Caribbean Flavours and Fragrances Secures Export Leads at TIC 2025, Eyes Expansion Across CARICOM and Latin America

Caribbean Flavours and Fragrances Limited (CFF) is preparing to expand its regional export footprint following a successful showing at the 2025 Trade and Investment Convention (TIC), held July 23–27 in Trinidad and Tobago. The company, which manufactures a wide range of flavours and fragrances for the food, beverage, household, and personal care sectors, reported strong buyer interest and is now in active follow-up discussions with several prospective partners.

“We were able to make connections with potential buyers, distributors, and retailers from various CARICOM states including Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and Barbados,” said Janique McKenzie, Sales Manager at CFF. “There was also very strong interest from Latin America, especially Central American countries. We’re currently having follow-up conversations, and we are optimistic that these discussions will translate into concrete export sales in the months ahead.”

This marks the third time CFF has participated in TIC, the Caribbean’s largest annual business-to-business trade show hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA). Known for attracting a diverse slate of local, regional, and international buyers, the five-day event serves as a strategic platform for firms looking to enter new markets, forge distribution agreements, and showcase product innovation.

McKenzie said that the company’s goal in participating this year was to broaden its market presence within CARICOM and to reduce reliance on the domestic Jamaican market by leveraging regional trade agreements. “We want to increase export sales and capitalize on the preferential trade arrangements available within CARICOM. This is a strategic part of CFF’s larger growth plan to become a more influential player in the regional flavours and fragrances market,” she explained.

CFF’s booth featured a diverse product portfolio. A strong focus was placed on its food ingredient line, including PANODAN 205, DIMODAN HS 150, and POWERBAKE 4936, which were showcased in baking applications. Visitors also interacted with the company’s protein solutions TrupoTex and SuproTex for meat based products, and Supro Nuggets and Trupro Nuggets suited for bars and granola formulation. The company featured a selection of flavourings for beverages such as orange, pineapple, ginger beer, fruit punch, lemon lime, pineapple, and kola champagne. In addition to flavour innovations, CFF also featured a variety of essences designed for household and personal care products.

“Because of our diverse product range, we didn’t only connect with food and beverage manufacturers, but also businesses in the cosmetic and household product sectors,” McKenzie noted. “With this level of interest, we are now in the process of developing customized proposals tailored to the specific needs of each client.”

Reflecting on the experience, McKenzie remarked, “TIC 2025 has been one of the most rewarding trade shows we’ve participated in outside of Jamaica. The level of engagement, quality of buyers, and diversity of markets represented truly surpassed our expectations.” She affirmed the company’s intention to return next year, noting that “the opportunities to connect with serious buyers and strengthen our presence in regional markets make this event an essential part of our export development strategy.”


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Mr. Sydney Thwaites

President

Mr. Thwaites has over 28 years of experience in financial services, petrochemicals, and consulting, with a global reach spanning the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He co-founded Lubricating Specialties Company Jamaica in 2015, revitalizing the local lubricant manufacturing industry. With a solid track record of organizational leadership, Mr. Thwaites has developed and negotiated long-term partnerships with major global companies, closed various debt and equity financing deals, and delivered consistent growth and returns. Known for his dynamic

leadership, trustworthy and ethical approach, and keen market understanding, he has served as CEO of LSC USA and held advisory roles with the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Petroleum Quality Institute of America.

Licenses, Permits, and Certificates: A Quick Guide

Apply for the necessary licenses, permits, and certifications at the following Agencies:

  • Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Division: Contact for exportation of agricultural produce. A certified packaging facility is required. Specifications and guidelines can be obtained from PQPI.
  • Veterinary Services Division: Contact for export permits/licenses related to the following:
    • Apicultural products
    • Bee products
    • Animals and animal by-products
  • Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Agency (JACRA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Coffee
    • Coconut
    • Cocoa
    • Spices (including Pimento, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Turmeric).
  • Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Cannabis
    • Hemp
  • Mines and Geology Division: Contact for exporting the following minerals:
    • Bauxite
    • Limestone
    • Aggregates
    • Gravel
    • Alumina
    • Cement
    • Rock
    • Stone
    • Soil
  • National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap products (metals, batteries, etc.)
    • Hazardous materials
    • Endangered species.
  • Trade Board Limited: Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap metal (including scrap batteries and scrap gold)
    • Coffee
    • Ammunition (explosives and firearms)
    • Plasma
    • Wood (Lignum Vitae and log wood only)
    • Jewellery (excluding those from earth metals)
    • Brown Sugar
  • Ministry of Health and Wellness: Contact for exporting pharmaceutical products.

Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ): Consult with the BSJ for guidance on processed food prior to exporting. This includes information on standards, labelling and market requirements.