Bridgetown, Barbados, October 1, 2013. In Caribbean news. The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in partnership with the Deutsche Geselleschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) will bring the Caribbean Kitchen Pavilion to this year’s ANUGA 2013 Food Show at the Koelnmesse GmbH exhibition center in Cologne, Germany on the 5th to 9th October, 2013
The Pavilion will showcase 12 Caribbean food suppliers from 7 different countries, displaying a range of beverages, condiments and selected items. This trade fair will provide EU industry professionals the opportunity to sample first-hand the diverse flavours found within the Caribbean region.
Following the standard call for Expression of Interest in April of this year, over 40 submissions were received and the following companies were selected based upon the products that have potential to enter the German/EU market and their capacity to export.
| Barbados | 10 Saints Brewery Company Ltd. |
| Barbados | Beverages Caribbean Inc. |
| Barbados | The West India Biscuit Company Limited (WIBISCO) |
| Belize | Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods Limited |
| Dominica | Parry W. Bellot & Co. Ltd. |
| Dominican Republic | Mardi SRL |
| Jamaica | Country Traders Limited |
| Jamaica | Honey Bun (1982) Ltd |
| Jamaica | Tijule Company Ltd |
| Saint Lucia | Viking Traders Ltd |
| Saint Lucia | Baron Foods Ltd |
| Trinidad & Tobago | SMAKS Luxury Group |
“It was extremely encouraging to receive the number of applications from our regional agro-processors, food and beverage manufacturers. These industries have always been important to the Agency in view of their importance to the region and internationally. Moreover the European market has also always been fascinated by Caribbean culture and food, and for those who are unable to sample within the Caribbean, we want to ensure they can still find Caribbean food and beverage products in their local specialty or gourmet shops or perhaps supermarkets” expressed Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director for Caribbean Export.
The range of products that visitors to ANUGA will be able to experience include condiments such as hot sauces, jerk seasonings, marinades, jams and jellies oozing with traditional flavours made from regional produce. In terms of the beverage sections local coffees, teas, and of course Caribbean rum, beer and malt will also be present.
Anuga is the world’s largest and most important trade fair for the food and beverage industry with around 6,700 exhibitors from about 100 countries. Caribbean Export has once again partnered with GIZ to facilitate the presence of Caribbean brands at ANUGA and they “look forward to the signing of many contracts at the event and are proud that the ANUGA trade fair to be held in Germany shall provide the setting ground within which such opportunities may take place.” (Ginelle Greene, GIZ Private Sector Officer).
The interest in Caribbean food is apparent and four of the companies have been selected for the taste 13 competition; Baron Foods Ltd with their ‘Banana Ketchup’; Beverages Caribbean Inc. with ‘Tiger Malt’; 10 Saints beer by 10 Saints Brewery Ltd and Fresh Fruits Flavours one of Marie Sharp’s Haberno Sauces.
As the global recession continues to restrict household budgets, people have found Caribbean foods to be an affordable indulgence, with restaurants and food suppliers discovering increasing demands for Caribbean products. The Caribbean Kitchen at ANUGA 2013 highlights the tremendous value in authentic Caribbean food products.
The show will be open from Saturday (October 5) to Tuesday (October 8) from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm and on Wednesday (October 9th) 9:00 am – 7:00 pm with daily events at the Caribbean Kitchen Pavilion including sampling of Caribbean finger food as well as rum and other beverages. There will also be a special Caribbean Happy Hour on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the event.
