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G20 Summit Declaration: We remain determined to support all developing and least developed countries as they face the intertwined health, economic, and social effects of COVID-19, recognising the specific challenges in Africa and small-island developing states.

Many of us remain fascinated by the ongoing crisis of democracy and governance which is taking place in the USA as COVID-19 is increasing there unchecked. President-elect Joe Biden has named his nominee for secretary of state, Anthony Blinken, a seasoned diplomat who previously served as deputy secretary of state under President Barack Obama.

The situation in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) is also of concern, as increasing COVID-19 cases have led to the tightening of restrictions. Canada, too, is experiencing increased cases. As I have pointed out before, this is all of importance to us in the Caribbean, as our economic recovery is linked to actions taken in these countries to address COVID-19 and their economic recovery.

The G20 Summit chaired by Saudi Arabia and held virtually, November 21-22, was watched with interest, and many things in the Summit Declaration sound optimistic, with emphasis on cooperation to address the intertwined health, economic and social effects of the virus.

Reading some international newspaper headlines, my interpretation is that although G20 leaders were committing to unite in addressing the pandemic and its economic impact, in reality real progress was limited, and gaps remained among the countries. The hope from this meeting is the commitment to cooperate and to address the specific challenges facing the least developed countries and small island economies.

The CARICOM countries, mainly small island economies, many dependent on tourism, are looking at a bleak Christmas and new year period. The economic woes in some countries are compounded by flooding from an unusually active hurricane season which has brought a very wet September into November, undermining infrastructure and agriculture. This while some countries are still recovering from previous hurricanes.

CARICOM HEADS’ MEETING

CARICOM Heads of Government held their 41st Regular Meeting virtually on October 29 and chaired by Dr the Hon Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St Vincent and Grenadines. Their focus was on COVID-19, its impact on the region and on its economic recovery and transformation. Reviewing the health situation, the heads recognised that reopening and recovery require a careful balance between reducing restrictive measures and ensuring adequate actions to reduce the virus’ spread. Of course, in some countries, such as Jamaica, community spread has been experienced.

The heads also acknowledged that COVID-19 had exacerbated the development challenges, including high deficits and debt already confronting the region, and agreed to the idea of a Caribbean Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan under the leadership of the prime minister of Barbados. The use of a Universal Vulnerability Index to determine eligibility for development assistance was also urged. It seems that this index needs to be fine-tuned and vigorously marketed.

In addition, the heads also agreed to prepare a joint tourism policy and, in this regard, they established a Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on Tourism to provide oversight for its preparation by December 31.

51ST COTED MEETING

Reflecting on the outcome of the Intersessional Heads’ Meeting in February, I assume that these proposals have taken account of work which was already in progress in CARICOM, prior to the pandemic, to strengthen the region’s economies, and work in progress also to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Given the fragility of the ecosystems in the region, sustainable development is critical in all the productive sectors, including mining and lumber, and in promoting renewable energy alongside oil and natural gas.

This week, November 26-27, the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) will meet virtually at the ministerial level under the chairmanship of Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Hon Hugh Todd. At this session, also, ministers will be looking at the region’s response to the economic impact of COVID-19. I assume, picking up on the work mandated by CARICOM heads.

COTED has a critical role to play in the economic recovery and transformation, as it has direct responsibility for the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), for other development and economic issues, and for external trade. As pointed out in previous articles, this includes agriculture and food security; trade in services, including information and communications technology (ICT); trade and environment; energy; and tourism.

In addition, CARICOM must be looking not only at its intra-regional trade, but also at its extra-regional trade. With respect to the latter, from the webinar hosted by the Sir Shridath Ramphal Centre at the UWI, Cave Hill campus on October 9 about whether CARICOM needs a new foreign trade strategy, the panel felt that such a strategy needed to be seriously considered. This should be part of the economic recovery discussions as external trade remains critical to CARICOM’s growth and development.

I want to be assured that the work in CARICOM on the economic recovery and transformation is benefiting from proper collaboration and coordination, and that proposals are being fully developed not only for action within the region, but for active presentation to groups, such as the G20, the G7, to bilateral partners and to global institutions. CARICOM’s economic situation is now so critical that it cannot afford further mistakes and missteps.

This article which was originally published by the Jamaica Gleaner was submitted by Elizabeth Morgan, Specialist in International Trade Policy and International Politics.

Fashion designer and entrepreneur, Elizabeth Francis established Christique Clothing in 1995.

Based in Trinidad and Tobago, Christique Clothing is a bridal and resort wear brand built on sustainability and embodies the passion, vibe and ecology of the Caribbean.

Concerned with the effects of climate change, Elizabeth is focused on promoting change and raising awareness with her brand. Christique Clothing designs are made with natural fibres and produced with almost zero waste. She also likes to encourage her clients to wear ethical clothing and educates them on the benefits of wearing sustainable clothes which has a great benefit of saving the environment.

“I believe climate change is a serious global issue and as a designer, I want to do my part. The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters and so I want to encourage my clients to choose fabrics that are made from natural fibres and designs that are timeless and multi-purposed.”

As an island citizen who loves nature, art, music and fashion, Elizabeth’s inspiration for her designs are a reflection of the rich culture and environment within the Caribbean. Her 2020 eco-friendly bridal and resort wear collection called “Green Nuptials” was inspired by one of her trips to the rainforest in the beautiful “nature isle” of Dominica.

Over the years, Elizabeth has had the opportunity to meet and connect with other designers within the region. This has given her insight on the potential of the Caribbean fashion industry.

“Caribbean fashion is in great hands. I think we have come a long way from the coco palm and pineapple prints. There’s so much innovation, so much style and we do have our very own aesthetic, but it’s a blend of so many amazing factors.”

For her own brand, Elizabeth plans to continue building her brand locally with a physical retail store location in Trinidad, as well as collaborating with outlets in the Caribbean to retail her brand. She is also focused on developing the brand’s online presence, which will raise awareness of Christique Clothing for international clients planning a destination wedding or holiday in the Caribbean.

On a global scale, customers are becoming more conscious of their own carbon footprint and buying more ethical products. There is a growing awareness of eco-friendly fashion and its benefits on the environment. This places Christique Clothing in prime position to be recognised as a leader in sustainable fashion from the Caribbean.

Fashion Designer and Illustrator Ayanna Dixon is a true creative. Her passion for fashion was established from a young age, with her love of dressing up and attending fashion shows with her mother, who is a textile designer. She admits that her career as a fashion designer was destined.

An alumnus of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and The Art Institute of New York, Ayanna returned home to Jamaica and started her company ASD, whose mission is to empower women with her clothing and illustrated lifestyle products.

Her clothing is designed to be stylish and functional, whilst helping women to feel their best. The theme of her illustrations represent women of different body, hair and skin types and complements her brand’s objective to empower women through diverse representation.

“There is something in my brand for a woman at any stage of life; I have a Career Colouring Book for little girls, illustrated tees for tweens and clothing for women who want something beautiful, [and] empowering that you can wear with ease.”

ASD’s collection has been sold in three of Jamaica’s top boutiques. The brand has also collaborated with local companies such as Cafe Blue Coffee, where her illustrations were featured on limited edition coffee mugs. Ayanna is also working on having her products sold internationally.

Over the years Ayanna has achieved a number of accolades and her collections have been featured at shows in the US and UK which has given her international exposure.

Participating in regional and international fashion events, Ayanna is confident that the industry will continue to grow.

“It’s really inspiring to see all our talent flourishing. Shows like Mission Catwalk, [and] regional events like The Collection MoDa and Carifesta all highlight how much talent we have here. Hopefully through social media and ecommerce the world will be looking to us for not only our beautiful pieces but as a sustainable fashion resource.”

Protecting the environment is woven into Ayanna’s brand objectives and she has focused her charitable efforts on hosting an annual beach clean-up to remove garbage and collect recyclable waste from the local beaches where she enjoys spending her spare time.

Looking to the future, Ayanna plans to have a flagship store and production house located in Downtown, Kingston, as well as distribute her clothing and products internationally. With her clear vision and range of eye-catching illustrated collections, Ayanna and ASD are sure to put Jamaica and Caribbean fashion firmly on the global fashion map.

Social Media: @by.ASD

Shop: www.byasd.net

Indira Weech knew she was onto something great when her bath and body care natural line went from being perfect souvenirs to items in global demand.

But as encouraging as this was, frustration quickly set in for the owner of bahamaSpa, a small business located on the island of Nassau in The Bahamas.

We were offered a contract from a major luxury hotel to supply their spa as well as their retail and gift shop. We were also wholesalers for salons and spas requesting bulk supplies of our products as well as retail businesses selling directly to local customers, and we provided personalized gift services. We did exceptionally well in the tourism sector and due to persistent reorder demands from visitors who left the islands, we were in search of avenues to export our products so we could fill the demand.

Our major frustration coming from a small island was the lack of applicable assistance to help us grow and expand globally. bahamaSpa was in the process of restructuring when we learnt of WE-Xport, a valuable opportunity for export guidance which was exactly what we needed at the time, she recalled.

Indira immediately signed up for WE-Xport, a technical assistance programme offered by the Caribbean Export Development Agency designed to give regional female-owned businesses access to grant funding, training, export and networking opportunities.

From there her knowledge of export grew and things began to move quickly. She participated in workshops, was assigned a business coach and met other regional female entrepreneurs. Admitting entrepreneurship could be a pretty lonely road to travel sometimes, Indira confessed that WE-Xport became a safe space for her to share experiences and discuss challenges.

I had a great business coach who assisted me in research, finding the right route to export and making the right decisions as a small business. I have become more disciplined in record keeping and organization because I knew if we were to expand internationally I needed to improve in this area. I also ask for help and assistance more since being enrolled in the programme. I find it very reassuring to know I can still ask for assistance long after our cohort officially ended.

Asking for help was not something I was accustomed to doing and WE-Xport gave me a sisterhood of like-minded female entrepreneurs whom I could now rely on for sound advice, emotional support, encouragement and gentle kicks in the pants when needed. I am eternally grateful for this network, she pointed out.

However, the most rewarding opportunity that WE-Xport presented for Indira was the chance to participate in trade shows including the 4th CARIFORM-EU Business Forum in Germany. Prior to signing up, she had been working on export packaging for bahamaSpa but accelerated this once she was enrolled in WE-Xport.

The response to the new packaging and to our products at shows in the Caribbean and in Europe was outstanding. Increased demand and growth came particularly through the CARIFORUM exhibition. That show was impeccably organised by the Caribbean Export team. It showcased some of the most exquisite brands from the Caribbean. I was very proud to display my pride and joy, bahamaSpa.

The response from the attendees was absolutely amazing. People lined up to meet me and discuss the products, some waited until the trade show was done to ask more questions and a few said they wanted to leave smelling like paradise. It was breathtaking and very affirming. I felt very comfortable and ready but most of all I was prepared. I felt I had grown as a business woman. I was also fortunate to have met a very knowledgeable and successful businessman who is involved in natural products and an expert in the field of manufacturing cosmetics, Indira outlined.

After WE-Xport concluded, Indira continued to focus on her export goals and building capacity for the business. She hired new staff, trained the old ones, secured a dream contract with a major island resort, and was in the midst of creating a storefront for her factory when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

We were on such a positive trajectory that we were blindsided. The lockdown was initially a huge shock for me, Indira said, revealing she opted to pay her staff for the entire three-month period. I still feel this was the right decision even though it left me with very little cash and lots of bills.

Sales dwindled as the lockdown dragged on and with little income, Indira was forced to innovate. While browsing social media, she realized men and women were struggling with hair and skin care, since salons were closed and their personal beauty supplies were running low.

She decided the time had come to launch a hair care line she had been working on for two years: Good & Kinky Boost and Good & Kinky hair oil.
I came up with a marketing strategy which worked for me, BOOST, made fresh Thursday, delivered free on Friday, softer more manageable hair by Saturday. The reviews were great and the products have great potential. I launched something during the COVID-19 lockdown that had become highly requested and a money maker. Sometimes, one simply has to take a leap of faith, Indira proudly said.

However, it wasn’t always a bed of roses. Unfortunately due to the new COVID-19 protocols and social distancing regulations in Nassau, Indira’s factory did not pass inspection and she lost all the money she had invested renovating the workspace.

But as fate would have it, the businessperson she met at 4th CARIFORM-EU Business Forum in Germany became her business mentor during the lockdown. With their expert guidance, Indira has finalized an achievable and manageable planfor export to the European market.

They are convinced bahamaSpa is definitely a scalable business; with their insight, market research and other factors, they are convinced that a marketing drive centred on London, Paris, Rome and Frankfurt will produce remarkable results. Export is now on the horizon! I plan on making bahamaSpa a Caribbean Export success story! I am so grateful that I was afforded the opportunity to participate in WE-Xport, it opened doors for bahamaSpa. My mantra is: With two pots and a spoon, bahamaSpa will make it all the way to Harrods! Indira confidently said.

If you haven’t heard already, Absolutely Caribbean, our first virtual event kicks off next week.  We have more than 50 producers exhibiting over the two days.  From organic beauty products to aged rum, hot pepper sauces and condiments, these are some of the best and most exciting producers from the Caribbean.

The event programme has shaped up nicely and is bursting with interesting sessions that you simply won’t want to miss.  Here are just some of the highlights –

Partners, Original Flava, will show us how versatile Caribbean products are in everyday cooking.  ITC-Alliances for Action will present a review on the main food trends and opportunities for the future.  There will be sessions on plant-based ingredients which have seen a surge in demand in recent years. Another will run through the history of rum, including a selection of some of the best ones available.  You’ll have the opportunity to learn all about trends, business innovation and social inclusion within the coffee market as well as learning all about chocolate as a mass product with the potential to leverage real change within our food system.  What’s more, you will be able to book slots with each and every one of our producers to find out more about their products and how they are made.

Over the last few years, we have seen a growing trend for Caribbean products across Europe which is really exciting and provides great opportunity for our producers.  In 2018 alone, over 26 Billion Euros worth of goods and services were exported globally from Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) and 17.6% of this was to Europe.  If you want to read more about the profit potential of Caribbean products across the UK, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, make sure you read our report (here).

If you haven’t signed up already, what are you waiting for?

https://expo.absolutelycaribbean.com/whatson.html

See you there!

“Clothing that Flaunts” is the slogan for Trinidadian designer, Reuben Gonzales’ self-titled fashion brand. As a graduate of the Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design (CAFD) at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), Reuben’s designs as a student caught the attention of local fashion supporters which led to him taking his work overseas and representing his country at regional showcases.

Reuben started his journey in the fashion industry with an intention to design costumes for theatre. He did however develop a love for fashion and grasped the opportunity to develop his own clothing brand.

Reuben’s initial passion for theatre costume is evident in the dramatic features and bold fabrics he chooses to create his designs for his label. Reuben is also inspired by his environment and the richness of Caribbean culture.

“I have three main sources of inspiration which are fauna, flora, and cultures native or synonymous with my country, the Caribbean, and my heritage. Each collection or garment that I design must have that mix of all three elements.”

One of the highlights for Reuben as a designer is the creative process, which allows him to express his vision and he thoroughly enjoys each stage, which includes making mood boards, choosing fabrics, colours, illustrating, draping, and pattern drafting.

As a Caribbean-based designer, who has had the opportunity to showcase his work in regional shows and print publications. His presence in the Caribbean fashion industry has also exposed him to the talent across the region.

“The Caribbean fashion industry has a plethora of creativity, vibrancy and diversity that showcases the Caribbean aesthetic.” Our industry is growing and quite young in comparison to the major fashion capitals, however, there is a wave of new talent that is helping the Caribbean get that international recognition we so deserve.”

For his own brand, Reuben’s goal is to take his designs beyond the Caribbean and to have an international presence in fashion retail stores, boutiques, and the wardrobes of those who love to make a bold fashion statement.

To see more of Reuben’s collections, visit:

https://rgfashion.co/
Instagram: @rgfashiontt
Facebook: rgfashiontt

In the past week, there have been developments in other areas of the region’s foreign trade agenda which are of note. They are as follows:

• CARICOM-USA – The USA has extended the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBPTA) for 10 years to 2030. I actually viewed the session of the US House Ways and Means Committee which considered the bill and recommended its adoption. This was a bipartisan effort. It was clear, however, that the adoption of the bill emphasised the interest of Haiti, the only least developed country (LDC) in the Western Hemisphere. Other CARICOM member states need to ensure that they are using the market access preferences granted under these arrangements.

• WTO DG SELECTION – At the World Trade Organization (WTO), the candidates for the post of director general (DG) were further narrowed to two women, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria and Ms Yoo Myung-Hee of South Korea. Indeed, history is expected to be made as a woman should be the next WTO DG, if all goes to plan. The question is, which one will receive the support of a critical mass of the 164 WTO members, including the principal trading powers, by November 6?

The 79-member Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), which also operates at the WTO in Geneva, has formally endorsed Dr Okonjo-Iweala. From this, I am assuming that CARICOM WTO members have also endorsed her. To be the clear, DG-designate Okonjo-Iweala needs to secure the support of Latin American countries, some important countries in Asia, such as India and Japan, the European Union (EU), and the USA and China.

• OACPS-EU POST-COTONOU NEGOTIATIONS – I last gave an update on the OACPS-EU post-Cotonou negotiations in August, when the negotiating timeline was extended. As expected, the negotiations resumed in September. Some sources feel that there is a 99 per cent chance that the negotiations will be concluded this year.

The protocols with the Caribbean and the Pacific, from reports, seem to be moving along well. Nevertheless, there seems to be some concern about that with Africa. There are still human-rights and migration issues to be resolved. As I pointed out before, the impression is given in the media that these are issues which primarily concern Africa, but they are also of interest to the Caribbean and the Pacific.

As also previously signalled, the EU’s primary focus is on Africa as it aims to change the relationship to a partnership of equals. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josef Borrell, recently referred to Africa as the EU’s natural partner and neighbour, and said that to face common challenges, the EU needs a strong Africa, and Africa needs a strong EU.

The EU wanted to unveil its new Africa strategy at the EU-Africa Summit, scheduled for the end of this month. The summit has been postponed and could be rescheduled for December. COVID-19 is now central to these deliberations.

BLACKLISTING

For the Caribbean, since June, the focus has been on the EU’s blacklisting of member states as non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. The EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (finance ministers), you will recall, issued a revised list in June which included ten OACPS members, including, at least one CARICOM member state, and putting others on notice. The OACPS president-in-office, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, sent a letter to the top leadership of the EU condemning its unilateral action, noting that money laundering could be fought in the context of the 2000 Cotonou Partnership Agreement and that the post-Cotonou negotiations provided the opportunity to demonstrate the parties’ commitment to dialogue and a strengthened partnership. I understand that discussions have been ongoing between the OACPS and the EU on this blacklisting issue in the post-Cotonou negotiations.

On October 6, the EU finance ministers updated its money-laundering list and, of interest to CARICOM, added Barbados. CARICOM responded by issuing a strong statement deploring the EU’s ongoing unilateral, arbitrary and non-transparent action. CARICOM called on the EU to pursue a mutually collaborative engagement towards shared goals of effective tax governance to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. In CARICOM’s view, blacklisting, even greylisting, does serious damage to the reputation of its member states.

It is likely that this week, there could be further information on the progress towards completing the post-Cotonou negotiations, an objective of which is the transformation to a partnership of equals. You may wonder whether the OACPS and the EU are actually moving in this direction.

This article which was originally published by the Jamaica Gleaner was submitted by Elizabeth Morgan, Specialist in International Trade Policy and International Politics.

Rhaj Paul – The Tailor & Designer

Barbadian tailor and designer, Rhaj Paul is widely known on the island for his signature style and tailored outfits that incorporate distinctive features.

As a designer, Rhaj has also experienced success with his striking t-shirt designs that feature clean typography, with inspirational themes or Bajan colloquialisms.

Quality, precision, and originality go into each creation by Rhaj and the demand for his work has grown consistently over the years. His designs have also trended on social media, with regional influencers proudly wearing their Rhaj Paul t-shirt designs.

More recently, Rhaj has shown the agility of his skill in response to COVID-19 and has added tailored masks to his catalogue of designs.

Quality Conscious Style

Rhaj’s love of style and originality is apparent in his work and whilst he describes his personal style as “Street Chic”, he has a clear vision of his ideal customer and ensures the craftsmanship that goes into his creations are designed specifically for this target audience, whom he describes as “A quality conscious gentleman with a keen sense of style.”

An International Vision

As a designer based in the Caribbean, Rhaj is confident in the region’s ability to make a global impact.

“The Caribbean fashion industry has a lot to give the world. We bring a unique perspective on fashion and execution, and I am pleased to be a part of that dynamic.”

His goal for his own work is to have an international presence. Specifically, in Senegal, France and the United Kingdom.

A Ministry of Style

Rhaj’s passion for bringing his ideas to life is a key motivator for the designer. The skill, quality and originality that goes into each piece has created a solid foundation for Rhaj and attracted a style-conscious clientele.

With his impressive portfolio and growing popularity over the years, he has proven his work has filled a niche for those who are not afraid to stand out and make a statement with their style.

A Family Brand

Elle and Edranelle Heyliger are siblings from Grenada who discovered their love of creating their own looks from a young age.

Having learned from a young age to improvise with their own wardrobes, the sisters were motivated to take sewing lessons and as a result, came together to form their own company specialising in custom designs.

The Brand

Initially known as Elle.gnd, the sisters recently rebranded their company to DrielleDranelle, but despite the new name, their goal is the same – for their customers to look good and feel good.

Over their five years of operations, Elle and Edranelle have attracted a clientele who require custom pieces ranging from day wear to evening wear for special occasions such as proms and graduations.

The popularity of their custom designs has proven the sisters have found a niche market and put them on the path towards developing their own line of ready-to-wear fashion their customers can purchase from retailers.

Their creative talents also extend to interior designs and a soft furnishings line is also within their plans for DrielleDranelle.

Eyes on the Fashion Pulse

With their sights firmly set on expanding their brand, Elle and Edranelle are conscious of regional fashion trends and developments within the industry.

“Caribbean people have become more aware of their heritage and uniqueness in culture, so upcoming trends may very well pay homage to this.”

Ethical fashion is also one on their radar as they predict that clothing with biodegradable material will be a large part in the development of Caribbean fashion.

The DrielleDranelle Muse

Both Elle and Edranelle admit their personal style is simple, yet they have a keen eye for detail and enjoy making a fashion statement when they create original pieces for themselves and their customers.

Iconic women such as Michelle Obama and Beyonce are among the Heyliger sisters’ inspiration when it comes to style and their work ethic. The Kardashian sisters are also a source of creative inspiration for Elle and Edranelle’s designs.

Showcasing their Talents

At the beginning of 2020, the sisters achieved their proudest moment since the inception of their brand. The sisters collaborated with fellow fashion professionals, including a well-known local model and industry photographer to host an event showcasing the best parties in Grenada.

Elle and Edranelle not only contributed to the wardrobe for the event, they were also heavily involved in model preparation and makeup.

The positive feedback they received following the event, gave them a holistic appreciation for their craft and enhanced their creative skills even further.

The Future for DrielleDranelle

Having made an impact locally in fashion, the sisters have a clear vision for their future.

Elle and Edranelle’s goal for their brand DrielleDranelle, is to become a household name in fashion, beauty, costume design and interior design.

As a team of creatives who have designed many unique creations, their plans to offer a ready-to-wear fashion line will increase access to their brand for a larger clientele:

“Our ideal customer is a woman that knows what she wants but is not afraid to take risks, therefore leaving room for creativity and experimentation. She is also confident and holds herself to a high standard in all aspects of life.”

With five years as a brand in the industry and a growing clientele, DrielleDranelle is sure to become the household name they envision.

Health-conscious consumers are driving the increasing demand for natural products and ingredients. Research shows that the global natural food and drinks market was valued at $79.1 million in 2016 and is estimated to reach $191.9 million by 2023 – a compound annual growth rate of 17.6%. The term ‘natural’ has a range of connotations, but all of them are overwhelmingly positive, and signify how invested consumers are in trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In a 2018 global study, Ipsos asked consumers to interpret the term ‘natural’ and the three most common associations were:

• Healthy.
• No artificial ingredients.
• 100% from nature.

The public gravitates towards natural products because they believe these offer health benefits which cannot be replicated by man-made substances.

Back to nature

The Caribbean is a tropical haven for a range of plant-based ingredients, so it’s no wonder the region is seeing a surge in demand for its natural produce.

This year, Food Matters Live will welcome Caribbean suppliers of natural goods including herbal teas by Caribbean Cure and Shavuot International; the world’s first turmeric paste from Belizean company Naledo and organic chocolate and cocoa based products by Cold Bush Organics from Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains range, courtesy of the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

These companies and more are actively taking advantage of the Caribbean’s indigenous bounty.

Caribbean Cure, based in Trinidad and Tobago, prides itself on “harnessing the power of nature” in its organic loose leaf teas and tea bags.

Utilising Caribbean herbs, roots, plants and barks which are traditionally known for their unique healing and health properties, Caribbean Cure’s infusions are not only natural but delicious. They contain no preservatives, additives, or artificial flavourings and a special dehydration process ensures customers taste “the maximum amount of wellness in every drop”.

The award-winning company was founded by Stacy Seeterram and Sophia Stone.

“When we began handcrafting our blends, we had one simple mission – to share our passion and love for the age-old traditions and healing qualities of Caribbean herbs,” Sophia recalls. “We visited farmers, herbalists and tea lovers from across the region to find out what makes the perfect cup of natural tea. We were determined to create much more than tea with health benefits.”

Stacy adds: “The secret is in the process. The tea leaves are slow dried to maximise nutrient content. Each blend offers a delicate balance formulated to create a memorable and unique experience in every cup.”

Authentic and good for you

Shavuot International is a family-owned Caribbean company which has also tapped into the ever-increasing consumer appetite for all things natural.

Shavuot’s products include exotic tea blends, natural skin and hair treatments, breadfruit flour and powdered spices.

The Jamaican company’s teas rely on natural ingredients of the highest quality, handpicked and manufactured to preserve the rich nutrients in each blend.

Its loose tea is made from local leaves and seeds of the moringa plant, turmeric, cinnamon, cerasee, ginger and peppermint.

Shavuot, which means harvesting goodness, prides itself on using ethically and organically sourced ingredients produced through sustainable community development partnerships and with the support of local farmers.

The company currently exports its products to over 13 countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada and around the Caribbean.

For more information visit Caribbean Cure and Shavuot International.

This article was originally published on FoodMatters.com