Implementation of the 10th EDF Regional Provate Sector Programme

ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS AND PROMOTING INNOVATION

exhibitors from 185 countries. On this occasion, 11 firms participated in the mission. Immediate results included the negotiation of contracts by three firms during the event, at an average of 48 contracts per firm; greater market access opportunities; and increased expertise in engaging with EU buyers following the B2B sessions executed. A summary of beneficiary testimonials from ANUGA 2013 is available in the table ‘Caribbean Kitchen Participants Outcomes’ on the next page. The platform was again showcased at ANUGA, in collaboration with GIZ, during the period October 10-14, 2015. Twelve (12) regional food and beverage producers attended the trade fair, and exhibited a range of Caribbean sauces and condiments, liquors and beverages, and cocoa and chocolates. Based on the lessons learnt and recommendations from ANUGA 2013, Caribbean Export sought to enhance the execution of the initiative in 2015. An evaluation conducted immediately after the 2015 event revealed that all beneficiaries reported meeting their targets, with the greatest target being the ability increase access of products to international buyers, which was achieved by 92% of participants. Participants also found ANUGA useful for strengthening their knowledge and understanding of the markets for Caribbean imports in Europe, and for offering market access opportunities not previously known/ available for their business’ export development. Nine firms were able to secure a joint total of 57 leads, with a combined estimated value of approximately US$430,000. Further, of the 500 contacts established, 29% were significant, these included: manufacturers, distributors, wholesales, retailers, agents, importers, re-sellers, buyers, restaurants, and specialty food stores. In addition to the immediate outcomes mentioned above, a 6-month follow up assessment with Caribbean Kitchen participants revealed that they secured orders ranging between US$5,000 and $30,000 from buyers. Three firms also entered new markets in CARIFORUM, Europe and the United States, and five firms were able to hire 18 new staff members following participation in ANUGA. To date, a total of 28 firms from 10 CARIFORUM countries have showcased in Caribbean Kitchen. The full list of beneficiaries is available at Annex 6.

CaribbeanKitchenwaslaunchedin2012 during the London Summer Olympics. Thestagingsoughttointroduceregional companies to potential distributors in the United Kingdom (UK) market, and build awareness for Caribbean brands by exhibiting them to consumers and potential buyers. From August 8-9, 2012 theproducts from11CARIFORUM agro-processing and manufacturing firms were on display during the hosting of the 2nd CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum. These were Beverages Caribbean Inc. from Barbados; Bel- Mer Winery in Belize; Parry W. Bellot & Co. Ltd. of Dominica; Caribbean Labs & Traders in the Dominican Republic; De La Grenade Industries of Grenada; Bloxburgh Gourmet Creations, Central Food Packers, and Tijule Company Limited from Jamaica; Baron Foods Limited in Saint Lucia; and Tobago Cocoa Estate W.I. Ltd and Caribbean Agribusiness Export Company from Trinidad and Tobago. While this initial staging of Caribbean Kitchen focused on product demonstrations and tasting sessions, the response from the local market to the range of products on display was encouraging and became the genesis for subsequent exhibitions of the platform, at the ANUGA Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany. The first staging of Caribbean Kitchen at ANUGA was held from October 5-9, 2013, with support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). As the world’s leading food fair for retail trade and the food service and catering market, ANUGA attracts over 150,000 trade visitors, and 6,800

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