The Caribbean food and drink category is the fastest growing sector of the UK’s ethnic food market, currently worth £93 million (source: IRI 52 w/e January 26 2008) and poised for significant growth this year.

Many factors are contributing to this, including demand for new and exciting taste experiences, innovative new product developments and record levels of media and consumer interest in all things Caribbean!

Market-leading Grace Foods UK has strengthened its position following last year’s acquisition of Enco Foods Limited (plus sister companies Funnybones Foodservice and Chadha Oriental Foods).

Grace Foods UK is the driving force in the UK Caribbean food and drink category, with approximately 37 per share of the market, more than double its nearest competitor (source: IRI 52 w/e January 26 2008).

“Brands with authentic Caribbean links and heritage have a key role to play in accelerating market growth and attracting new consumers to the Caribbean fixture,” says Enco Foods Commercial Director George Phillips.

“A strong branded presence not only re-enforces links with the Caribbean, it also reassures the growing number of shoppers looking to capture the true essence of the Caribbean in their cooking.

“We’re working closely with convenience stores to make Caribbean products more accessible and to ensure that the products we bring to market help people to experience unique Caribbean flavours. There is still an element of the unknown about Caribbean dishes and part of our job is to work with retailers to educate consumers on how quick and easy it is to make great-tasting snacks and meals with Caribbean food.

“That’s why we’re investing heavily in our category-leading brands Encona sauces and Nurishment, the nutritionally-enriched milk drink, to ensure that the Caribbean market continues to emerge from its core ethnic base into the mainstream market. It’s an exciting time for everyone associated with the Caribbean category.”