Food & beverage market

visit to Jamaica
As one of the largest buyers of goods and
services in the English-speaking Caribbean,
Jamaicas food and beverage market
represents good business opportunities
for suppliers, particularly as the islands
tropical climate and diversified topography
incentivize the production of crops that
are largely different than those grown in
the United Kingdom and Europe. In 2014,
the total value of food imports to Jamaica
was US$841 million, with the majority of
Jamaicas total food imports directed to
the hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI)
sector. The remaining imports are channeled
to consumers via retail outlets such as
supermarkets, convenience stores, and
small mom-and-pop shops.
Given its relatively small land area and high
average income, Trinidad and Tobago is
a high consumer of food imports. For the
period January September 2015, food
imports into Trinidad and Tobago were
valued at 40m. The retail landscape is
diverse with entry channels including
conventional supermarkets, super/
membership stores, wholesale distributors,
pharmacies and hotel/restaurant supply.
The Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
markets are prime for British Food and
Beverage products. Barbados, Dominica,
Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and St. Vincent
are mass importing countries with over 3.0
billion in products imported into these islands
in 2015. The retail landscape in each island
is dominated by a few large food distributors
that distribute to local hotels, restaurants
and supermarkets. These distributors look
for food and beverage products of high
quality that are sold at an affordable price.
Although a sovereign state on the northern
mainland of South America, Guyana is
included in the Caribbean region due to its
strong cultural, historical, and political ties
with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The UK provides 2.7% of total exports or US
$40 million to Guyana, with main food and
beverage imports including milk and cream,
cereals, cheese, alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages to name a few.
Event programme
13th 16th March 2017

Monday 13th March

Arrive in Kingston Jamaica. Official Welcome by
High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency
Mr. David Fitton. Welcome cocktails and event
briefing at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Tuesday 14th March

Regulatory briefings from officials in the Ministry
of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries,
Bureau of Standards and Customs (Jamaica,
Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Guyana)
Presentations by the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist
Association, Jamaica Manufacturers Association
and JAMPRO,
Presentations by DIT Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago,
Guyana and Jamaica, followed by 1-2-1 meetings in
the afternoon period.

Wednesday 15th March

One-on-one meetings with distributors, retailers and
hoteliers, tour of local food manufacturing facility.

Thursday 16th March

Exhibition setup at the Jamaica Pegasus and
Official opening of the Food & Beverage Event
open to invited buyers only. Networking reception
at the British High Commissioners Residence
attended by Government officials, Distributors,
Retailers and Hotelier with culinary presentations
by British TV Chef Alan Coxon.

Friday 17th March

Delegates depart on the 7:30pm flight back to the UK.
Who should attend:
Established Medium-sized Businesses (MSBs) and
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the
food & beverage sector.

Administration fee: 150.00

Additional costs for accommodation and in-market
activities to be covered by the companies.

Benefits
Support from your International Trade Adviser and
DIT staff at Post before, during and after your visit
In-market industry briefings, networking events and
table-top exhibitions
Opportunity to profile your expertise, products
and/or services to key buyers, distributors, ministries
and agencies
Flexibility to vary your own agenda to pursue your
business interests
Company details published in our Market Visit Brochure

Travel & accommodation

Local DIT team can supply information on travel
bookings and discounted hotel rates.

Please speak with your in-country DIT

Representative for more information:

Jamaica
Racquel Peters, Head, DIT Jamaica
Tel: +1 876 936 0717
Email: racquel.peters@fco. gov.uk

Kellee King-Campbell, Trade Officer DIT Jamaica

Tel: +1 876 936 0719
Email: kellee.king-campbell@fco.gov.uk

Renee Cowan, DIT Intern

Tel: + 1 876 936 0719
Email: renee.cowandit@gmail.com