An explosion in the demand for Caribbean food in the year Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence has led to Grace Foods UK unveiling plans for the UK’s first ever ‘Caribbean Food Week’ in August this year.
“What a year to celebrate all that is great about Caribbean food and drink!” says Ryan Mack, Managing Director of Grace Foods UK, the UK’s leading supplier of Caribbean food and drink which is celebrating its own anniversary this year: 90 years since the foundation of its parent company, GraceKennedy, in Kingston, Jamaica.
“Millions of people are already eating and drinking Caribbean products regularly, but we want to really bring home and encourage people to sample the wonderful and diverse flavours and tastes of food and drink from the region.
“With Caribbean athletes hotly tipped for success in London this summer, 2012 is a landmark year for all things Caribbean. As a UK first, Caribbean Food Week will generate lots of consumer interest and this is a major opportunity for retailers.”
Sales of Caribbean food and drink in the UK are now worth £77 million and growing in volume at more than 20 per cent annually, making it the fastest-growing sector of the UK’s booming ethnic food market (source: IRI UK Caribbean Food and Drink Category, Retail Sales MAT 52 w/e April 14 2012).
A wide range of POS will be available, enabling retailers to maximise awareness and interest in-store.
In addition to a Caribbean Food Week logo, plans to celebrate the week include media partnerships with leading UK food titles, extensive social media activity, consumer competitions and in-store sampling.
Caribbean Food Week was held during w/c August 20, the week leading up to Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street festival.
“We’re confident that Caribbean Food Week will become an annual event and one that drives shoppers to stores looking for flavours and taste experiences that only Caribbean food can provide,” adds Ryan Mack.
Grace Foods UK Limited
Tel: 01707 322332
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