11TH European Development Fund Implementation Report 2017- 2023

v. Increased In-Market Presence Leveraging Brand Caribbean in Export Promotion (1) Launch to Market Programme Caribbean Export developed a concept note for a Launch to Market Programme. The overall objective of the programme was to enhance the export competitiveness of CARIFORUM SMEs in the agro-processing sector to meet the increasing demand in the UK and EU markets. Specifically, the project expected to build the export capacity of CARIFORUM firms to penetrate targeted markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France and Belgium; to immerse a selected group of firms in the various retail markets in the UK and EU and increase firms’ market access and visibility; equip CARIFORUM Firms with the tools and expertise to address market entry challenges; identify a blueprint for a go-to-market launch strategy; and prepare firms to engage with potential buyers from the UK and EU at B2B meetings at international trade shows and missions. The programme had four key modes of delivery: market access programme, coaching programme, go-to-market strategy, and a B2B programme. Five companies participated in the programme: Naledo (Belize), Old Duppy Pepper Sauces (Barbados), Pringa’s Natural Flavour (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Sugartown Organics (St. Kitts and Nevis), Chief Brand Products Ltd (Trinidad and Tobago). The accelerator programme yielded significant improvements across various dimensions for each of the producers involved. Notably, combined commercial, category, market, supply chain, and compliance knowledge and capabilities saw a notable 51% increase. Additionally, marketing, branding, and packaging advanced by 21%, with some negative feedback indicating areas for improvement, leading to positive actions such as the rebranding of brands like Sugar Town Organics. Knowledge of the market, outlets, sauces, and condiments more than doubled, directly attributable to the programme. Producers reported enhanced confidence in areas such as branding, compliance, and category knowledge, with positive feedback highlighting the programme's invaluable nature for businesses looking to export from the region. The programme effectively addressed commercial skills, resulting in a 56% improvement, and even areas where producers felt confident, such as dealing with buyers, saw a 22% advancement on average. While some brands may benefit from refresher sessions, overall feedback was positive, with one producer suggesting further assistance with marketing budgets and collaboration with brand agencies/ designers to enhance their products. In short, producers expressed gratitude for the programme's knowledge and expertise, indicating its overall effectiveness and value.

Implementation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP)

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