Retailers can boost profits by stocking Caribbean food and drink products to meet the demand for exotic flavours.
Enco Products Ltd., a subsidiary of Grace Foods UK, the UK’s leading supplier of Caribbean food and drink, advises retailers to take advantage of the growing demand for exciting new flavours.
Enco Products, which accounts for almost one third of all Caribbean food and drink sold in the UK*, boasts a broad portfolio of market-leading brands including spicy sauces range Encona, nutritionally enriched milk drink Nurishment and the Dunn’s River and Grace branded food and drink ranges.
“We’re perfectly placed to meet the needs of consumers looking for authentic Caribbean flavours and taste experiences,” says Head of Marketing Nyree Chambers.
“We’re also very proud of our expertise and heritage in the category and of our range of long-trusted brands.
“These are exciting times for Caribbean food and drink. Category loyalists are buying more than ever before as they become more adventurous with their cooking, while new consumers are expanding their taste horizons across a growing range of food and drink products.”
This year Enco Products Ltd has fueled excitement for the category with the largest NPD programme the £72 million* Caribbean food and drink category has ever seen.
Amongst the new products launched are two new variants of refreshing Grace Aloe, which is now available in Strawberry and Mango.
“Grace Aloe, a refreshing drink full of the natural benefits of the aloe vera plant, meets the growing demand for functional beverages,” says Chambers. “The aloe vera plant is known for its health properties, which are thought to encourage healthy digestion and help to support the immune system. Grace Aloe, which contains vitamin C as well as tasting deliciously refreshing, has real appeal for consumers.”
The sustained NPD drive has also seen the launch of watermelon and banana flavour Grace Tropical Rhythms Sprinter. The 475ml variant of the popular Caribbean soft drinks brand features Jamaican Olympic 100m Champion and Grace Foods ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on pack.
In line with the growing demand for authentic Caribbean products, Enco Products also launched a four-strong range of Grace-branded Scotch Bonnet Hot Pepper Sauces and a range of three Dunn’s River branded spice mixes and coatings.
Using peppers grown in the foothills of Jamaica, the authentic 142ml Grace scotch bonnet sauces, imported from Jamaica, include two made with yellow and green scotch bonnets, plus Caribbean Curry and Sweet ‘n’ Spicy variants. The 300g Dunn’s River spice mixes and coatings can be used to make southern-style chicken and also with a range of other meats, fish and vegetables, highlighting the versatility of the Dunn’s River range.
Chambers says: “The NPD launched this year underlines our commitment to providing retailers with products that will continue to grow the category and enable consumers to enjoy the true taste of the Caribbean.”
Such is the consumer interest in Caribbean food and drink that in 2012 Grace Foods launched the UK’s first ever Caribbean Food Week. The celebration of Caribbean food and drink was repeated in August 2013 and featured nationwide sampling, a dedicated advertising campaign and social media activity to boost demand for Caribbean cuisine.
Chambers adds: “The message to retailers is clear: if you are looking to benefit from the growing demand for authentic flavours, you should stock up on our market-leading product ranges.”
* IRI Afro-Caribbean Food and Drink Category, MAT 52 w/e 14th September 2013.
Grace Foods UK
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