As one of the largest buyers of goods and services in the English-speaking Caribbean, Jamaica’s food and beverage market represents good business opportunities for suppliers, particularly as the island’s tropical climate and diversified topography incentivize the production of crops that are largely different than those grown in the United Kingdom and Europe. In 2014, the total value of food imports to Jamaica was US$841 million, with the majority of Jamaica’s total food imports directed to the hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI) sector. The remaining imports are channeled to consumers via retail outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and small “mom-and-pop” shops.
Given its relatively small land area and high average income, Trinidad and Tobago is a high consumer of food imports. For the period January – September 2015, food imports into Trinidad and Tobago were valued at £40m. The retail landscape is diverse with entry channels including conventional supermarkets, super/ membership stores, wholesale distributors, pharmacies and hotel/restaurant supply.
The Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean markets are prime for British Food and Beverage products. Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and St. Vincent are mass importing countries with over £3.0 billion in products imported into these islands in 2015. The retail landscape in each island is dominated by a few large food distributors that distribute to local hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. These distributors look for food and beverage products of high quality that are sold at an affordable price.
Although a sovereign state on the northern mainland of South America, Guyana is included in the Caribbean region due to its strong cultural, historical, and political ties with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The UK provides 2.7% of total exports or US million to Guyana, with main food and beverage imports including milk and cream, cereals, cheese, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to name a few.
Event programme 13th – 16th March 2017
Monday 13th March Arrive in Kingston Jamaica. Official Welcome by High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Mr. David Fitton. Welcome cocktails and event briefing at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Tuesday 14th March Regulatory briefings from officials in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries, Bureau of Standards and Customs (Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Guyana) Presentations by the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association and JAMPRO, Presentations by DIT Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and Jamaica, followed by 1-2-1 meetings in the afternoon period.
Wednesday 15th March One-on-one meetings with distributors, retailers and hoteliers, tour of local food manufacturing facility.
Thursday 16th March Exhibition setup at the Jamaica Pegasus and Official opening of the Food & Beverage Event – open to invited buyers only. Networking reception at the British High Commissioner’s Residence attended by Government officials, Distributors, Retailers and Hotelier with culinary presentations by British TV Chef Alan Coxon.
Friday 17th March Delegates depart on the 7:30pm flight back to the UK.
Who should attend: Established Medium-sized Businesses (MSBs) and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the food & beverage sector.
Administration fee: £150.00 Additional costs for accommodation and in-market activities to be covered by the companies.
Benefits Support from your International Trade Adviser and DIT staff at Post before, during and after your visit In-market industry briefings, networking events and table-top exhibitions Opportunity to profile your expertise, products and/or services to key buyers, distributors, ministries and agencies Flexibility to vary your own agenda to pursue your business interests Company details published in our Market Visit Brochure
Travel & accommodation Local DIT team can supply information on travel bookings and discounted hotel rates.
Please speak with your in-country DIT Representative for more information:
Jamaica Racquel Peters, Head, DIT Jamaica Tel: +1 876 936 0717 Email: racquel.peters@fco. gov.uk
Kellee King-Campbell, Trade Officer DIT Jamaica Tel: +1 876 936 0719 Email: [email protected]
Renee Cowan, DIT Intern Tel: + 1 876 936 0719 Email: [email protected]
CaribDirect Multi-Media will be attending this event and is willing to represent any British companies interested in putting forward their brand message. If you are interested you may email [email protected].
