Navigating the complexities of intra-regional trade within CARICOM has long been a challenge for food producers striving to break into regional markets. The intricate web of market entry requirements often leaves potential exporters at a loss, hindering their ability to tap into these lucrative opportunities.
Fortunately, on August 26, 2021, a ray of hope emerged in the form of a capacity-building webinar titled "Food Packaging and Labelling Regulations for CARICOM Markets," hosted by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Spearheaded by Sharon Peart-Rose, a Senior Food Technologist at the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), this initiative sought to demystify the intricate world of packaging and labelling regulations for aspiring food producers across the region.
Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways and insights shared during this enlightening webinar:
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National vs. Regional Focus:
While the webinar aimed to assist food producers across CARICOM, the project is being directly implemented in six countries: Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Each of these nations will receive tailored capacity-building activities to address specific deficiencies, while regional sessions will cater to generic challenges faced by producers at large. -
Comprehensive Support:
In addition to shedding light on packaging and labelling requirements, the project extends support for product testing, e-commerce facilitation, and the establishment of crucial networks. The culmination of these efforts will see producers connected with potential buyers through a virtual trade forum scheduled from the 10th to the 12th of November, 2021. -
Packaging and Labelling Legalities:
Sharon Peart-Rose emphasized the importance of adhering to national legislation when it comes to packaging and labelling. While a regional standard is yet to be established, each country boasts its own guidelines. She underscored that misleading packaging practices are punishable offenses in most major markets and highlighted the blanket ban on Styrofoam packaging in key countries like Barbados, Dominica, and Grenada, among others. - Embracing Change:
Participants, including Bianna Edwards and Asraf Narine, lauded the initiative for its wealth of information and timely relevance. The practical insights shared during the webinar were deemed invaluable, especially for small-scale exporters looking to navigate the complex web of regional trade requirements.
As the webinar drew to a close, Allister Glean, Technical Specialist at IICA, reiterated the organization’s commitment to ongoing support and collaboration with partners like CARIRI. The road ahead promises additional sessions covering distribution, transportation logistics, pricing strategies, and market identification, all aimed at bolstering regional businesses in the post-pandemic landscape.
In a climate of uncertainty, collaboration and knowledge-sharing emerge as the cornerstones of resilience. By leveraging the resources and expertise available through initiatives like the IICA webinar, producers stand poised to seize the abundant opportunities that await within regional markets. For those seeking further guidance, national IICA Delegations and local industry associations remain valuable touchpoints for continued support and insight.
