Baron Foods and TEPA – SUCCESS in CUBA
Over the past two years TEPA has been working arduously to introduce Saint Lucian products in a systematic and structured manner into Cuba. This entailed participation in the Feria Internacional de La Habana, 32nd Havana International Fair (FIHAV), a multi-sectorial fair where the sectors on display consisted of consumer goods; machinery, equipment, technology; raw materials and services and brought together Cuban and foreign entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries.
TEPA representatives along with the Ministry of Commerce also participated in a number of consultations with key stakeholders to access marketing information and identify opportunities for business and trade with Cuba. Working closely with Dr. Charles Isaac, Saint Lucia Ambassador in Cuba and Snr Jorge Soberon, Cuban Ambassador in Saint Lucia TEPA has successfully introduced a range of Saint Lucian manufactured products to the Cuban retailers.
In July 2015, TEPA accompanied a contingent of business houses to a Cuba-Caribbean Business Forum in Santiago de Cuba, where these businesses engaged in Business to Business meetings to encourage trade opportunities between the two nations. Hon. Emma Hippolyte, The Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs accompanied the group. The Governments of Cuba and Saint Lucia also took this opportunity to sign an MOU to cement the on-going relationship between the TEPA and CEPEC to expand trade between the two countries.
TEPA is proud to report very early success in the Cuban Market. One of our nation’s most prolific and successful exporters Baron Foods has not just made inroads into the market but has secured a substantial order by a retailer in Cuba. TEPA CEO, Jacqueline Emmanuel-Flood said that she is ecstatic about this new venture and noted that the Cuban market is one that is coveted by countries the world over especially because it is spanking new. She said that “This is quite an accomplishment not just for TEPA and Baron Foods but for the country on a whole”.
