COUNTRY PROFILE
Discover more about the Caribbean market. Events, resources, and more are linked throughout the profile.
$2 billion
U.S. exports of processed foods to the Caribbean Basin in 2024
44.5 million
total population of the Caribbean
49%
of consumer-oriented agricultural product imports to the region are supplied by the U.S.
The Caribbean is a large and highly fragmented region of the Americas. It is a mix of independent states, overseas departments or dependencies of European countries, and islands that are part of a European kingdom. The region has 44.5 million inhabitants as of 2025. The population is incredibly diverse and is made up of descendants from native tribes that inhabited the region and people of African, European, Indian, and Middle Eastern descent, among others.
The Foreign Agricultural Service Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Miami hereinafter referred to as “FAS Post Miami” reports that the Caribbean region imported just over US$1.8 billion in processed food products in 2023, which is a decrease of 4% from the prior year. In 2024 exports of processed foods to the region grew 7% to US$2 billion, a new record high for the region and the first-time exports have crossed the US$2 billion level. h of 32.4% to 2028, or another US$3.1 billion during the period for a total of US$12.8 billion from 2024.
Top U.S. processed foods exported to the Caribbean in 2024 included:
The Caribbean is an excellent market for U.S. suppliers. Proximity, close commercial ties with the U.S., a large influx of tourists, and a relatively trade-friendly regulatory environment all contribute to the attractiveness of this market. Practically all foods must be imported, as domestic production is quite limited. Total imports of consumer-oriented agricultural products totaled US$3 billion in 2023, with the U.S. capturing 49% of the market. In 2024, the United States was set to maintain its position as the top supplier of consumer-oriented agricultural products to the region, capturing approximately the same 49% share of the import market.
$10.2 Billion
total retail sales in the packaged food market in the Caribbean in 2024
82%
of food and beverages imported are channeled through the retail sector
$13.5 Billion
estimated retail sales in the packaged food market by 2029
Euromonitor has indicated that the market size of the packaged food retail business in The Caribbean was US$10.2 billion in 2024. They also forecast growth of 30.3% to 2029, or another US$3.3 billion during the period for a total of US$14.2 billion from 2025.
Approximately 82% of imported foods and beverages are channeled through the retail sector. This sector includes traditional grocery stores to more modern, upscale supermarkets. Most of the products stocked on the shelves of Caribbean retail stores are imported. The retail food sector is heterogeneous and dynamic and is composed of modern grocery outlets (hypermarkets, supermarkets, forecourt retailers, discounters, and gas marts) and small, traditional grocery operations.
Best product prospects include baby food, ready meals, breakfast cereal, pet food, edible oils, sweet spreads, sauces, dips and condiments and sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks.
$2.2 Billion
U.S. exports to the Caribbean for foodservice in 2023
9 million
total visitors in 2023
50%
of tourists to the Caribbean in 2023 were American
The Caribbean Basin region has a robust and competitive hotel/restaurant/institutional (HRI) sector. Tourism is a major economic driver, accounting for nearly 9 million visitors in 2023. Some of the best prospects for exports include poultry meat (e.g., eggs), bakery goods, beef products, non-alcoholic (e.g., juices), and food preparations.
Tourism is a key factor in generating demand for U.S. products in the foodservice sector. Sales reached US$2.2 billion in 2023, an increase of 14% from the previous year.
Given very limited agricultural activity, food-processing is minimal in most countries; except in Trinidad and Tobago, where intermediate and bulk products account for 46% and 34% of the region’s total imports, respectively. The food-processing sector was estimated with total production at just US$168 million in 2023.
