Lauded as one of the occasions to look out for in the UK, Jus’ Caribbean Festival is an outdoor event essentially selling the Caribbean to Europe. In keeping with Caribbean tradition and vibrant culture, the festival featured exciting Caribbean food, drink, music, and dance. The injection of Quadrille dancing, drumming, poetry, singing, storytelling, comedy certainly added to the already infectious atmosphere of the festival. This much anticipated Festival hosted by CaribDirect Multi-Media and sponsored by Grace Foods UK was held from August 19 – 20, 2017 at the Lambeth College, South London.
The event benefits small to medium sized Caribbean businesses wanting to access the UK market. Participants included food & beverage buyers & distributors; Caribbean exporters; catering & hospitality students; Caribbean High Commissioners; British Overseas Territory representatives; Caribbean Tourist Boards / Authorities and UK Trade & Investment representatives.
With many patrons from the Diaspora, a vast British/European audience and potential buyers expected, the Saint Lucia Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) participated with the intention of exploring opportunities for promotion and lead generation for Saint Lucian exporters.
Some of the Saint Lucian brands and products represented were Fudgies, Natmed Ltd, Cocoa Caribe, Rain Forest Foods Ltd., Christy Creations, Anjay’s Cocoa Sticks, The Antillia Brewing Company, Naturales, Enchanted Kettle and Jackman’s Coconut Oil.
Miss Andrena Simon form TEPA said “We had a number of activities in the Saint Lucian space deliberately going for the sensory appeal factor in our showcase. There was sampling of some of our products such as fudges; chocolates and granola products.
The products were well received by the visiting patrons and received some glowing reviews. See below:
“The rum and raisin fudge is mind blowing!”
“Delicious fudge and great tasting sweet potato granola”
“Breadfruit granola wonderfully tasty, but sweet potato was the best!”
“I appreciate the natural ingredients. It is a challenge to find cereal that is natural with no artificial ingredients.”
“Amazing unseen products, love the sweet potato granola. Very unique!”
“Refreshing dried apricot wow, mouth washing banana fudge, hmm!!
Simon further elaborated that participation in such festivals presents a platform for launching new products and promoting products already in the market.