Diasporic Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean - Firm Profiles.pdf Vol 2 | Page 19

Agro-processing Firms

Baron Foods has developed strong linkages
with farmers in St. Lucia - its major location,
where its output is produced. Currently, 40
Farmers are contracted by Baron Foods to
supply commodity inputs including peppers,
thyme, celery, passion fruit, guava, tamarind;
some 10,000 lbs peppers per week are supplied
by local farmers. Many of these farmers are
assisted by the company via advances of
fertilizer. The local farmers also assisted via
transportation of products from the farm to
the Baron Foods Plant plant.
Baron Foods provides private labeling (30–35
products) supplied across the region, providing
product with guaranteed quality; products
marketed use the Baron Foods label.
Key Competitors:
Caribbean-based enterprises such as Grace
Kennedy in Jamaica and Matouks in Trinidad.
Policy Recommendations:
1. Regional governments should develop more
dialogue with private sector.
2. Need for creation of enabling environment
for Diaspora entrepreneurs.
3. Regional ocean transportation (availability
and costs) of products to be critically
reviewed and upgraded.
4. Review of incentives (including tax
incentives and duty free imports).
5. Policy decisions must be implemented on
timely basis.
6. Need for detailed reviews of Non-Tariff
Barriers (NTBs) in CARICOM.
7. Examination/adaptation of USA model
related to ease of entry into USA markets.

8. Supports use of Trade Fairs to promote
Diaspora entrepreneurs’ products; need to
utilize EU funding for such entrepreneurial
ventures.
9. Supports development/use of Diaspora
Investment Fund; must be fully enforceable
and results oriented.
10. Supports one-stop shop facility for Diaspora
entrepreneurs – suggests common regional
approach to local and foreign investors.
11. Recommends regional business
networking, which must be productive/
beneficial to entrepreneurs.
12. Supports implementation of Diaspora
Bonds.
13. Stresses need for more dynamic
government role, which involves ongoing
dialogue with private sector; need for
greater private sector partnership with
government in policy decision-making and
policy implementation.

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