Barbadians are demanding more from local manufacturers and entrepreneurs and they are not being disappointed. The food and beverage sector is one group that is continuing to find creative and innovative ways of meeting the demands of a very discriminating set of consumers; and as a result, many family recipes have become commercial products. Recipes that have been enjoyed by friends and family for many years are now being tweaked, commercialised, patented and finding their way to supermarkets and tables across the island.

Pat McClean of Caribbean Passions is one such entrepreneur who is helping to kick-up flavour on many Barbadian tables. Caribbean Passions offers a wide range of sauces and marinades, whatever your choice of meat or fish. According to Ms. McClean, “Caribbean Sauces and Marinades were specially created to assist in the quick preparation of healthy, tasty home-cooked meals. For many years family and friends have enjoyed the zest of our special seasoning mix which we all boast about. It is now time to share that family recipe with other Barbadians and those further afield. The line currently includes Chicken Marinade, Spicy Gherra Pork Marinade, Beef 'N' Lamb Stew Marinade, Turmeric Cooking Sauce and Fish Marinade. These sauces and marinades are not only being sought after for the flavour and excitement they bring to meat and fi sh but also for the health benefi ts that many of the ingredients such as tamarind, ginger, turmeric and pawpaw have to offer.” These products are tasty, healthy, convenient and full of Caribbean Passion.

Another entrepreneur who has brought a family recipe to the public is Michael Garner. Michael’s Flying Fish Paté started alternative and is now off ered across the Super Centre chain of supermarkets. Mr. Garner has taken our local flying fish, mixed it with his own special ingredients and is producing a first class product currently being sought after by locals and tourists alike. This is one entrepreneur who is demonstrating that although our resources might be limited in Barbados, what is most important is how we make use of what we have. Whether used on toast as a quick protein breakfast item; in a sandwich for lunch; a snack which helps stabilize blood sugar; as an appetizer before a main course or as a party hors d’oeuvre, Michael’s Flying fish Paté is a big hit. Mr. Garner stated, “My goal is to manufacture a Bajan product using flying fish from Oistins which I cook, and then blend with vegetables from local farmers and with seasonings from other local manufacturers. The product is also a healthy one, which is prepared with no transfat, no HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) which is an artificial sweetener linked to obesity and no mayonnaise which is also fattening”. Michael’s Flying Fish Paté has quality protein, Omega 3 and natural fibre which is excellent for the digestive track. For salad lovers and weight watchers it is also tasty on celery sticks and cucumber slices, and it is equally tasty on salt bread, baguettes or crackers topped with a touch of lime juice, onion or Bajan chutney.

Theo Stoute’s family recipe has also gone pro. The managing director of O’s has been producing tasty treats for the past three years, supplying Barbadians with Banana Cheese Cake, and a line of frozen products which include Grated Sweet Potato, Grated Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Mix for making Steamed Pudding. O’s has now introduced Corn Bread to their list of products. “I started preparing these products at home and was encouraged to take them to the public. The response was extremely encouraging, now I have a thriving small business”, Mrs. Stoute said. O’s products offers taste, variety and convenience to consumers. The sweet potato mix particularly offers consumer the option to make steamed pudding without the hassle associated with its preparation. O’s is looking forward to offering their products overseas as they know the quality of the product will be well received by Barbadians living abroad as well as other consumers who enjoy Caribbean culinary delights.

Whether you are looking for marinades and sauces, flying fish pate or great corn bread and banana cheesecake, Barbadian consumers know have the opportunity to enjoy zesty, fun-fi lled family recipes that are available on the local market.

For more information contact the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association