11TH European Development Fund Implementation Report 2017- 2023

(2) Speciality and Fine Food Fair (SFFF)

To build on the learnings from the Launch to Market programme Caribbean Export supported ten (10) firms to exhibit under an ‘Absolutely Caribbean’ Pavillion at the SFFF in September 2022. The Specialty and Fine Food Fair is curated for artisans and exhibitors of high-quality food and drink and is a leading UK trade show for industry personnel such as premium food and drink buyers, wholesalers, distributors and hospitality and retail. The purpose of the event was to, support CARIFORUM firms in the Specialty Food and Beverage sector access to buyers from the UK and wider European markets to increase their exports (and visibility) to these markets; and, to enhance capacity building of selected firms with an in-market orientation that includes market research, competitor review, B2B engagements. Data from the event app linked to 10 exhibitors showed that approximately 310 meetings were held with visiting buyers, importers, wholesalers or retailers. This represents an average of 31 meetings per exhibitor over the 2-day show with some notable names including Sainsburys, Wanis, Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Chef Collin Brown, Fine Food Specialist, Wholefoods Wholesale, Benihana. Four (4) firms were able to generate a total a total of 12 leads from their respective meetings with visitors. Naledo Belize Ltd (5); Pringa’s Natural Flavour (3); Saint Lucia Distillers (1) and Sugartown Organics (3). Old Duppy Ltd signed a contract with UK distributor Virtue Creations Ltd shipping 6-8 pallets of product in 2023 generating approximately $150,000-200,000 in export revenue.

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

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