Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 4/6/2006

**GAIN Report Number:** C16001

C16001

**Caribbean Basin**

**Food Processing Ingredients Sector**

**Eastern Caribbean**

**2006**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Omar Gonzalez, Acting Director

Caribbean Basin ATO

**Prepared by:**

Kay Logan, Agricultural Marketing Assistant

**Report Highlights:**

The eastern Caribbean region offers large opportunities for U.S.
Suppliers of food and beverage ingredients. In 2005, the eastern
Caribbean region imported approximately U.S. \$129 million worth of bulk
commodity, intermediate or semi-processed agricultural products, and
seafood products from the United States. The United States has the
largest market share in the following major categories: Meat, Dairy,
Fresh Vegetables/Fruits, Nuts, Cereals, Grain, Animal/Vegetable Fats,
and Oils.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Unscheduled Report

Miami \[C11\]

\[C1\]

## *This report covers the eastern Caribbean region, comprising of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saba, and Trinidad and Tobago.*

## 

## SECTION I. MARKET SUMMARY

The structure of the food processing industry within the eastern
Caribbean region can be categorized in five groupings as follows:
multinational firms, large-scale firms, medium-sized firms, small-scale
firms, and micro-sized firms. Micro-sized and small-scale processors of
pepper sauces, jams, jellies, fruit nectars, rum, and other
alcoholic-beverages are prevalent throughout the entire region. However,
the majority of the medium to large-scale food processors are located on
the islands of Trinidad and Barbados. These include manufacturers of
processed meat and fish, pasta products, bakery products, confectionary
products, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, packaged and
convenience foods, and edible oils and fats. Medium to large-scale grain
mills producing wheat flour, rice, and animal feeds are also present on
the islands of Barbados, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Vincent,
and Trinidad.

The eastern Caribbean region, particularly the islands of Trinidad and
Barbados, offers large opportunities for U.S. suppliers of food and
beverage ingredients. Several factors are currently driving the growth
of the food processing sector in these two islands. These include the
relatively high standards of living and education, increased exposure to
other regions of the world through travel and the Internet, rising
number of women in the workforce, the pursuit for a healthier society,
and an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI).

Due to the minimal amount of arable land and the seasonality of crops,
processors within the region do not have a continuous ready supply of
local agricultural products. Therefore, food processors rely heavily on
the importation of raw materials. Food processors within the region buy
roughly 20 percent of raw materials and food ingredients from local
suppliers and import 80 percent from international suppliers. The United
States is the region's main trading partner in terms of bulk commodity,
high-value intermediate agricultural products, and seafood products with
an estimated 37 percent market share. In 2005, the eastern Caribbean
region imported approximately US \$129 million worth of bulk commodity,
intermediate or semi-processed agricultural products, and seafood
products from the United States.

##### Eastern Caribbean

##### Bulk Commodity, Intermediate Agricultural, and Seafood Product Imports from the United States

##### 2000-2005

![](media/image2.wmf)

***Source: FAS' U.S. Trade Internet System using data from the
Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Statistics***

##### Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago's food processing industry is one of the most
advanced manufacturing sub-sectors in the Caribbean region. While
contributing over 50 percent of the total non-energy manufacturing
sector output, the food processing industry is the largest non-energy
manufacturing sector in the two-island republic. Trinidad and Tobago's
food processing industry is comprised of 424 firms, employs an estimated
9,000 people, and accounts for roughly 3 percent of the total GDP of the
economy (US \$13.7 billion estimated 2005 total GDP). More importantly,
the food processing industry accounts for approximately 36.5 percent of
the total value added of the manufacturing sector in Trinidad and
Tobago. Included in this percentage is the fish processing industry.
Trinidad and Tobago's fish processing industry benefits from the prime
geographical location of the two islands and the diverse fish resource.
There are twelve fish processing facilities located on the island of
Trinidad and there are four located on the island of Tobago. While no
official forecasts have been made regarding the expected growth rate of
Trinidad and Tobago's food processing sector, Trinidad and Tobago's food
processing industry increased by an average of 6.5 percent between 2000
and 2004.

# Food Processing Firms by Product Area

# Trinidad and Tobago

***Source: Trinidad and Tobago Food and Beverage Industry Team using
data from the Trinidad and Tobago Central Statistical Office.***

# Barbados

Barbados' food processing industry, which is comprised of 192 firms, has
historically played a fundamental role in the island's economy. This
industry is the largest employer in Barbados' manufacturing sector and
accounts for roughly 3 percent of the total GDP of the economy (US \$3.1
billion estimated 2005 total GDP). The food processing industry is also
the largest single export-earning manufacturing sub-sector in Barbados,
accounting for 35.7 percent of the export earnings of the total domestic
exports. While no official forecasts have been made regarding the
expected growth rate of Barbados' food processing sector, Barbados' food
processing industry increased by an average of 10 percent between 2001
and 2005.

## Food Processing Firms by Product Area

## Barbados

***Source: Barbados Statistical Service***

The following table illustrates the market advantages and market
challenges in the eastern Caribbean facing U.S. exporters:

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **Advantages**                      **Challenges**

  Due to an inconsistent and          As in most island states,
  insufficient supply of local        individual orders for raw materials
  agricultural products, food         and food ingredients tend to be
  processors within the eastern       small.
  Caribbean must import most of their 
  food ingredients and raw materials. 

  The eastern Caribbean islands are   Selected goods may face restricted
  characterized by relatively         access due to the legislative
  liberalized import policies, which  framework and regulatory system of
  encourage trade.                    each island-state.

  Eastern Caribbean food processors   Trading blocks such as the
  view U.S. suppliers as a reliable   Caribbean Community and Common
  source of quality food ingredients. Market (CARICOM) offer duty-free
                                      access to many of the eastern
                                      Caribbean islands for other member
                                      states.

  In general, the eastern Caribbean   While most of the large-scale
  islands are characterized by        processing companies have a
  efficient supply chain systems.     production process that is
                                      semi-automated or fully automated,
                                      the majority of the small to
                                      medium-scale companies still rely
                                      on small-scale equipment and manual
                                      labor in the production process.
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

## SECTION II. ROAD MAP FOR MARKET ENTRY

![](media/image3.wmf)

### ENTRY STRATEGY

U.S. suppliers can enter the eastern Caribbean food processing market by
exporting directly, or working with a large importer or a large
wholesaler/distributor. Food processors buy approximately 40 percent of
their raw materials and food ingredients directly, 30 percent from large
importers, 20 percent from local suppliers, and 10 percent from large
wholesaler/distributors.

Regardless of which entry strategy is chosen, food processors within the
region stress the importance of personal visits and sending samples upon
request. Food processors also travel to trade shows such as the
International Dairy-Deli-Bake Association (IDDBA) Show and the
International Beverage Association Show (Interbev) Show in an effort to
meet face-to-face with U.S. product representatives.

## MARKET STRUCTURE 

##  United States 

##  Eastern Caribbean 

### COMPANY PROFILES

Following is a list of some of the key food processors in the eastern
Caribbean:

+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| *          | **Pr     | **Product   | ######    | **Procurement     |
| *Company** | oduction | Types**     | # End-Use | Channels**        |
|            | Lo       |             |  Channels |                   |
|            | cation** |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Anguilla   | Anguilla | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Rums Ltd.  |          | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Antigua    | Antigua  | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Brewery    |          | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Antigua    | Antigua  | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Distillery |          | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Alamac     | Barbados | Snack Foods | n/a       | n/a               |
| Man        |          | (Potato     |           |                   |
| ufacturing |          | Chips;      |           |                   |
| Co.        |          | Tortilla    |           |                   |
|            |          | Chips; Corn |           |                   |
|            |          | Chips)      |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Baker's    | Barbados | Bakery      | Retail;   | Domestic          |
| Choice     |          | Products    | W         | Supplier; Local   |
|            |          |             | holesale; | Importer; Import  |
|            |          |             | HRI Food  | Directly          |
|            |          |             | Service   |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Banks      | Barbados | Alcoholic   | W         | Import Directly;  |
| (Barbados) |          | Beverages   | holesale; | Domestic          |
| Breweries  |          |             | Retail    | Supplier; Local   |
|            |          |             |           | Importer;         |
|            |          |             |           | Whole             |
|            |          |             |           | saler/Distributor |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Barbados   | Barbados | No          | n/a       | n/a               |
| Bottling   |          | n-Alcoholic |           |                   |
| Co. Ltd.   |          | Beverages   |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Barbados   | Barbados | Dairy       | Retail;   | Import Directly;  |
| Dairy      |          | Products;   | Wholesale | Domestic          |
| Industries |          | Juices      |           | Suppliers         |
|            |          |             |           |                   |
| (Pine      |          |             |           |                   |
| Hills      |          |             |           |                   |
| Dairy)     |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Barbados   | Barbados | Wheat Flour | G         | Import Directly;  |
| Mills Ltd. |          |             | overnment |                   |
|            |          |             | Agencies; | Domestic          |
|            |          |             | W         | Suppliers         |
|            |          |             | holesale; |                   |
|            |          |             | I         |                   |
|            |          |             | ndustrial |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Bico       | Barbados | Ice Cream   | W         | Wholes            |
| Limited    |          |             | holesale; | aler/Distributor; |
|            |          |             | Retail    | Import Directly;  |
|            |          |             |           | Local Importer;   |
|            |          |             |           | Domestic Supplier |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Hill       | Barbados | Snack       | Retail    | Import Directly;  |
| Milling    |          | Foods; Dry  |           |                   |
| Co.        |          | Goods and   |           | Domestic Supplier |
|            |          | Condiments  |           |                   |
|            |          | (Corn Meal; |           |                   |
|            |          | Rice;       |           |                   |
|            |          | Pasta; Corn |           |                   |
|            |          | Curls;      |           |                   |
|            |          | Popcorn)    |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Hipac      | Barbados | Beef,       | n/a       | n/a               |
| Limited    |          | Poultry,    |           |                   |
|            |          | and Pork    |           |                   |
|            |          | Products;   |           |                   |
|            |          | Other       |           |                   |
|            |          | Canned      |           |                   |
|            |          | Products    |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Mount Gay  | Barbados | Alcoholic   | n/a       | n/a               |
| Di         |          | Beverages   |           |                   |
| stilleries |          |             |           |                   |
| Limited    |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Morgan's   | Barbados | Fish and    | n/a       | n/a               |
| Fish House |          | Seafood     |           |                   |
|            |          | Products    |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Purity     | Barbados | Bakery      | n/a       | n/a               |
| Bakeries   |          | Products    |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Roberts    | Barbados | Shortening  | Retail;   | Import Directly;  |
| Man        |          | and         |           |                   |
| ufacturing |          | Margarine;  | HRI Food  | Domestic Supplier |
|            |          | Soybean     | Service   |                   |
|            |          | Oil; Soya   |           |                   |
|            |          | Milk;       |           |                   |
|            |          | Cheese      |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| The West   | Barbados | Alcoholi    | n/a       | n/a               |
| Indies Rum |          | c-Beverages |           |                   |
| Distillery |          |             |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| West India | Barbados | Snack Foods | n/a       | n/a               |
| Biscuit    |          | (Cookies;   |           |                   |
| Co. Ltd.   |          | Crackers)   |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Dominica   | Dominica | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Brewery &  |          | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Beverages  |          |             |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Sh         | Dominica | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| ellingford |          | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Estate     |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Caribbean  | Grenada  | Wheat       | ##        | n/a               |
| Agro       |          | Flour;      | ##### n/a |                   |
| I          |          | Animal      |           |                   |
| ndustries, |          | Feeds       |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Grenada    | Grenada  | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Breweries  |          | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Grenada    | Grenada  | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Sugar      |          | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Factory    |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Westerhall | Grenada  | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Estate     |          | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Brasserie  | Gu       | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Du         | adeloupe | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Corsaire   |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Grandes    | Gu       | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Brasseries | adeloupe | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| A          |          |             |           |                   |
| ntillaises |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Grands     | Gu       | Wheat Flour | ##        | n/a               |
| Moulins    | adeloupe | and Other   | ##### n/a |                   |
| des        |          | Grain Mill  |           |                   |
| Antilles   |          | Products    |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Sagba      | Gu       | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
|            | adeloupe | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Bar Le     | Ma       | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Terminal   | rtinique | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Brasserie  | Ma       | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Lorraine   | rtinique | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Frasier    | Ma       | Wheat Flour | ##        | n/a               |
| Des Iles   | rtinique | and Other   | ##### n/a |                   |
|            |          | Grain Mill  |           |                   |
|            |          | Products    |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| St. Kitts  | St.      | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Breweries  | Kitts    | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Windward & | St.      | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Leeward    | Lucia    | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Breweries  |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Saint      | St.      | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Martin     | Martin   | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Bottlers   |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| St.        | St.      | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Maarten    | Maarten  | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Breweries  |          |             |           |                   |
| NV         |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| The East   | St.      | Wheat       | #######   | International     |
| Caribbean  | Vincent  | Flour;      | Wholesale | Broker            |
| Group of   |          | Rice;       |           |                   |
| Companies  |          | Animal      |           |                   |
|            |          | Feeds       |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| St.        | St.      | Alcoholi    | ##        | n/a               |
| Vincent    | Vincent  | c-Beverages | ##### n/a |                   |
| Brewery    |          |             |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Albrosco   | Trinidad | Processed   | ##        | n/a               |
| Ltd.       |          | Meats       | ##### n/a |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Bermudez   | Trinidad | Snack Foods | n/a       | n/a               |
| Biscuit    |          | (Crackers;  |           |                   |
| Company    |          | Cookies)    |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Carib      | Trinidad | Alcoholic   | n/a       | n/a               |
| Brewery    |          | and         |           |                   |
|            |          | No          |           |                   |
|            |          | n-Alcoholic |           |                   |
|            |          | Beverages   |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Dockside   | Trinidad | Fish and    | n/a       | n/a               |
| Seafoods   |          | Seafood     |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          | Products    |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Erin Farm  | Trinidad | Processed   | n/a       | n/a               |
| Ltd.       |          | Meats       |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Flavorite  | Trinidad | Dairy       | ######    | Local Importer;   |
| Foods      |          | Products    | # Retail; |                   |
|            |          |             |           | Import Directly   |
|            |          | (Frozen     | W         |                   |
|            |          | Novelties;  | holesale; |                   |
|            |          | Ice Cream)  |           |                   |
|            |          |             | HRI Food  |                   |
|            |          |             | Service   |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| H          | Trinidad | Rice; Wheat | n/a       | n/a               |
| ummingbird |          | Flour       |           |                   |
| Rice Mills |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Kiss       | Trinidad | Bakery      | ##        | n/a               |
| Baking     |          | Products    | ##### n/a |                   |
| Company    |          |             |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          | (Bread;     |           |                   |
|            |          | Cakes;      |           |                   |
|            |          | Snack       |           |                   |
|            |          | Cakes)      |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Macfoods   | Trinidad | Meat        | ##        | n/a               |
| Meat       |          | Products    | ##### n/a |                   |
| Processors |          |             |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Master Mix | Trinidad | Poultry;    | ##        | n/a               |
| of         |          | Animal      | ##### n/a |                   |
| Trinidad   |          | Feeds       |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| National   | Trinidad | Dry Goods   | ######    | Import Directly;  |
| Canners    |          | and         | # Retail: |                   |
|            |          | Condiments; |           | Domestic          |
|            |          |             | HRI Food  | Suppliers;        |
|            |          | Prepared    | Service;  |                   |
|            |          | Fruit       | W         | Local Importer;   |
|            |          | /Vegetables | holesale; |                   |
|            |          |             | I         | Whole             |
|            |          |             | ndustrial | saler/Distributor |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| National   | Trinidad | Dry Goods   | ####### W | Import Directly;  |
| Flour      |          | and         | holesale; |                   |
| Mills Ltd. | (3       | Condiments; |           | Local Supplier    |
|            | pr       |             | #####     |                   |
|            | ocessing | Wheat       | ## Retail |                   |
|            | plants)  | Flour;      |           |                   |
|            |          | Rice; Corn; |           |                   |
|            |          | Animal      |           |                   |
|            |          | Feeds       |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Nestle     | Trinidad | Dairy       | ##        | n/a               |
| Trinidad   |          | Products;   | ##### n/a |                   |
| and Tobago |          | Breakfast   |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          | Cereals;    |           |                   |
|            |          | Chocolate   |           |                   |
|            |          | and         |           |                   |
|            |          | Con         |           |                   |
|            |          | fectionary; |           |                   |
|            |          | Prepared    |           |                   |
|            |          | Foods;      |           |                   |
|            |          | Beverages   |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Nutramix   | Trinidad | Flour;      | ##        | n/a               |
| Flour      |          | Animal      | ##### n/a |                   |
| Mills      |          | Feeds       |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Seafood    | Trinidad | Fish and    | ##        | n/a               |
| E          |          | Seafood     | ##### n/a |                   |
| nterprises |          | Products    |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| S.M.       | Trinidad | No          | ##        | n/a               |
| Jaleel and |          | n-Alcoholic | ##### n/a |                   |
| Company    |          | Beverages   |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| W          | Trinidad | Poultry;    | ##        | n/a               |
| arnerville |          | Turkey      | ##### n/a |                   |
| Grain      |          |             |           |                   |
| Mills      |          |             |           |                   |
| Ltd./ Heat |          |             |           |                   |
| 'N Eat     |          |             |           |                   |
| Ltd.       |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+
| Willie's   | Trinidad | Ice Cream   | ##        | n/a               |
| Homemade   |          |             | ##### n/a |                   |
| Ice-Cream  |          |             |           |                   |
+------------+----------+-------------+-----------+-------------------+

### SECTOR TRENDS

##### Consumption Trends

Processors within the industry seek to satisfy the strong demand within
the market for safe, healthy, and nutritious foods, influencing the type
and quality of inputs being used in processed foods. There is a growing
trend within the region towards the consumption of low fat and health
food products, as well as functional and convenient food products that
require little or no preparation time.

##### Productivity and Foreign Exchange Earnings

Over the last few years, the region's processing productivity output and
foreign exchange earnings have increased as a result of globalization
and trade liberalization. Due to their key geographical location, food
processors within the eastern Caribbean export a substantial number of
products to South American, Central American, and North American
markets. Food processors within the region also benefit from direct
trade access to member states of trading blocks such as the Caribbean
Community and Common Market (CARICOM).

##### Plants Abroad

There has been a current growth trend towards the opening of food
production plants abroad, and this trend is expected to continue.
Successful companies such as SM Jaleel, National Canners, and Bermudez
Biscuit Company (Trinidad), have expanded production processes beyond
their nation's borders by opening operations in other Caribbean
countries such as Jamaica and Guyana, either through Joint Ventures or
alliances.

## SECTION III. COMPETITION

![](media/image4.wmf)

**\* Note: This is the most complete, up-to-date data for the eastern
Caribbean region**

***Source: FAS\' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the
United Nations Statistical Office***

The United States is the leading supplier of raw materials and food
ingredients to the food-processing sector of the Eastern Caribbean. Food
processors within the eastern Caribbean region highly regard U.S.
products with respect to quality and consistency. However, due to the
highly price-sensitive market, there has been an increase in competition
from other foreign suppliers.

The following table illustrates the respective country market shares in
different product categories:

+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| **Product     | **Import     | **Major Supply Sources | **Share of  |
| Category**    | Value**      | and Rank**             | Import      |
|               |              |                        | Market**    |
|               | **2003\***   |                        |             |
|               |              |                        | **2003\***  |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Meat Products | US \$71.3    | 1\. United States      | 43%         |
|               | million      |                        |             |
|               |              | 2\. Canada             | 16%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. New Zealand        | 15%         |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Fish and      | US \$25.4    | 1\. Canada             | 26%         |
| Seafood       | million      |                        |             |
| Products      |              | 2\. United States      | 17%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. Caribbean Islands  | 15%         |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Dairy         | US \$87.9    | 1\. United States      | 19%         |
| Products      | million      |                        |             |
|               |              | 2\. New Zealand        | 18%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. Ireland            | 14%         |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Fresh         | US \$41.8    | 1\. United States      | 36%         |
| Vegetables    | million      |                        |             |
|               |              | 2\. Netherlands        | 25%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. Canada             | 21%         |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Fresh Fruit   | US \$23.9    | 1\. United States      | 57%         |
| and Tree Nuts | million      |                        |             |
|               |              | 2\. Caribbean Islands  | 17%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. India              | 8%          |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Coffee, Tea,  | US \$8       | 1\. Chile              | 29%         |
| and Spices    | million      |                        |             |
|               |              | 2\. United States      | 18%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. Caribbean Islands  | 9%          |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Cereals       | US \$59.3    | 1\. United States      | 84%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 2\. Guyana             | 11%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. Caribbean Islands  | 2%          |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Milling       | US \$28.4    | 1\. Caribbean Islands  | 33%         |
| Products,     | million      |                        |             |
| Malt,         |              | 2\. United Kingdom     | 20%         |
| Starches,     |              |                        |             |
| Wheat Gluten  |              | 3\. United States      | 17%         |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Oil Seed,     | US \$40      | 1\. United States      | 85%         |
| Grain, Seed   | million      |                        |             |
|               |              | 2\. China              | 5%          |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. Argentina          | 4%          |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Ani           | US \$35      | 1\. United States      | 40%         |
| mal/Vegetable | million      |                        |             |
| Fats and Oils |              | 2\. Caribbean Islands  | 24%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
| (Soybean Oil, |              | 3\. Argentina          | 10%         |
| Cottonseed    |              |                        |             |
| Oil, and Corn |              |                        |             |
| Oil)          |              |                        |             |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+
| Sugars and    | US \$46.3    | 1\. Guyana             | 42%         |
| Sugar         | million      |                        |             |
| Confectionary |              | 2\. United Kingdom     | 16%         |
|               |              |                        |             |
|               |              | 3\. United States      | 15%         |
+---------------+--------------+------------------------+-------------+

**\* Note: This is the most complete, up-to-date data for the eastern
Caribbean region**

***Source: FAS\' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the
United Nations Statistical Office***

## SECTION IV. BEST PRODUCT PROSPECTS

The following chart illustrates the best product prospects for U.S.
exporters entering the eastern Caribbean processing sector:

-   Beef

-   Turkey

-   Pork

-   Nuts

-   Tomato Paste

-   Soy Beans

-   Wheat

-   Rice

-   Course Grains

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Nutraceuticals

-   Non-Caribbean produce

-   Ethnic food spices

-   Dairy Products

-   Sugar, Sweeteners, Bases

**U.S. Exports of Bulk Commodity, Intermediate Agricultural Products,
and Seafood Product to the Eastern Caribbean Islands**

**2005**

+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| **Product Category**              | **Export Value**                 |
|                                   |                                  |
|                                   | **2005**                         |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Wheat                             | US \$30.2 million                |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Course Grains                     | US \$15.7 million                |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Rice                              | US \$7.1 million                 |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Soybeans                          | US \$18 million                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Pulses                            | US \$1.8 million                 |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Peanuts                           | US \$1.3 million                 |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Soybean Meal                      | US \$4.4 million                 |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Soybean Oil                       | US \$4 million                   |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Vegetable Oils                    | US \$4 million                   |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Animal Fats                       | US \$4.4 million                 |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Sugar, Sweetener, Bases           | US \$5.9 million                 |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Seafood Products                  | US \$6.4 million                 |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+

***Source: FAS' U.S. Trade Internet System using data from the***

***Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade
Statistics***

## 

## SECTION V. CONTACT INFORMATION

###### 

**For more information on the eastern Caribbean and for a list of
importers within the region, please contact:**

**Caribbean Basin Agricultural Trade Office**

**Foreign Agricultural Service**

**United States Department of Agriculture**

909 SE 1^st^ Ave., Suite 720

Miami, FL 33131

Phone: (305) 536-5300

Fax: (305) 536-7577

E-mail: <cbato@cbato.net>

Website: [http://www.cbato.fas.usda.gov](http://www.cbato.fas.usda.gov/)

Paul Hoffman, Director

E-mail: <paul@cbato.net>

Omar González, Deputy Director

E-mail: <omar@cbato.net>

Graciella Juelle, Marketing Assistant

E-mail: <grace@cbato.net>

Kay Logan, Marketing Assistant

E-mail: <kay@cbato.net>