Caribbean foods and specialty products were a hit in Washington last weekend as the Caribbean Export Development Agency took a Taste Of The Caribbean to the United States capital.
Diplomats, lobbyists, congressional employees and members of the diaspora all came together at the Hall Of The Americas, at the OAS headquarters, where they enjoyed a wonderful evening that also featured Caribbean music.
The event, which attracted a full-house, was the first of its kind organised by Caribbean Export, and Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said it will be an annual one with the major objective of further exposing Caribbean products and promoting the creative industries of the region.
Taste Of The Caribbean, which also featured on the spot preparations by top Jamaican chef Jacqui Tyson, ran parallel to participation by around 40 Caribbean companies and agencies at the 2011 Summer Fancy Food show in Washington.
“ Specialty Foods are an important segment of the processed foods sub-sector in CARIFORUM and for the past eighteen years , Caribbean Export has coordinated the Caribbean Pavilion at the NASFT Summer Fancy Food show, where a range of regional food manufacturers have had the opportunity to introduce their products to the US market. This has also enabled them to establish networking relations with brokers, retailers and buyers and identify trends in the specialty food business,” said Coke-Hamilton.
The Executive Director further said that a significant outcome of this trade promotion and support, was that several Caribbean products were now available in specialty food stores and supermarkets across North America, but there was room for much more.
Grenada’s Ambassador to Washington, Gillian Bristol, and Deputy Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, Albert Ramdin, were also among those who addressed the gathering and described the Taste Of The Caribbean initiative as one that would not only bring pleasure to the palate but also economic benefits to households in the CARIFORUM community.
Added Ramdin: “This event is not just about sampling tasty Caribbean food, but is also about showcasing creative industries which are contributors to economic development, investment and economic diversification”.
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