Food Export Connects Caribbean Buyer With U.S. Plant-Based Suppliers During the 2023 Buyers Mission

During the 2023 Plant-Based Food Buyers Mission, Food Export–Midwest & Northeast successfully facilitated a business connection between Continental Foods Inc. of Barbados and two U.S. plant-based suppliers. Through the mission’s curated one-on-one meetings, the buyer had the opportunity to evaluate several innovative plant-based products, including vegan mozzarella sticks, jalapeño bites, and shredded and loaf-style mozzarella alternatives.

Following the event, Continental Foods proceeded to purchase selected products from the participating U.S. suppliers. The positive experience has encouraged the company to continue exploring additional plant-based offerings from the U.S. market. They also expressed future interest in engaging with one of the suppliers, Phoenix Bean, later in the year to assess new items that may complement their product line.

This success story demonstrates how Food Export’s Buyers Missions create meaningful commercial opportunities by connecting international buyers with high-quality U.S. suppliers, supporting export growth while helping Caribbean companies diversify their product portfolios with reliable, innovative solutions.