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Packaging and technology options for Caribbean products for the global market |
M. A. PASCALL, Dept. of Food Science & Technology, Ohio State Univ., 2015 Fyffe Ct., 225 Parker Food Science Bldg., Columbus, OH 43210-1007 The United States is one of the Caribbean's largest trading partners. In the Eastern Caribbean for example, this accounts for more than 26% trade between the two regions. Food packaging is an essential component of food export to the United States from the Caribbean. An understanding of the food packaging practices and opportunities in the Caribbean is essential for increase trade between the two regions. Food packaging in the Caribbean ranges from modern and attractive to simple and rustic. Several packaging companies are transnational with the capability of producing packaging of good quality. Small numbers of locally owned conglomerate companies also export mainly to the United States and/or dominate the local/regional markets. Packaging produced for the domestic/regional markets can be of lower quality than those destined for export. Many small entrepreneurs and cottage industries engage in a substantial amount of package recycling even though they may not be the initial package producer. Glass containers are often the package of choice. The Caribbean produces its own glassware for food packaging and also exports to the United States and Latin America. Most paper-based packaging companies are foreign owned and import the raw materials for the regional needs for shipping cases, protective dividers and cartons, including brick-type and gabble top cartons for milk and fruit juice packaging. The use of plastic packaging is widespread and includes bottles, pouches, bags, tubs and trays. In some operations, the resin is imported and blown into bottles, extruded into films or formed into semi-rigid packaging. There is less recycling with plastic when compared to glass packaging. Cans are widely used although most are imported from outside the region. The Information presented in this discourse could assist an articulation of the limitations and opportunities for investment, import and export to the Caribbean region.
Session 4, Critical issues in the Caribbean food industry
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