tracks, each delving into the realms of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity within the financial sector.

Session covered themes such as Artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s transforming the financial sector, offering solutions from ChatGPT to combat cybercrime. Further the ethical considerations that must accompany its implementation to ensure responsible integration into financial services.

Redefining access to financial services was another area, delving into the emergence of mobile-first banking solutions that are reshaping how individuals, especially the unbanked and underbanked, access financial services. This revolution is highlighting the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in banking innovations.

Critical for the advancement of the sector is how central banks are embracing digital transformation, driven by advancements in technology and the rise of digital payments. The introduction of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is aiming to enhance financial efficiency and inclusion, ensuring that all individuals benefit from the digital age. And the proliferation of cryptocurrency, real-time solutions, and social networks is redefining digital payments, emphasizing convenience, security, and inclusivity in financial transactions. As innovations continue, prioritizing consumer needs and preferences remains essential for the seamless adoption of digital payment solutions.

Of particular interest to me was the session on climate fintech and how Fintech-powered solutions are crucial in financing the energy transition and enhancing resilience to climate change. By leveraging fintech, communities vulnerable to environmental threats can fortify their sustainability efforts.

Key moments included Diego Szteinhendler’s (SVP, Fintech & Enablers, Latin America and the Caribbean Mastercard) insights on fintech trends, Alfonso Garcia Mora’s (Regional Vice President International Finance Corporation, The World Bank Group) advocacy for inclusive development, and Martin Kwame Awagah’s (Board Member Africa Fintech Network) exploration of fintech’s role in African financial inclusion.

The panel discussion on “Banking on a Sustainable Path,” featuring esteemed leaders such as Chad Blackman (Minister of Economic Affairs & Investment Government of Barbados), David Griffiths (Associate Partner IBM Consulting), Anthony Clerk (Managing Director & CEO, Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited) and our Executive Director – Deodat Maharaj, provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in climate finance and mitigation.

From forging innovative partnerships to fostering educational reform, the discourse underscored the imperative of collective action in achieving sustainable development goals and fostering a resilient financial ecosystem.

As we reflect on the insights gleaned from Fintech Islands, one truth remains abundantly clear: the future of finance is not merely a destination but a journey—one defined by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Let us embark on this voyage together, charting a course towards a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow in the true spirit of SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

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.

Today, the 8th of March is celebrated the world over in many different ways, and often used to advocate on issues affecting women and to inspire others for positive change. Believe it or not, the day’s origins go back as far as 1908 when 15,000 women took to the streets of New York to march in demand for shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

Still in 2023, we are calling for the businesses and governments to address the gender pay gap. For example, in the European Union the gender pay gap stood at 12.7% in 2021 and only changed marginally over the past decade. In the United States, it was reported that all women were paid 83% of what men are paid in 2022, be the US Department of Labor. And, women of colour are paid even less. Unfortunately, Black women are paid 64% or 64 cents to every dollar and Hispanic women were paid 57% or 57 cents to every dollar earned by white non-Hispanic men.

At the recently held virtual Lunchtime Chat hosted by the University of the West Indies to mark International Women’s Day executive director at Compete Caribbean, Dr Sylvia Dohnert, highlighted that the majority of large corporations were owned by men and women-owned businesses were in the minority, “In the population of business in the Caribbean they average around 20 per cent [female-owned or predominantly female businesses] . . . There’s a correlation between the size of the business and female ownership so the larger the firm, the less likely that it is being owned by a female and this difference is statistically significant,”

So, how do we get equality? And how do we get equity for women across the world in all areas of our societies, be it education, healthcare, employment and also business?

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity, a call to get people talking about why equal opportunities are no longer enough and can in fact be exclusionary, as opposed to inclusive.

At Caribbean Export, I am fortunate to be part of a diverse team where all perspectives are respected and heard. As we implement our programmes and activities to support the development of the Caribbean private sector, we have experienced that on average 52% of the participants are women. It’s great to see that women are leveraging the support that is offered whether for their own business or to contribute to the success of the company they are employed by.

The Caribbean Export tools and resources are available to everyone equally, and I hope that businesses use them to their advantage. But, we understand that every business is different and has different development needs.

Caribbean Export uses its SME Diagnostic Tool to assess the small businesses and to identify the areas where development and support are required. This enables us to tailor the right solutions to give businesses to best foot forward to succeed in exporting.

I was fortunate enough to work with a group of women-owned businesses as part of our WE-Xport (women-empowered through export) programme. After understanding their different needs, we were able to provide a suite of services that included capacity building, businesses coaching, export promotions and technical assistance in specific areas. As a result, many of these businesses were able to either start or increase exports, achieve certifications, enhance their branding and marketing and even leverage the support from one-another for the development of the business.

While International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness and take action to promote gender equality, it is important that we continue this work every day. Achieving true gender equality and equity requires consistent effort and a commitment to making changes both big and small in our daily lives. Whether it’s challenging gender stereotypes, advocating for policies that promote equal opportunities, or supporting women in leadership positions, we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable world. Let’s work together to make every day International Women’s Day!

“When girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.” Meghan Markle

Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is known for its unique flavour profile and high quality, which makes it a sought-after coffee by many coffee enthusiasts around the world.  A specialty coffee grown in limited quantities in the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica, it is generally considered to be one of the most expensive and exclusive coffees available in the world. Its rarity and high quality have contributed to its popularity and high demand among coffee aficionados.

The demand for this coffee naturally will fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including supply, pricing, and consumer preferences.  However, globally the specialty coffee market was worth over USD53.67bn in 2019, with the EU specialty market valued at $16.68 billion (almost one third of the global total) which is also projected to grow by 9.0% annually between 2020-2026 due to rising demand for on-the-go coffee and a strengthening premium coffee shop segment.  

Given the immense opportunity for Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee in Europe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs sought to enhance the competitiveness of Jamaican coffee in the EU. The Ministry commissioned the Caribbean Export Development Agency to facilitate an in-depth study on the European coffee market and the scope for increased exports of Jamaican coffee.

“Currently, approximately 10% of Jamaica’s exports of Blue Mountain Coffee goes to Europe. There is indeed significant scope for its expansion given the EU’s large consumer base. According to existing data, Europe accounts for approximately 33% of global coffee consumption, making Europe the largest coffee market in the world, and, accordingly, one with great potential.” shared Ambassador Symone Betton-Nayo.

Taking a practical, market-led approach, the consultant Windward Commodities, met with a cross-section of Jamaican and European coffee stakeholders and engaged in other research activities to determine the trends in the EU market and explore how Jamaica could expand its coffee exports to Europe and compete successfully in the market. 

The study entitled ‘Time to wake-up and ‘cup’ the coffee – Expanding Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee in the EU’ outlines a number of market-led recommendations and practical steps that can create transparency and collaboration in the Jamaican coffee industry – playing to the strengths of supply chain partners and exploring partnerships in new markets.

Caribbean Export was delighted to collaborate with Ambassador Betton-Neyo and her team to facilitate this crucial review of the Jamaican coffee sector to enhance the competitiveness of its exports.

“We are confident that the recommendations will have a positive impact on ongoing efforts to expand Jamaican coffee exports to the EU.  We commend Caribbean Export for its strong and tangible contribution to efforts aimed at enhancing the Caribbean’s export potential in the European market” concluded Ambassador Betton-Neyo.

The Dominican Republic and Haiti were jointly present at the important international event Salon du Chocolat 2022 in Paris, France, which took place from October 28 to November 1, 2022. This is the largest event dedicated to the chocolate industry with more than 200 exhibitors from different countries filling the more than 20,000 square meters of Pavilion 5 at Porte de Versailles.

Participating companies from Haiti were AYITIKA SA, cocoa and chocolate producers, and the Federation of Cocoa Cooperatives of the North (FECCANO), a federation of eight cooperatives producing cocoa in northern Haiti. Participating from the Dominican Republic were Chocolala SRL, a cooperative of women cocoa and chocolate producers in Puerto Plata; Grupo CONACADO, one of the country’s largest cocoa producers and processors with more than 33 years of experience; ProAgro, a medium-sized company expanding into international markets with its production of chocolate powder and its La Criollita brand; and Recursos Globales, a family business noted for its CacaoMae brand that produces chocolate and other cocoa-derived products.

These six companies were just a few of the many that make up the Binational Cocoa/Chocolate Value Chain that Caribbean Export launched as part of the actions it implements within the framework of the Trade and Private Sector Support Component of the Binational Cooperation Program between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This initiative is part of the actions of the expanded strategy that seeks to improve the private-private binational dialogue, as well as to improve the competitiveness of Haitian and Dominican companies with a view to consolidating institutional cooperation between the two countries. The actions of this program are supported technically and financially by the European Union through the 11th European Union Program. European Development Fund. Caribbean Export’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Leo Naut reported that: “The Binational Cocoa/Chocolate Value Chain covers the entire spectrum of the industry, with cocoa producers, cocoa processors and renowned chocolatiers among its beneficiaries. At the Salon du Chocolat, the participating companies received a great reception from the public present, and have also had the opportunity to establish ties with potential business partners in the European Union and other relevant markets”.

This week the Caribbean Export team are showcasing fourteen Caribbean brands to exhibit at the world’s largest biannual trade fair SIAL in Paris, France.  Expecting more than 310,000 visitors over the five days from 14^th – 19^th October the Caribbean companies will showcase under the Absolutely Caribbean pavilion.

Exhibiting companies include new brands such as Only Coconuts by Precision Global Inc., who’s 30,000 sq. ft. state of the art processing facility in Guyana, certified non-GMO and HACCP produce a range of coconut-based products that are 100% pure and natural.

With a fresh new look VincyFresh (formerly Winfresh) continue to present their authentic marinades, sauces and condiments and promise to help you ‘LiveWell!’ by using the finest of ingredients that are grown in St Vincent and the Grenadines rich volcanic soil.

Other sauce and condiments producers also presenting include Superb Blend by Jays Enterprises from Barbados, Flauriels organic and natural range from St. Kitts and Nevis and natural turmeric paste Truly Turmeric from Belize by Naledo.  Surinamese producer GOM Food Industries are also offering their gluten free, vegan, Halal and no MSG sauces for export.

For the chocolatiers, Great Taste Award 2022 winner Cacoa Sainte Lucia is pulling in the crowds who are looking to try the award winning 100% cacoa vegan chocolate and Premium Dark Chocolate Almonds.  In addition, Haitian producer Choko Lakay ferments cocoa beans making them darker and sweeter in flavour with a smooth profile.

Pairing nicely with chocolate is Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee by Country Traders.  Arguably the worlds finest coffee, this silky smooth, well-balanced, full-bodied coffee is available for export and sources it’s beans directly from local farmers in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica.

When it comes to drinks, the Caribbean is widely known as the birthplace of rum and whilst we welcome premium rums from the Dominican Republic with Chicaron (a cinnamon rum), J&J Spirits and St. Lucia Distillers, we have women-owned V’Toria Rhonda Vineyard & Winery.

V’Toria Rhonda offers six innovative, exotic, tropical fruit wines blended with various grape varietals.

And after sampling all the food and drink available from the 200 countries at SIAL, be sure to check out the 100% natural herbal dietary supplements brought to the market by Natural Organic’s LLC.  Their supplements aim to detoxify the body, fight against inflammation, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol, amongst others.

Turmeric has been in the top echelon of the ‘trending foods’ chart for the past five years and is still one of the most sought-after ingredients by health-conscious consumers.

The “golden spice” has been used for centuries in traditional and herbal medicine, as well as Indian and Asian cuisine, but its global popularity has risen in recent times because of its proven health benefits as a so-called ‘nutraceutical’.

Public interest in the spice’s ability to ease inflammation, improve liver function, relieve chronic pain, and aid in digestion, has led to it being sought-after as a supplement and in a range of food products.

Turmeric and its main active ingredient, curcumin, can now be found as an added ingredient in several items on supermarket shelves such as sauces, smoothies, soups, teas, salad dressings, and even packaged goods like cereal. It can also be used as part of a rub for meat or fish and its distinctive yellowy, orange colour adds vibrancy to cheese, mustard, and dried seasonings, without affecting the taste.

Turmeric’s emergence as a ‘food to watch’ started when Google Trends data recorded a 300% increase in searches for it between February 2012 and February 2016. This led to the spice being listed as the number one food trend in the search giant’s ‘Food Trends 2016: U.S’ report along with other foods which are also still garnering attention including jackfruit, cauliflower rice, and sourdough bread.

Since 2016, turmeric has been consistently mentioned in the ‘trending food’ conversation and that is not expected to end anytime soon. In fact, research by the CBI dated January 2022 found that “worldwide and also in Europe, the consumption of curcuma longa (aka turmeric) is forecast to increase by more than 10% per year in the next five years.”

The CBI added: “The trend of healthier diets is likely to remain the leading driver of food market developments in the next decades. This trend will positively impact demand for spices such as curcuma longa.”

Sourcing turmeric in its purest form is one way to make sure you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to demand. The spice is grown in various parts of the world, including the Caribbean, and is most potent when it is fresh and uncultivated.

Belizean-based company called Naledo has a head start in this regard as it was the world’s first manufacturer of wildcrafted, whole root ‘Truly Turmeric’ paste.

Founded by mother and daughter Umeeda and Nareena Switlo in 2016, Naledo is a social enterprise that works directly with over 300 small-scale growers based in Toledo, Belize to create a product that is sustainably produced from the forest to the table with minimal impact on the environment.

Naledo has won widespread recognition and awards for its 100% natural turmeric products, which also include fresh juices and even a skincare line. It has also earned admiration for its commitment to pay its farmers six times more than the fair-trade price for their produce.

The company will be taking part in the upcoming Speciality & Fine Food Fair from September 5th-6th 2022 at Olympia, London as part of the ‘Absolutely Caribbean’ pavilion comprising of small businesses supported by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the European Union.

At the event, Naledo will showcase its flagship ‘Truly Turmeric’ product which comes in four sizes and two flavours – original and black pepper. The ingredients list for the original flavour is whole root turmeric, cold pressed coconut oil, fresh lime juice, and sea salt. Black pepper cultivated in Belizean forests is added to the black pepper range.

The variety of turmeric grown by Naledo’s team is called Allepey and it has the strongest colour and deepest flavour of all turmeric types. Allepey normally has around 5% curcuminoids but Naledo’s turmeric has 7.6% curcuminoids, according to the company’s website.

Naledo’s ‘Truly Turmeric’ paste is currently sold in over 1,000 retailers in Canada, America, UK, and Europe and online.

The taste, flavour, and story behind Naledo have made it stand out from the crowded turmeric market which has been further propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the global health crisis took hold in February and March 2020, Google Trends data has highlighted a 670% increase in worldwide searches for “food” and “immune system”. And the global nutraceuticals industry is predicted to be worth $722 billion (US) by 2027 with sales in the immune boosting foods and beverages segment expected to surpass $17 billion (US) by 2025. 

The public’s interest in turmeric and its health benefits is therefore not likely to wane anytime soon, so it seems likely that this ‘trend’ might turn into more than just a passing phase.