Market Information
Latin America and Caribbean

Seafood and Fish Sector Profile - Barbados

May 2003

Canadian High Commission in Barbados
Bishop's Court Hill
Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Contact: Richard Franklin, Business Development Officer
Tel.: (246) 429-3550
Fax: (246) 437-8474
E-mail: richard.franklin@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/bb

MARKET OVERVIEW

Barbados is one of the most economically stable nations in the Caribbean. The small island is densely populated with 275,000 inhabitants. Barbados is highly developed and is known internationally for both tourism and a growing international finance sector. The seafood industry is largely dependant on the island's tourism. On average, Barbados hosts an estimated one million visitors annually. As Barbados is limited with both its natural resource base and its production infrastructure, the seafood market is unable to meet the growing demand for a diverse range of seafood and fish products and therefore relies on imported goods to fill demand.

Barbados is an original member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and participates actively in its work and continually evolves its trade policies to be inline with the changes resulting from the globalization of the world economy. Trade policy seeks to protect domestic food production but at the same time recognizes that most domestic needs are best met by food imports. The fastest import growth has originated in the United States, which supplies 40 percent of imports, followed by CARICOM⁽¹⁾ countries and the European Union (EU).

In 2001, total fish and seafood imported into Barbados equalled $23.5 million⁽²⁾. As of August 2002, Canadian fish and seafood exported to Barbados accounted for nearly $1.5 million. Although Canadian fish exports to Barbados grew by about 60 percent in 2002, Canada still remains a relatively small player in the market with the exception of its sardines, dried and salted fish products that dominate the market. If Canadian exporters price themselves competitively, there is tremendous scope for expansion in the market for tuna, shrimp, salmon, lobster and crab. The high cost of electrical refrigeration limits the opportunity for the frozen-fish market. Fish products of all types--fresh, salted, cured and smoked -- are all popular in Barbados. Fish fillets, as opposed to fish steaks, are also in high demand. To guarantee the quality of the fish and seafood, shipping is limited to air freight.⁽³⁾

The fishing industry in Barbados is seasonal. Hotel consumption is twice as high during the tourist season as it is in off-season. The peak season for the Barbados fishing industry is during the winter months and although demand is greater for these products at this time, sales of imported fish are still low. A better season for imported fish products is during July and August when there is less local fish available and demand jumps again for the annual CropOver Festival.

OPPORTUNITIES

While the local market is dependant on many basic products, the tourism industry has increased the demand for high-quality and diverse seafood products. The Barbadian market has a wide range of opportunities for Canadian exporters. Fish and seafood products in high demand are cod, herring, pollock, haddock, salmon, tuna, lobster, shrimp and crab. As supermarkets grow and become more like Canadian grocery stores and expand their frozen food inventory along with more non-traditional food items, demand for value-added fish products may increase, especially if the product is of high convenience to the consumer.

Canadian exporters can benefit from a deepening relationship between Canada and Barbados. Canada is well known and respected in the region. Canadian government agencies and private business have provided assistance and technology to develop many of the island's basic infrastructures. In addition, ongoing discussions of a possible free trade agreement between the CARICOM countries and Canada could present further opportunities for Canadian companies to enter the Barbadian market. There are many Canadian food companies who have established themselves in the marketplace. The positive brand image these products carry is transferrable to Canadian products as a whole. Both AirCanada and Amerijet ship offer frozen, chilled, fresh and non-frozen shipping direct to Barbados.

Tariff rates and certification requirements can hinder Canadian exporters' access to the Barbados market. As part of an economic restructuring program, the Government of Barbados implemented high tariffs on extra-regional imported goods. However, Barbados is currently changing their tariff structure to meet its 2004 WTO obligations. As a result, the import duties are being lowered on agri-food products. The current rates on fish and seafood range from 20 percent on Pacific Salmon, to 40 percent for mussels and 145 percent for Kingfish or Snapper. The Canadian High Commission in Barbados offers advice on how to obtain necessary documentation on relevant tariffs to Canadian exporters.

The use of an agent or distributor is highly recommended when conducting business in Barbados. Wholesalers are generally the key importers to the Barbadian market. The market place has a few large players that are vertically integrated from shipping, to wholesale, distribution and retail. There are also smaller wholesalers who compete against the larger companies for good brands.

Labelling requirements are similar to those in Canada. Strict guidelines are imposed regarding the ingredients and production dates on prepared products. Bilingual labelling is permitted but not necessary in Barbados. If the labels are bilingual English must be the most evident language. Imported fish may have to be accompanied by documents showing the specified information even if the product is not intended to go on retail shelves.

Canadian exporters are strongly advised to consult with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (http://www.inspection.gc.ca) regarding any certification requirement. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Tariff and Market Access Division (EAT) in Ottawa can advise you on product classification, customs duties, taxes and customs procedures for Barbados . Please contact EAT by fax (613) 992-6002. To speak directly with an information officer call (613) 944-5070 or (613) 944-1569. You can also send an email to eat@dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

KEY PARTICIPANTS

The Barbados fishing industry contributes approximately $26 million (1%) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). There are a total of 2200 fishermen and seven fish processing plants. Many of the fish stocks have become threatened. Fish and seafood available locally include (as a percentage of the total locally produced fish and seafood): Flying Fish (53%), Dolphin (23%), Tuna (7%),Billfish (5%), Snapper (1%), Swordfish (1%), Jacks (1%), Shark (1%), and Wahoo(1%)⁽⁴⁾. Shrimp is mainly imported from Guyana, as it has a very large shrimp industry and the advantage of being a CARICOM member. Lobster is supplied from Guyana and the United States.

The United States is the largest supplier of imported seafood products to Barbados. The United Kingdom also has a strong influence in the Barbadian market, as it was an English colony until 1966. Scottish salmon both fresh and smoked has a strong quality reputation among gourmet chefs and therefore dominates the market. Seafood, to a lesser degree, is also imported from Japan, Russia, Thailand, France, Norway and Italy.

Direct purchasing is also common from hotels and resorts. For example, certain hotels and restaurants employ world-class chefs and who will arrange direct transportation for fish products to ensure freshness and top-quality products.

PRIVATE- AND PUBLIC-SECTOR CUSTOMERS

Small specialty shops supply seafood products for local consumption but larger supermarket-style stores are readily available in larger business centres. Canadian firms wishing to export to Barbados should note that warehouse retailers and direct buying is a growing trend.

Fresh seafood products can be purchased through open fish markets, small specialty shops, larger supermarket-stores, and wholesalers. Over the last couple of years, food stores has grown to become more like Canadian style grocery stores carrying more inventory. The SuperCenter chain of supermarkets has modernized grocery shopping and has adopted the all in one mega store concept. Canadian firms wishing to export to Barbados should note that warehouse retailers and direct buying is a growing trend.

KEY CONTACTS

Canadian Contacts

Canadian High Commission in Barbados
Bishop's Court Hill
PO Box 404
Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Contact: Andrée Vary, Trade Commissioner
Tel.: (246) 429-3550
Fax: (246) 437-8474
E-mail: andree.vary@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/bb

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Central America and the Caribbean
Contact: James Huget, Senior International Market Development Officer
930 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0C5
Tel: (613) 759-7753
Fax: (613) 759-7506
E-mail: hugetj@agr.gc.ca

CIBC Caribbean Limited
CIBC Centre
PO Box 405
Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 367-2300
Fax: (246) 421-7178

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
125 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0G2
Internet: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Caribbean and Central America Division (LCR)
Contact: Renée Plouffe, Trade Commissioner
Tel.: (613) 943-8807
Fax: (613) 944-0760
E-mail: renée.plouffe@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

DFAIT (Continued)
Market Research Centre (MRC)
Contact: Elizabeth Cahill, International Market Analyst
Tel.: (613) 996-5562
Fax: (613) 943-1103
E-mail: elizabeth.cahill@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Market Support Division (TCM)
Contact: Richard Philippe, Trade Commissioner
Tel.: (613) 944-2462
Fax: (613) 943-8820
E-mail: richard.phillippe@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Regional Office, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean
Building #1, Chelston Park
Collymore Rock
PO Box 1386
Transit: 09405
St. Michael, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 431-6501
Fax: (246) 430-9160

Scotiabank
PO Box 202
Broad Street
Bridgetown, Barbados
Contact: Peter F. Van Schie, V.P. Barbados and Manager, Bridgetown Branch
Tel.: (246) 431-3100
Fax: (246) 228-8574
E-mail: peter.vanschie@scotiabank.com

Tropical Shipping
100-A 560 Main Street
Saint John, N.B.
Canada E2K 1J5
Contact: Jim Henderson
Tel: (866) 767-6576
Fax: (866) 876-7742

Barbadian Contacts

Barbadian High Commission in Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1204
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4
Tel.: (613) 236-9517/8
Fax: (613) 230-4362
E-mail: ottawa@foreign.gov.bb

Barbados Customs Brokers Association
The Cottage, Codrington Road
St Michael, Barbados
Contact: Mr. Percy Murrell, President
Tel: (246) 417-0096
Fax: (246) 438-0896
E-mail: bigp@sunbeach.net

Barbados Customs Department
Port Authority Building
Princess Alice Highway
Bridgetown, Barbados
Contact: Capt. Randolph Straughn, Comptroller
Tel. : (246) 430-2310
Fax : (246) 430-2370

Barbados Investment and Development Corporation
105 Adelaide St. W, 10th Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 1P9
Tel.: (416) 214-9919
Fax: (416) 214-9815
E-mail: bidc@bidc.com

Continental Foods
Graz Industrial Park
St. Michael, Barbados
Contact: Harvey Juman, General Manager
Tel: (246) 425-1800
Fax: (246) 424-3023
Email: Confoods@sunbeach.net

Hotel Food Supplies
Warrens Industrial Park
St Michael, Barbados
Contact: Tony Pickering, Managing Director
Tel: (246) 424-7489
Fax: (246) 438-1298

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown
Contact: Mr. Carston Simmons, Permanent Secretary
Tel: (246) 428-4150
Fax: (246) 420-8444
Email: fishbarbados@caribsurf.com

Nature Foods Inc.
42-8 Waterhall Terrace
St James, Barbados
Contact: Ms. Dora Song
Tel: (246) 432-9529
Fax: (246) 432-9099

SBI Distribution Inc
Spring Garden Highway
P.O Box 1345 Bridgetown, Barbados
Contact: Charles Thorton, General Manager
Tel: (246)424-9950
Fax: (246)424-9954

Tropical Shipping
Goddards Shipping & Tours Ltd.
Goddards Complex
Fontabelle Road, St. Michael
Barbados
Contact: Harry Roberts
Tel : (246) 426-9990
Fax : (246) 426-7750
E-mail: hroberts@tropical.com

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Canada. Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. "Agri-Food Sector Profile-Barbados," . Downloaded from http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=5529 on November 20, 2002.

Economist Intelligence Unit. EIU Country Profile-Barbados 2001.

United States. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Global Agriculture Information Network. Barbados Food and Agriculture Import Regulations and Standards Country Report 2002.

United States. Stat-USA-National Trade Data Bank. "Barbados Country Commercial Guide 2003." Downloaded from http://www.stat-usa.gov on November 13, 2002.

USEFUL INTERNET SITES

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Export Development Corporation (EDC):
http://www.edc.ca

Government of Canada:
http://canada.gc.ca

Industry Canada (Strategis):
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca

InfoExport:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

^1. CARICOM comprises 15 member countries in the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Baham, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.

^2. All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The conversion rate to Canadian dollars is based on Oanda.com, November 2002.

^3. AirCanada offers direct service between Toronto and Barbados. Seafood products that are shipped by sea can now have direct service between St. John, New Brunswick and Barbados via Tropical Shipping.

^4. Statistics from the Government of Barbados, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.