Case Study - Naledo Foods & Beverages Inc.

EUROPEAN UNION

CASE STUDY: NALEDO FOODS & BEVERAGES INC. EMPOWERING INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE CARIBBEAN AGRO PROCESSING SECTOR

@Caribbeanexport

@Caribxport

www.carib-export.com

OVERVIEW

Naledo Foods & Beverages Inc., founded in 2016 by Umeeda and Nareena Switlo in Belize, exem plifies a socially responsible business model that aligns with the European Union’s development cooperation priorities: inclusive economic growth, private sector development, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. Naledo produces turmeric-based health and wellness products under the brand Truly Tur meric , working directly with over 200 small-scale farmers and supporting a majority-female workforce . With strategic support from the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), funded by the European Union under the Regional Private Sector Development Pro gramme (RPSDP), Naledo has expanded its export capacity, improved production standards, and strengthened its business resilience .

CASE STUDY: NALEDO FOODS & BEVERAGES INC.

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BACKGROUND Naledo began as a family-driven initiative to create sustainable, natural products while empowering more than 200 small-scale farmers across Belize, over a six-year period. From humble beginnings, the company grew its export revenue from $57,000 USD to nearly $300,000 USD by 2020 . However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted operations, due to supply chain challenges and delayed payments. Despite these setbacks, Naledo has recovered to achieve $200,000 USD in current sales , reaffirming its resilience and dedication to community impact. Caribbean Export has played a pivotal role in Naledo’s growth through European Union–funded inter ventions under the RPSDP. These initiatives have enhanced Naledo’s market access and operational capacity through grant funding, targeted training sessions , and participation in key tradeshows. Naledo’s involvement with Caribbean Export began in 2018 with support from the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme (DAGS) and participation in the HUB Cámara Santo Domingo tradeshow. During 2019 to 2021, Naledo’s team engaged in several tradeshows, virtual training sessions and export develop ment training. From 2022–2024, Naledo participated in activities such as SIAL Paris 2022 and the Specialty Fine Foods tradeshow in 2022, as well as DHL-partnered webinars including Welcome to eCommerce and The Art of Logistics.

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EU-FUNDED SUPPORT SUMMARY

INTERVENTION TYPE ACTIVITIES

Direct Assistance Grant Scheme (DAGS) - 2018

GRANT FUNDING

HUB Camera Santo Domingo - 2018 4th CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum - 2019 Absolutely Caribbean Virtual Tradeshow - 2020

Food Matters Live 20 - 2020 Food Matters Live 21 - 2021 Launch to Market - 2021 Specialty Fine Foods - 2022 SIAL Paris 2022 - 2022

MARKET ACCESS

ITC Market Intelligence Training – Natural Products - 2020 ITC Market Intelligence Training – Sauces and Condiments -2020 Building Strong Trade Capacity in the Caribbean with Market Intelligence – Trade Statistics - 2021 Building Strong Trade Capacity in the Caribbean with Market Intelligence – Market Access Requirements -2021 Enhancing Caribbean - Swedish Trade -2024

CAPACITY BUILDING

E-commerce and logistics webinars* - (2020–2024)

DIGITAL TRANSITION

eCommerce Webinar 2: Developing a Viable eCommerce Strategy – Are you ready? 2020 Doing Business in the Agrofood Sector Post-COVID-19 -2020 Absolutely Caribbean Virtual Tradeshow -2020

COVID-19 RESPONSE

*Facilitated by DHL Group.

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KEY RESULTS

Building on a foundation of targeted support and sustained engagement through Caribbean Export and European Union-funded programmes, Naledo Foods & Beverages Inc. has achieved significant outcomes in its export development journey. Through participation in international trade shows, market intelligence training, and capacity-building initiatives, the company has strengthened its export readiness and expanded its reach into new, high-value global markets. By leveraging key connections and insights gained at tradeshows in Seattle, London, and Germany, Naledo successfully entered export markets including Canada, California, Switzerland, Jamaica, Gua temala, and the United Kingdom. Products are distributed through both major retail networks and online platforms such as Amazon, broadening accessibility and visibility. This strategic market pene tration helped drive Naledo’s revenue to a pre-pandemic peak of $300,000 USD . While revenues were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company demonstrated resilience—rebound ing to $200,000 USD in the post-pandemic period . To meet the stringent requirements of international buyers and sustain its growth trajectory, Naledo has pursued and secured globally recognized certifications such as B Corp, SEDEX, SMETA, and compliance with FedEx standards . These certifications have positioned the company to build trust with partners and retailers in competitive export markets. Further certifications are currently under way to enhance global competitiveness. Despite facing substantial challenges during the pandemic, Naledo has remained committed to its inclusive business model and sustainability goals. With ongoing support from Caribbean Export, the company has worked with over 200 smallholder farmers in Belize during the past six years —pro viding above fair-trade prices—and maintains a workforce that is paid well above the national minimum wage . Employees also benefit from continuous training in food safety and operational excellence, with many empowered to launch entrepreneurial ventures of their own. These efforts underscore Naledo’s broader mission to foster economic empowerment and social impact through agro-processing innovation.

DEVELOPMENT INDICATOR

BASELINE (2018)

2020

CURRENT (2024 EST.)

CHANGE

Annual Revenue

$250,000 USD 40,000 USD $200,000 USD Resilience post-COVID-19

Export Markets 3

2

Diversified access +100% inclusion growth

5+

Smallholder Farmers Engaged Daily Production Capacity Certifications Achieved

20

200

200

500

x2 growth, scale-up in progress

250 units

500 units (target: 5,000)

B Corp

Access to international buyers

None

B Corp, SEDEX, SMETA

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RESULTS AT A GLANCE

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SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Growers earn 7.5X fair trade price for their tumeric, supporting rural livelihoods and economic inclusion.

Wages significantly above minimum wage provided to staff, alongside business and food safety training.

Over 7,700 trees planted, 400,000 kg of CO₂ sequestered , and 10 million litres of water saved through wild turmeric cultivation practices.

Avoided use of 17,500+ litres of harmful chemicals —demonstrating a tangible contribution to climate adaptation and environmental protection.

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AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Over the years, Naledo has earned multiple accolades in recognition of its high-quality products and commitment to social impact. These include the New Food Product of the Year award at the Food Matters Live Awards in 2020 and being named a finalist for Best Condiment at the Nexty Awards the same year. The company was also selected for the prestigious SIAL Innovation Paris showcase in 2018. In addition to product innovation, Naledo has been recognised for its inclusive business prac tices, receiving the Best Practices in Strengthening Youth Rural Employment in the Caribbean award from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Earlier in its journey, Naledo was also honoured with the Innovation Award from the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture in Belize in 2016.

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FORWARD OUTLOOK With EU support, Naledo has laid the foundation for a sustainable scale-up. The company is negotiating expanded distribution agreements in North America, with the potential to increase annual revenues to $2 million USD . Plans for automation, energy efficiency, and enhanced logistics capacity will further strengthen its position in global markets. Naledo’s growth trajectory illustrates the effective deployment of EU development funds through regional implementing partners such as Caribbean Export. The company’s progress underscores the importance of targeted, sustained private sector support in delivering inclu sive economic growth, gender equity, and environmental sustainability across the Caribbean. CONCLUSION

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“BY CONNECTING FARMERS, WORKERS, AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS, WE CREATE PRODUCTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES WHILE HONOURING OUR COMMUNITY ROOTS.” — UMEEDA SWITLO, CEO NALEDO FOODS & BEVERAGES INC

HEAD OFFICE: 1ST FLOOR, BAOBAB TOWER, WARRENS, ST.MICHAEL, BARBADOS TEL: +1(246) 436-0578 SUB-REGIONAL OFFICE: AV. PEDRO HENRIQUEZ URENA NO. 138, TORRE EMPRESARIAL REYNA II, PISO 5, SECTOR LA ESPERILLA SANTO DOMINGO, REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA TEL: + 1 (809) 531-6565