Canadian Export Development Inc., in co-operation with the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, (responsible for Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Sint Maarten) invites you to participate in a Canadian Food and Beverage Showcase, in Bridgetown, Barbados March 13-15, 2017.

 

Canadian companies will display their products and/or services under one umbrella as they pursue business opportunities in the Caribbean markets. The High Commission of Canada will invite the key decision-makers, buyers, distributors, wholesalers, supermarkets, hotel and restaurant managers to visit the show. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce your company to important emerging markets, and develop new business relationships with Caribbean partners.

 

The Food Sector in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean is multi-faceted. The local market varies from island to island, depending on the level of overall development. Some of the more developed markets, such as Barbados and Sint Maarten, actively seek North American brands, and have the disposable income to pay for the high-end products. The lesser developed markets will seek more low-end products such as pickled and salted meats and fish products, with a reduced demand for the high-end products.

 

Tourism is the key foreign exchange earner for several of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and mainly attracts the middle to upper markets. All of the countries import the majority of their consumables, as there is limited food production and agriculture is mostly monoculture, often involving crops earmarked for export (i.e. bananas, and sugar). The importation and distribution businesses within the food sector are well developed, extremely competitive, and are interested in sourcing new products. These companies also demand high quality, efficient, and consistent suppliers and are familiar with “shopping the world”.

 

There will also be a business program in conjunction with the Showcase, which will include B2B meetings and Networking Hospitality Event.

 

Please note that we only have room for 30 companies and confirmation will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

We look forward to working with you to make this event a successful undertaking by your company.

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