The Caribbean Export Development Agency has found that there has been a growing trend for Caribbean food in the UK, over the past few years.

In the new report commissioned ahead of their Absolutely Caribbean virtual expo on 17 and 18 November, they have identified Caribbean sauces and condiments, and natural, plant-based ingredients as having significant potential across Europe.

Dr. Damie Sinanan, Manager of Competitiveness and Export Promotion from Caribbean Export, said, “We are seeing great potential for Caribbean food products across Europe at the moment.

'It seems that consumers are looking for different flavours and experimenting more with spices and there is much promise amongst natural foods such a chocolate, teas and gluten-free flours.

'We are really excited about the range of quality, artisanal producers that we have at our expo this year which will help to support trade between the Caribbean and Europe.'

In the UK, the Caribbean market is now worth almost £100m. Foodservice wholesale giant Bidfood singled out Caribbean food as a top 10 cuisine trend and last year retailer Tesco highlighted Caribbean fare as an ‘emerging trend’. Sauces and condiments in particular are worth £1.12bn and grew by 16.8% in the last year.

Craig & Shaun McAnuff, Original Flava, said, “We’ve seen a huge rise in the popularity of Caribbean foods in the UK in recent years which is really exciting.

'The likes of Ainsley Harriott and Levi roots paving the way for Caribbean food, seeing staple Caribbean ingredients more widely available but also seeing our cookbook as a best seller on numerous charts and receiving TV & media recognition nationally.

'There is such a variety and so many flavours in Caribbean cooking. which the British public are loving.'

Europe’s love for natural plant-based ingredients combined with the region’s efforts to promote sustainability is also fuelling the demand for natural products such a chocolate, tea and gluten free flour.

In the UK, chocolate is a £4.3bn category and according to Kantar, plain and dark chocolate is growing by 14.5% year-on-year.

The Tea category in the UK is worth £561.3m which is little surprising given the nation’s love of tea.

In terms of gluten-free flours, the category grew by 19,9% in 2019 compared to the year before in the UK.

(source: Caribbean Export)