CE 2025 Annual Results Report web

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE:

DRIVING EXPORTS THROUGH TARGETED PROGRAMMES

Absolutely Caribbean: Export Promotion that Converts Interest into Opportunity

Export growth is not only about being able to supply, but also about being seen, trusted, and chosen in competitive markets. As Caribbean Export marks 30 years of supporting private sector development, our export promotion work continues to focus on a practical goal: helping CARIFORUM firms move from ‘export capable’ to export visible, by connecting them directly to buyers, market intelligence, and the realities of distribution, compliance, and positioning. Through the Absolutely Caribbean brand, Caribbean Export provides a unified platform that elevates the quality, authenticity, and diversity of Caribbean food and beverage offerings while reducing the barriers individual MSMEs often face when entering new markets alone. In 2025, this approach remained central to our export promotion strategy, enabling companies to showcase under a single, recognisable regional identity, strengthen brand recall with buyers, and reinforce the Caribbean’s reputation as a source of distinctive, high-quality products. This section highlights two key trade promotion moments delivered under the Absolutely Caribbean branded stand: participation at Vitafoods Europe (Barcelona) targeting buyers in the fast-growing health, wellness, and functional foods segment and representation at Agroalimentaria (Dominican Republic), a strategically important regional marketplace for building export relationships closer to home. Together, these platforms supported firms to test products and messages in real market settings, generate leads, and build the relationships that underpin sustained export performance. Under the EU-funded Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP III), Caribbean Export supported a cohort of CARIFORUM producers of natural and health-oriented food products to strengthen their market entry potential in Europe and position their brands for growth in a fast-expanding segment driven by clean-label, functional, and ethically sourced products. The support culminated in participation at Vitafoods Europe 2025 in Barcelona, one of the leading international trade shows for nutraceuticals, functional foods, and health products. Support was delivered through an integrated pipeline that moved firms from readiness to real market exposure. Companies first completed an export readiness profiling and a digital marketing scan to identify gaps in market preparedness and international sales infrastructure. This was followed by a structured virtual capacity-building programme of five webinars focused on EU market trends, compliance and regulatory requirements, market entry strategy, pricing, and effective trade fair participation. Building on this foundation, exporters received one-on-one coaching to refine their Go-To-Market strategies, strengthen their buyer-facing materials, and prepare targeted pitches aligned to European buyer expectations. In-market engagement in Barcelona added practical insight and direct commercial connections. Participating firms conducted retail store visits to benchmark packaging, positioning, and pricing across relevant segments, and participated in buyer meetings with specialised retail and distribution actors including Ven Vegano, Delykatt & Delice, and Feliubadaló. An ‘empowerment’ preparation session then helped firms consolidate learning, set measurable objectives for the trade show, sharpen their 30-second pitch, and structure lead capture and Supporting CARIFORUM Natural Foods Exporters to Enter Europe Vitafoods Europe 2025 | Barcelona, Spain (20–22 May 2025)

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