Our implementing partner at the DIA Lab TT, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the launch of CARIRI’s Food Processing Facility, an event in which some young participants from the Lab and seed funding winners had the opportunity to attend and showcase their ventures.
It is no mystery that the food and beverage industry is facing widespread challenges on margins, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the need to invest in innovative technology. In this sense, food entrepreneurs seeking growth and expansion are limited by production capabilities because these are businesses that usually start in their home kitchens.
Micro, Small, and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) will need to acquire raw materials, workforce, equipment, and space when scaling up food production. Therefore, CARIRI recognized this need and designed the Food Processing Centre to provide additional support to these brave young owners of MSMEs in the food and beverages sector.
This is an incredible opportunity for all the DIA Lab TT participants who are passionate about advancing their ventures in this industry. It signifies a step forward in the offerings of the DIA Lab TT since our objective is always aimed at educating, training, and impacting the communities through the ventures our participants create with the tools provided.
During the event, Jonathan Roach, one of the DIA Lab’s participants, gained further recognition from the attendees. Jonathan started his venture, the “Seasoning Source”, in 2020. He then entered the DIA Lab in 2021 and participated in the Pitch Tank Competition, where he was awarded seed funding. The impact was clear on his business plan and operations; Jonathan went from producing 1 crate of seasoning to 80, thanks to the support and tools provided by the DIA Lab TT. At the CARIRI ribbon-cutting event, he garnered much recognition from individuals interested in delivering the product to them directly, food establishments, and national entities like NAMDEVCO.
Like Jonathan, we want other young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the collaboration spaces, training, mentoring, access to technology, and seed funding opportunities that the DIA Lab TT offers, along with the well-trained staff and well-equipped facilities at CARIRI.
CARIRI’s Food Processing Facility will continue boosting its impact on individuals and their communities. It will become a centre for innovation in the food and beverages sector that will kickstart much social entrepreneurship. Congratulations on this milestone!
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