The Way forward for the Caribbean Food Industry.

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Summary of  Findings from focus groups held with Business Link for London, Caribbean Food Emporium, and various Business Proprietors.   

 January 2003.

Ten Point Plan

1)            There should be  a general Marketing and Publicity campaign

Mass Marketing and Publicity is needed, to inform the  general public about Caribbean Cuisine.   Group Advertising should be encouraged, and enabled, with the pooling of  resources for advertising via radio stations, TV, newspapers, magazines and websites.

2)         Carry out essential Market Research

Questionnaires can be used to fully research information about people’s perception about Caribbean Food.   It is possible the Caribbean Food is still largely unknown to the Mainstream.  

 3) Encourage education about Caribbean Food and Drink

Education is required for children and adults within schools and colleges.

.4)  Ensure readiness of businesses for increased trade

The restaurants,  Take Aways,  Manufacturers and  Suppliers need to be ready for additional business when this happens.    If they are not ready,  it could set the cause back a number of years.

Ready in terms of:

§         increased productivity,

§         increased speed of service,

§         improved customer service, 

§         advanced procedures.

5)            An Association or network should be formed.

Within the Caribbean Food Industry, there is a need to share information, and speak as one voice.   It is felt that working together would make the industry stronger.   Networking  and assisting others,  even if they  might be competitors, helps the Caribbean Food Industry, which in turn helps the individual businesses.

6)    Training is required

                         i.      Training for staff in customer service skills.

                        ii.      Training for Caribbean Chefs/Cooks

                       iii.      Training for existing Owners/Managers

          iv.      Training for aspiring entrepreneurs

7) There should be Clear information about Funding opportunities

Funding opportunities are often hidden.   Information should be clearly available with  criteria for applying, and support in applying.

8) There should be Knowledgeable Advisors or Consultants  from Government Agencies

It would be useful to have advisers from support agencies who were familiar with the businesses being discussed.

9)     Encourage the use of restaurants as a venue

Encourage businesses and organisations  to have their Business Breakfasts, Small Meetings, Courses, Christmas functions at Caribbean Restaurants.

10)   Advice and  encouragement is required regarding expansion

Existing entrepreneurs  should be encouraged to widen their horizons and expand.

D. Grant

February 2003

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