The Manufacterer Newsletter 8.5 x 11 E-MAG

1

FROM THE DESK OF THE
President
Vision
To be the voice of manufacturers in Trinidad
and Tobago, creating value and providing
world class service to our membership.
Board Of Directors
Mr. Christopher Alcazar- President
Ms. Franka Costelloe- First Vice President
Dr. Mikaeel Mohammed- Second Vice President
Mr. Anthony Farah
Mr. Ashmeer Mohamed
Mr. Robin Lewis
Mr. Colin S. Sabga
Mr. George Naime
Mr. Phillip Agostini
Mr. Ryan Lewis
Mr. Rodney Cowan
Mr. Dale Parson
Ms. Tricia Coosal
Mr. Ian Mitchell
Mr. Patricio Torres
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’
Association is once again leading the
way in creating an enabling environment
for our members for growth and
diversification. The past year has seen
an even bigger incarnation of the Trade
and Investment Convention (TIC) from
which many success stories have
emerged. Our trade mission to the
Dominican Republic served to expose
the Manufacturing sector to yet another
avenue for investment and expansion.
We are proud to have initiated
our Proudly Manufactured in T&T
campaign, highlighting the treasures
that are our local goods and services
and instilling pride in the Trinidad and
Tobago brand. This campaign is set to
expand and it is our hope for it to seep
into the National consciousness.
The TTMA has recognised the changing
economic climate and has lobbied for
contingences at every turn to ensure
the productivity and creativity of our
over four hundred members are not
adversely affected. We are reinforcing
the Manufacturing sector- the second
largest foreign exchange earning
sector for Trinidad and Tobago and
the second largest employer – helping
to make the economy of this country
stronger.
The success of the Manufacturing
sector is one we are proud to see
being realised and the efforts of the
Government and key stakeholders
continue to be a key element in this
achievement. We at the TTMA look
forward to continuing to create value
and provide world class service to you
our members in 2018.
3

The
success
stories
Trade & Investment
2017
Convention

The largest manufacturing convention
within the Caribbean region,
the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC 2017) celebrated a successful 18 years
with over 11,000 patrons in attendance. With its 2017’s theme “From T&T to World”
the four day gathering of local, regional and international exhibitors and buyers
took place at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya from July 6th to 9th.
The multi-sector trade show, which is organized and executed by the Trinidad
and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), has proven to be very effective in
terms of expanding local, regional and international trade, attracting manufacturers,
service providers, buyers, distributors, financial institutions and investors.
The Trinidad and Tobago economy is currently experiencing an economic recession.
Despite this, the TIC has been a catalyst for new and existing businesses which, by
extension, supports the economic diversification thrust. The business community
and stakeholders are seeing how they can reap the rewards once they develop the
necessary business partnerships and make the necessary investments.
5

Exhibitors
Overall TIC is the greatest platform for manufacturers to
showcase their products and services alongside networking and
conducting the relevant business meetings to take their brands
worldwide.
TIC 2017 accommodated 246 booths, 5 pavilions, 1 TTMA
pavilion and 5 sponsor pavilions. Hosted were 212 registered
exhibitors. Of the entire exhibitor population (registered by
booth), 157 (74%) companies were local and 55 (26%) regional
and international. 60 companies were repeat exhibitors from TIC
2017. As is customary, some exhibitors occupied more than one
exhibition space. Again, a significant remainder of companies
exhibited under other business and/or chambers and agencies.
Booth sizes consisted of large booths (3m x 3m), Medium
booths (3m x 2m), and Small booths (Table booths). There were
(3) three 9m x 6m and (2) two 12m x 6m pavilions. Two sections
of the floor plan were dedicated to the Construction sector and
the Food and Beverage sector respectively, while another large
section was a dedicated Automotive Industry Zone.
This year, the automotive industry had its own dedicated area
with over 15 auto-related exhibitors signing on to participate.
The (TTMA) partnered with the makers of 100 per cent locally
owned Zorce Racing Magazine (Zorce Publications Ltd). Zorce
provided the convention with high-quality local, regional and
international automotive-related content from insightful new-car
reviews and anything that contributed to the auto industry.
TIC 2017 saw participants from numerous countries, including
Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican
Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Peru, Saint Lucia, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, United Kingdom and
Venezuela.
Buyers
Buyers and distributors have found the need to strive to offer a
complementary range of products that meet the needs of their
customers at the right price, with the right quality, in the right
package and at a lead-time acceptable to their clients. The ability
of a buyer and distributor is to differentiate what is value driven.
TIC has noted a significant increase in number of attendees and
buyers over the last three (3) years. It is anticipated that the show
will continue to grow in this regard as we seek to add qualitative
returns to the exhibitors.
Some of the countries that participated were Antigua and
Barbuda, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile,
China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican
Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Jamaica,
Martinique, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and
The Grenadines, Suriname, United Kingdom and the United
States.
6

B2B
Our Business-to Business (B2B) meeting lounge fostered and
facilitated meaningful business relations between buyers and
exhibitors. All (B2B) meetings were arranged between two
businesses or business representatives to initiate conversations
or aid in the continuation of discussions geared toward the
growth and development of participants’ respective organization
and industry.
Due to great success and high demand our Business-to-
Business meetings were originally scheduled for the business
days of the convention, which were the first two days (Thursday
and Friday) but due to the request for B2B meetings, Saturday
was included in the schedule as a B2B meeting day.
Inward Buyers Mission with exporTT
The TTMA and exporTT collaborated in hosting a VIP inward
buyers’ mission at TIC 2017. The key factor between Trinidad
and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and The
National Export Facilitation Organization of Trinidad and Tobago
(exporTT) was to successfully provide an export platform for
local Trinidad & Tobago exhibitors to promote their products,
meet international buyers and deepen penetration of traditional
markets.
Thank you to our valued sponsors of TIC2017- First Citizens,
Ministry of Trade and Industry, The Telecommunications Services
of Trinidad and Tobago, Guardian Group and Balroops Vistrac.
The many success stories would not have been possible without
your continued support.
Overall TIC 2017 was a success and we invite you to register and
be a part of TIC 2018 which takes place between July 5th to 8th
at the Centre of Excellence with the theme, “NEW HORIZONS,
NEW OPPORTUNITIES”. Log on to www.ttma.com/tic or email
ticbuyers@ttma.com , ticsales@ttma.com for more information.
We look forward to seeing you there!
7

Trade & Investment
Convention 2018
Launched
On 6th September 2017, the media launch of the Trade
and Investment Convention for 2018 (TIC2018) took place
at Five Star Private Members Club, Chaguanas. This
event hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’
Association (TTMA) introduced next year’s theme of “New
Horizons, New Opportunities”.
In his address, TTMA’s President Mr. Christopher Alcazar
noted the success of TIC2017 by highlighting the following:
• TIC2017 was the largest TIC that TTMA has ever hosted
with over 11,500 attendees – with 7,720 being unique
attendees
• This TIC, as has become tradition, saw global
participants from such countries as Barbados, Belize,
Cuba, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Peru, Saint Lucia, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, United Kingdom
and Venezuela
• TIC hosted over 200 Business-to-Business meetings
which translated into meaningful contacts and in some
instances, the proposal and execution of contracts
• TIC2017 saw the generation of over $50 million dollars
in business locally, from the planning stages to the
execution of the 4-day period of TIC
The media launch also featured remarks from some of our
sponsors of TIC2018. Mr. Larry Olton of First Citizens noted
the resilience of smaller manufacturers during this time of
economic downturn. He also highlighted that First Citizens
was in the process of taking its services far beyond the
shores of Trinidad and Tobago. He indicated though First
Citizens is currently also in St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Barbados
and Costa Rica, the company is actively searching for new
opportunities to expand into other territories. Mr. Olton also
reiterated that the “local economic situation” compels First
Citizens to find “creative ways to build business opportunity”
and as such, First Citizens is once again proud to partner
with the TTMA for the tenth year in 2018.
8

TIC2018 also welcomes the face of a
new sponsor- S.M. Jaleel Company
Limited- Mr. Marlon Newallo who
delivered remarks on behalf of the
company as a first time sponsor of TIC.
In his remarks, he highlighted the need
to be “innovatively disruptive” given the
current economic climate and the need
to continue expanding the Trinidad
and Tobago brand both regionally and
internationally. Mr. Newallo spoke of
some of the innovative steps that S.M.
Jaleel Co. Ltd. was taking in order to
continue to reinvent itself in today’s
market such as putting out 23 new
products in 2017 alone. In this vein,
Mr. Newallo emphasized that S.M.
Jaleel Co. Ltd’s endorsement of TIC via
sponsorship is another way in which
the company shows its commitment
to local manufacturing, expansion of
markets and its trust in the work of the
TTMA.
Permanent Secretary Norris Herbert
also delivered remarks on behalf of
the Ministry of Trade. The Permanent
Secretary once again outlined the wellestablished
relationship that exists
between the TTMA and the Ministry
of Trade over the last 18 years and
spoke with excitement of continuing
this relationship as TIC entered into its
19th year of existence with TIC 2018.
He also emphasized the important
roles that the Ministry of Trade and
the TTMA will play in securing the
financial future of Trinidad and Tobago
as the government continues to drive
diversification.
Valued sponsor representative, Mr.
Vishnu Balroop of Balroops Vistrac
was also in attendance at the event
offering his best wishes and support
for TIC2018.
The launch of TIC2018 was twinned
with the launch of TTMA’s “Proudly
Manufactured in T&T” campaign.
Speaking to this campaign was TTMA
Director Mr. Ryan Lewis. Mr. Lewis
indicated that among the many calls
for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to
support local or buy local, the TTMA
wished “to widen that discussion and
encourage persons to think what it
means to be a Trinbagonian again”.
He invited the citizens of Trinidad and
Tobago and members of the media to
He highlighted that,
“the core message
of who we are
should be the
guiding principle
for every action
we take, word we
speak & decision
we make”.
look out for videos being produced
by the TTMA which hope to show the
people of Trinidad and Tobago the
value of our local manufacturers as
they share their stories.
The event closed with a networking
session in which all attendees were able
to exchange ideas and visions for the
new horizons and new opportunities
which TIC2018 holds.
9

the
World
of chocolate
Trinidad & Tobago Fine Cocoa Company Ltd
The Trinidad & Tobago Fine
Cocoa Company Ltd (TTFCC)
was established as a publicprivate
partnership with the aim
of rehabilitating the cocoa sector.
This has been achieved through
improving the quality and
yield of bean production
and developing valueadded
products for the local,
regional and international
markets. Having won the ‘Innovator
of the Year’ award meant that we
would be able to promote the sector
on a different level locally, while raising
awareness internationally. TTFCC has
been graciously located on the La
Reunion Estate in Trinidad, covering
200 hectares, on which award-winning
cocoa is grown. Together with our
state-of the art processing
facility, we can produce
a complete bean-tobar
product of the
highest quality.
TTFCC has been able to
offer products such as cocoa liquor,
couverture, cocoa powder, cocoa nibs,
and chocolates of varying percentages
in varieties of ‘Dark’ and ‘Milk’. As a
processing facility, we have been able
to offer other farmers and producers
the use of our equipment.
This has been done at a cost which
is calculated based on the aspect of
processing and quantities. TTFCC
has continued to encourage those in
need of processing to make use of
our facility as we engender oneness in
a drive to rehabilitate cocoa growing
and production. Being proudly
manufactured in Trinidad and Tobago
in the realm of cocoa production is a
key point to convey to consumers. The
providence and origin of the cocoa
became increasingly important for
fine foods and high quality markets.
The interest of origin can be reflected
in Harrods’ choice to co-brand with
TTFCC to showcase four different
single estate chocolates.
Trinidad and Tobago’s heritage has
been highlighted through our novel
‘Steel Pan Tin’ packaging. On that
note, TTFCC has been the proud
recipient of two esteemed 2017
Academy of Chocolate Silver Awards.
10

One award commended our ‘Steel Pan
Tin’ packaging while the other award
was designated for our very own La
Reunion 70% Single Estate Dark
Chocolate formulation in the ‘Tree-to-
Bar’ category. This item was created to
display the beauty of our culture to the
world while connecting Trinbagonians
to their rich history of cocoa farming
and production. Through these
ventures we highlight the farmers and
their estates. TTFCC currently engages
over 20 partner estates and we intend
to work with many farmers throughout
the country.
TTMA and TTFCC could educate the
consumer on the local products in the
market. This effort could encourage
consumers to think differently about
the local products; influencing and
changing their buying behaviour. Due
to the increased awareness of the
cocoa industry, the need to support
local farmers has been imminent.
Local ingredients should be promoted
to domestic food processing facilities
alongside this effort. We pride ourselves
at sourcing all of our ingredients from
Trinidad and Tobago.
The Trade and Investment Convention
(TIC) assisted us in finding new
business opportunities as well as
fruitful partnership agreements. TIC
also provided a means to obtain
instant feedback from consumers on
our products. The information gathered
proved vital for our operations. With
regards to export and diversification,
we intend to increase our range of
products. Utilising local ingredients
would be a key aspect of this range as
we develop new flavours and culinary
experiences.
The Trinidad & Tobago Fine Cocoa
Company (TTFCC) Ltd, partnered
with the Inter-American Development
Bank (IDB) and the Cocoa Research
Centre of the University of West Indies
to launch a three-year programme
that would assist cocoa growers to
improve the quality and yield of their
beans. This project would also ensure
access to value-added markets both
domestically and internationally. Known
as “IMPACTT” (Improving Marketing
and Production of Artisanal Cocoa from
Trinidad & Tobago), this project was
aimed to develop standards, cocoa
origin tracking tools, a certification
system and a range of marketing tools
that would aid growers in selling their
beans at the highest value. A project
of this scale could not be possible
without the support from institutions
such as the British High Commission,
the Ministry of Agriculture, UWI and the
IDB.
TTMA has supported TTFCC
immeasurably from our beginning. Our
successful co-branding with Harrods
could not have been possible without
TTMA’s faith in our company, as well
as their assistance by any plausible
means. Our partnership with the world
famous Harrods Stores, London gave
rise to a Limited Edition 2017 Trinidad
& Tobago Harrods collection. These
estates were selected by the discerning
chefs at Harrods and profiled four
of the finest Trinitario cocoa estates
from Central, South, North and East
Trinidad.
The four featured estates included;
La Reunion Estate, Ortinola Estate,
Tableland Evergreen Estate, and the
Aripo Estate. This internationally
recognized effort brought a greater
interest and understanding of Trinidad
and Tobago’s Trinitario cocoa, while
emphasizing the impeccable reputation
held for our cocoa worldwide.
TTFCC has been the proud recipient
of two esteemed 2017 Academy of
Chocolate Silver Awards.
11

Hilda’s
Premium Pepper Sauce
Hilda’s Premium pepper sauce remains
a handed-down family recipe for two
generations. In 2015 we decided to form
Morningside Premium Foods
Limited to bring our unique recipe
to your kitchen. Today, you can find
our five flavors in many supermarkets,
specialty shops and restaurants
around Trinidad and Tobago. Our
journey to national recognition has not
been an easy task; however, Hilda’s got
a most welcomed boost by winning
the 2016 Excellence in Manufacturing
Award (Manufacturer of the Year- small
category) from the Trinidad and Tobago
Manufacturers’ Association.
Hilda’s not only pride our self with the
award but also by extension our local
farmers and distributors that all helped
to make that all important journey from
our factory to your plate a success. I
feel proud to know that Trinidad and
Tobago can produce high quality
consumables that can compete on the
world’s market. This award is proof that
hard work and dedication pays off. This
milestone has added to the growth of
the company by encouraging us to
strive for higher accomplishments and
greater heights.
As it is said, ‘like grandma use to
make it,’ Hilda’s remains MSG, corn
starch and food colouring free, which
encourages our manufacturing team to
find the best local produce that goes
into each of our five flavors. By going
straight to the farmer, we are not only
guaranteed the freshest ingredients,
but this initiative helps us control our
production cost as savings that we
pass on directly to our consumers.
With that said, customers ‘buying local’
helps in creating jobs and generating
cash flow, thus impacting positively on
the economy.
By partnering with the TTMA and
partaking in the Trade and Investment
Convention [TIC] in 2016 and 2017, it
opened up new avenues for us to meet
new local suppliers and showcased
what Trinidad and Tobago has to
offer both to the international and
local business community and the
general public, TIC 2016 and 2017
has propelled Hilda’s into a broader
spotlight locally in which we were able
to acquire key accounts.
The TTMA has embarked on a campaign
with local businesses, to support
the local industries to instill pride in
the saying “Proudly Manufactured in
T&T”, we at Morningside Premium
Foods Limited [Hilda’s] take great
pleasure in working with the TTMA in
this endeavour. TIC has allowed us to
forge new business relationships with
potential buyers both Regionally and
Internationally, it has afforded us the
opportunity as a small business to
have private meetings [B2B] with the
buyers, to gain insight into the business
practices and food regulations in their
respective countries.
12

A handed-down family
recipe for two generations.
Morningside Premium Foods would
like to be a global brand with a diverse
product line that offers a range of
quality products. Taking our business
international is the next step in our
vision of worldwide recognition. By
diversifying our range of products, we
hope to introduce the international
community to the unique and
tantalizing taste of our culture. Our aim
is to be a household name of people of
all demographics.
For us, “Proudly Manufactured in T&T”
remains a badge of honour. Like our
pepper sauces, it may be a bold vision,
but we remain committed to local
manufacturing while working toward
worldwide recognition. We remain
committed to growing our regional and
international market; we know that by
doing so we are not only taking Hilda’s
to the world but Trinidad and Tobago
as well.
Keeping
Things
Local
13

Illicit
Trade
by Ismahieel Ali and Joy Francis
As international trade has expanded
dramatically in the 21st century, so too
illicit trade has grown. The expansion
of this trade has been to infiltrate the
Caribbean region, and more specifically,
Trinidad and Tobago has become the
home to this type of trade. Everyday
life is becoming seriously affected from
counterfeit products to increasing drug
crimes. The effects of this trade range
from economic, environmental, and
social and it is becoming challenging
to curb its impacts.
So what is illicit trade?
The World Economic Forum (WEF)’s
Global Agenda Council on Illicit Trade
defines it as “involving money, goods or
value gained from illegal and generally
unethical activity. It encompasses a
wide variety of illegal trading activities,
including human trafficking, smuggling
of excisable goods and trade in illegal
drugs, as well as a variety of illicit
financial flows”. While the definition is
lengthy, it encapsulates the ‘meat’ of
this trade. We are confronted by this
trade every day.
WEF continues to state that the “value
of illicit trade – primarily the sale of
counterfeit goods – is estimated
at US$ 650 billion worldwide. If we
include money laundering, the number
jumps to an astonishing US$ 2 trillion,
compared to a legitimate global trade
figure of about US$ 10 trillion. The illicit
economy is, worryingly, truly vast”. This
statement from WEF is profound to say
the least and TTMA is of the belief that
this type of trade is becoming more
prominent in our jurisdiction and the
catastrophic effects are widespread.
The worrying fact is that there is limited
information on this type of trade and
this need to change.
The impacts are farreaching…
As previously stated, the risks are
economic, environmental and social.
Firstly, illicit trade and financial flows
reroute money from the legitimate
economy. Environmentally, some of
these trades reduce natural resources
or have other environmentally negative
effects. Socially, the impacts are
enormous. There are the direct effects
of human trafficking and the harm
caused by counterfeit drugs and
medicines.
As previously stated, the impacts are
far–reaching affecting all areas of the
economy and society. For example,
illicit trade and financial flows reroute
money from the legitimate economy. In
a nutshell, illicit financial flows (money
gained from illegal means) are seen
as a major economic impediment
to sustainable development since
exorbitant losses are expected since
a country as a whole and businesses
lose income investment, markets
and legitimacy; and populations are
marginalized and exposed to health
risks. As the saying goes, this is the tip
of the iceberg…
Research in the area of illicit
financial flows generated by one key
transnational organized crime sector,
the global market for cocaine, was
14

Illicit
trade is:
Involving money, goods or
value gained from illegal and
generally unethical activity.
also conducted for this article. The
gross profits out of cocaine sales
were estimated at US$84 billion for
the year 2009, compared with about
US$1 billion earned by the farmers in
the Andean region. Most of the gross
profits (retail and wholesale) were
generated in North America (US$35
billion) and in West and Central Europe
(US$26 billion).This research was done
by the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime. The money generated from
this illegal market is often used to
support a cycle of corruption practices
and allowing groups in power to gain
resources that can be used for selfinterests
and not the interests of the
populace.
Environmentally, the impacts of illicit
trade on the environment go beyond
the immediate detrimental effects
on target species. For instance, illicit
trade in wildlife can lead to the spread
of diseases and invasive species
when live animals are moved across
international borders. The populace
is faced with health risks from these
invasive species. Trinidad and Tobago
has seen over the years an increase
in illicit cigarettes, counterfeit alcohol,
guns, wildlife and many more. These
items have been imported illegally at
an alarming rate as the country has
been seen as a major trading hub.
TTMA’s role….
In an attempt to tackle this growing
problem, the Trinidad and Tobago
Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA)
has established a Trade Desk Officer to
focus on the investigation of illicit trade
and unfair trading practices in Trinidad
and Tobago.
This Trade Desk has been established
to highlight the area on illicit trade and
its impact on the manufacturing sector
and to strengthen partnerships with key
agencies with the aim of developing
strategies to combat illicit trade.
Primarily, the functions of this Trade
Desk are to receive and record
complaints of illicit trade and unfair
trade practices by our members,
conduct investigation into these
complaints, report complaints to
relevant authorities (Customs and
Excise, TTBS , CFDD , Fair Trading
Unit) and address way forward. The
four main areas that will be addressed
by the Trade Desk include:
• Counterfeiting
• Dumping Practices
• Smuggling
• Non-compliance to
labeling regulations.
Illicit trade, in its varying forms poses
number of adverse problems for
society, government and state. It is
the hope of TTMA, that this desk will
commence the end of illicit trade in
our ‘home’ of Trinidad and Tobago.
Please contact Mr. Ismahieel Ali at
tradeassist@ttma.com or 675-8862
extension 234 for more information on
the illicit trade desk at TTMA.
15

TTMA's
President’s Dinner
&
Excellence in Manufacturing Awards
On Tuesday 3rd October 2017, the
Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’
Association hosted its annual
President’s Dinner and Excellence in
Manufacturing Awards at the Hyatt
Regency Trinidad. This formal event
saw attendees from all sectors of
manufacturing gather to celebrate
winners of various new and existing
categories in manufacturing excellence.
The event showcased this country’s
manufacturing innovation and
capability as well as new insight into
green manufacturing all the while
promoting this thriving sector both
locally and abroad.
The feature speaker of this event was
Mr. Robert Price, Chairman of the Board
of PriceSmart Inc.. Mr. Price spoke
about building a successful business
with his father as well as supporting
locally made products in Trinidad and
Tobago, such as Blue Waters Products
Limited who will be providing water
for the PriceSmart franchise under a
private label.
TTMA also presented its Lifetime
Achievement Award to Mr. Arthur Lok
Jack who spoke about diversifying
the economy and supporting the
manufacturing sector to help get out of
this recessionary period.
The evening closed on a speech given
my TTMA’s President, Mr. Christopher
Alcazar who noted “Nation building
is important for us in the business
community but it is not only up to
us to build the nation, it is up to
everyone who lives in this society…..
Nation building includes when you
as a consumer read on the back of a
product ‘Made in Trinidad and Tobago’
you are supposed to feel a sense of
pride. To some, you might believe that
‘Made in Trinidad and Tobago’ isn’t a
prestigious thing – after all we believe
foreign thing is bess. Wrong.”
Recognition was given to manufacturers
for excellence in various categories –
•Innovator of the Year – Trinidad and
Tobago Fine Cocoa Company Limited
•Green Manufacturer of the Year –
Crown Lithography Trinidad Limited
•Excellence in Service Award –
Blue Waters Products Limited
•New Market Entrant Small/Medium –
RHS Marketing Limited
•New Market Entrant Large –
Angostura Limited
•Manufacturer of the Year Small –
Morning Premium Foods Limited
•Manufacturer of the Year Medium –
Shazam Enterprises and Investments
Limited
•Manufacturer of the Year Large –
Trinidad Tissues Limited
16

Mr. Arthur Lok Jack was A
recipient of TTMA’s Lifetime
Achievement Award for 2017.
17

The company started 20
years ago by the Management
team of ALI’S HARDWARE AND
METAL FABRICATORS LTD of Union
Road Marabella, Trinidad; the parent
company of SHAZAM ENTERPRISES
AND INVESTMENTS LTD. ALI’S
HARDWARE itself was founded 45
years ago by MR. SHAFFIAT ALI and
MRS. SALIMA ALI. From its humble
beginning, Ali’s Hardware grew to
become a major wholesaler and retailer
of hardware and building products.
Shazad Ali the Managing Director of
Shazam Enterprises continued from
ALI’S HARDWARE to establish a
company that would grow in the future
into an exemplary organization moving
ahead in a time of much change in the
global marketplace.
Shazam Enterprises has been involved
in the importing and distributing of a
range of hardware products, principal
of which have been PVC pipes and
fittings. The demand in the market for
quality products at competitive prices
brought a change to our strategy. In
2013 Shazam Enterprises decided to
venture into the manufacturing of PVC
pipes. In 2014 Shazam Enterprises
started manufacturing PVC pipes.
Since then Shazam has developed the
ability and skill to steadily manufacture
quality PVC pipes that meets
international standards. The quality of
our PVC pipes has given Shazam the
opportunity to competitively export to
the Caribbean region.
Winning awards from TTMA in 2015
and 2016 is testimony to the fact that
Shazam as an organization has risen to
the task and will continue to improve
God willing.
Union Road Marabella was the
genesis of Shazam Enterprises. The
evolution of the organization from
retail to manufacturing was a giant
step requiring a paradigm shift in
strategy and operations. Many manhours
went into research, learning,
training, planning, resourcing, sourcing
and then finally into executing for
‘Go Live’ in 2014. Our winning the
awards of New Market Entrant – 2015
and Manufacturer of the Year 2016 –
Medium size category was exciting for
us for many reasons. These awards
confirmed to us that our vision and
strategy maintained focus. Winning
the awards also reinforced our impetus
to remain unrelenting in our pursuit of
excellence, for the pride lay in the fact
that we were manufacturing locally
a product of international standards;
able to meet the requirements of our
customers.
“Proudly manufactured in TT” is a
vision and an aim for us at Shazam
Enterprises. Locally manufactured
means to us firstly that TT has the
skills and resources to provide a level
of independence from imported goods.
At Shazam Enterprises manufacturing
locally gives us the ability to manage and
control our business more efficiently
and effectively. This means that we can
“see and touch” our product to ensure
the best quality is produced for our
customers. In-house manufacturing
means we can better control costs to
ensure the price of our product remains
competitive to the advantage of our
customers. It is important to us to
sustain local manufacturing to be able
to provide employment to our national
people thereby contributing to local
organic growth of our economy.
The growth of the economy is
dependent on many factors and
sectors. One such is the manufacturing
sector of our country. Manufacturers
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provide employment to the citizens
of the country; encourages the
development of skills and resources
and provide income to the government.
Our customers are no less an important
stakeholder in the development of
our country. Shazam Enterprises
supports the local manufacturing
sector by encouraging and educating
customers on the cost effectiveness
of buying locally manufactured
products of world class quality. We
also believe in sensitizing customers
on the opportunities for sustainable
employment created by local
manufacturing while being patriotic
to country by supporting the locally
manufactured products. This is an area
we at Shazam Enterprises are willing
to work with the TTMA in driving the
initiative to Support Local/Buy Local.
Shazam Enterprises has been involved
in the TIC for the last four years. This
event has become our premier sales
and marketing event of the year. TIC
has been the perfect showcase to
expose Shazam Enterprises products
and what we do, to the thousands
who attended from across the region.
Of the many who visited our booths
in the past years, several meaningful
contacts were established. TIC is a
great way of networking and bringing
our brand name and products to
wholesalers, retailers, homeowners,
and entrepreneurs. As we move ahead
with our manufacturing and export
targets we endeavor to maintain the
resource TIC offers as we see many
positives in participating in the event.
Shazam Enterprises has shown steady
growth in exports since starting its
manufacturing department. We are
constantly evaluating our position,
processes and strategy to increase our
leverage while sustaining high quality
levels in our manufactured and other
products. Our main goal is to ensure
that our most valued stakeholders
remain satisfied while developing
an organization that is honest and
ethical in its practices, leading the
way in manufacturing and exporting.
PROUDLY
MANU FACTURED
IN T&T!
We intend to continue on the path of
manufacturing PVC pipes with plans to
increase our product range and market
coverage as we move into the future.
Winning the Prestigious TTMA
“Manufacturer of the Year” Award
represents the united sprit in all of us
at Shazam Enterprises. This has fueled
our drive for continued prominence in
the market place. Shazam Enterprises
expresses heartfelt appreciation for
the recognition received through this
award and commends the TTMA for
their valiant efforts in working with their
members to attain success.
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Blue Waters
About
Products Limited
Blue Waters Products Limited was
incorporated in the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago on September 25, 1998 and
began operations in 1999 to manufacture
and distribute purified bottled water. The
operations of the company have grown
significantly over the last 18 years of its
existence and involves the manufacture,
wholesale and retail of purified and
flavoured bottled water, the manufacture
of Pepsi branded products under license
and the wholesaling and retailing of
other non-alcoholic beverages including
energy drinks, such as Monster Energy
Drink. Blue Waters Products Limited has
grown to be an iconic Caribbean brand
over the years and is now the preferred
brand of bottled purified drinking water in
the Caribbean.
Blue Waters operates a modern facility
in Orange Grove which can be simply
described as world class by international
beverage manufacturing standards,
where it bottles water, sourced from
an underground artesian well, filtered
and purified, bottled and distributed to
customers across the Caribbean. A key
milestone in the company’s history is
the establishment of a sister plant in the
beautiful island of St. Lucia, Blue Waters
St. Lucia Limited in 2013. The plant has
been outfitted with new state of the art
equipment and not only bottles and
distributes purified bottled water, but
also distributes several other beverages
under its portfolio such as Monster
Energy Drink and other beverage brands.
In addition to this, Blue Waters Agriculture
division, ‘Wit Luv Farms’, boasts of a
variety of agriculture produce on its
estate. The farm currently produces for
sale a variety of tree crops including
coconuts, citrus, limes, avocados,
breadfruit, chataigne and a variety of
exotic fruits. In addition to this, the farm
has invested in recycling equipment and
produces organic decorative mulch.
The farm is also anticipating its first
commercial harvest of honey from its on
farm bee hives before the end of the year
2017. Wit Luv Farms has also sought to
invest in an advanced hydroponic system
which should begin operations sometime
in 2018 and will allow the production of
a consistent supply of leafy greens in a
controlled environment.
Proudly
Made in the
Caribbean
Blue Waters was deeply honored and
grateful for the recognition of its service
excellence amongst our peers.
Blue Waters proudly manufactures
its beverages in Trinidad and Tobago
and St. Lucia, employing hundreds
of hardworking individuals in its
manufacturing operations both in
Trinidad and St. Lucia. Blue Waters
continues to be committed to do what
we can to help our country grow and
prosper and drive the economic engine
of our manufacturing sector.
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All of this under
one umbrella
At Blue Waters, we love doing what we
do, refreshing our consumers with quality,
functional and great tasting beverages
and we feel a deep sense of pride in
providing them with beverages that they
want and love. Through our employees,
whose artistic work tells our story in a way
that connects with our consumers, our
consumers believe in our product quality
and taste and this accomplishment is
lived through the mission and vision
adopted by Blue Waters employees in the
Blue Waters Way. Building this emotional
connection with our customers can be
magical and we believe that this is what
our customers have come to expect from
us, every day.
We are proud to be able to say, without
exception, that Blue Waters products is
proud to be made in Trinidad and Tobago
and St. Lucia.
Looking
F o rwa r d
We at Blue Waters want to continue in
our drive for excellence to manufacture
and create more products in our country.
We cannot do it alone. Our suppliers,
partners and peers must also join us in
this journey. When consumers purchase
products made in Trinidad and Tobago,
we contribute to our local economy and
as we continue to invest locally and
create more opportunities for growth and
employment, as a society, we are made
better off.
The TTMA can help us drive the initiative
of Support Local / Buy Local by working
with our Government authorities
along with other Non-Government
Organizations, Chambers and the wider
private sector to work together on
several fronts to inform consumers on the
quality of local manufactured products,
to reduce bureaucratic government
processes by lobbying for change and
by providing avenues to showcase local
manufacturing in trade shows both at
home and abroad.
Given our current economic realities and
with reference to the speech made by
Mr. Arthur Lok Jack, we cannot continue
to rely only our local market for revenue.
We at Blue Waters see our markets as
the Caribbean and beyond. The need
for export to drive the inflow of foreign
currency is necessary to continue to
diversify away from our reliance as an
economy on oil and gas, manufacturing
should lead this call. We at Blue Waters
are doing our part and have established
a sister plant in St. Lucia, Blue Waters St.
Lucia Limited, to serve markets across
the region and also, major distribution
partners in several Caribbean countries.
Blue Waters continues to look for new
opportunities and avenues for investment
and export.
We wish to thank the TTMA for again
recognizing our contribution to Trinidad
and Tobago and look forward to further
discourse on how Blue Waters as a
company can contribute positively
to Trinidad and Tobago and its
manufacturing sector.
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Thinking local
Grand Bay Paper Products Ltd
Grand Bay Paper Products Ltd (GBP) is
the largest Tissue Mill in the Caribbean
Region and operates a modern, state
of the art plant. Trinidad Tissues
Limited (TTL) is today the largest tissue
converting plant in the CARICOM
region. Our products are widely
distributed throughout the Caribbean
Region through distributors within
Trinidad, CARICOM, Dutch Islands,
and recently Puerto Rico, Florida,
Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Our operations are environmentally
friendly and we utilize 100% virgin
pulp and recycled paper in our tissue
manufacturing processes.
The paper manufacturing process is
a relatively new industry in Trinidad &
Tobago and it has been very challenging
getting started.
But now TTL/GBP is moving forward
with a dedicated team, expanding
our footprint of customers throughout
the region and competing with
multinational brands such as Procter &
Gamble and Kimberly Clarke. These
international paper companies are
primarily located in North America
and Europe. However, GBP/TTL has
managed to establish the industry
in Trinidad and Tobago creating
manufacturing and service jobs that
help fuel the employment of nationals.
Our group of companies continues
to support capital investment for the
continued expansion of our business.
GBP and TTL embody the philosophy of
“Think Local” through our talent
and our brands; 2 key components
of our company’s strategy. Together,
the companies employ over 400
employees from Trinidad and Tobago.
Traditional household brands such as
White Cloud®, Soft ‘n’ Pretty®, Soft
Weave®, Tis-u® and Nature Soft®
products have become strong players
and even market leaders in their
categories.
With the recent launch of TTL’s
“GoTTLocal” campaign, these
brands are continuing to strengthen
their local identities which emotionally
engage customers and consumers to
be encouraged to choose our products.
The campaign uses the initials of the
company TTL to strategically juxtapose
a call to action to customers and
citizens to “GoTTLocal”.
The name serves as a call to action
and invokes a sense of national pride
and “nation building”. A topic that was
raised by the President of the Trinidad
& Tobago’s Manufacturing Association,
Mr. Christopher Alcazar at the recent
2017 President’s Dinner & Excellence
in Manufacturing Awards. He stated
that “Nation building is important for us
in the business community but it is not
only up to us to build the nation, it is up
to everyone who lives in this society”.
TTL and GBP are proud to play a role
in building our nation through our
“TTLocal” campaign both with our
employees and consumers. We are
supporting our nation through the
employment of Trinidad and Tobago
citizens, generation of foreign exchange
and consumer education. Awareness
and education is being executed via our
radio and digital advertising, website
and social media Facebook platforms;
reaching everyone at various levels
of technological capabilities and of
course where it matters the most – the
consumer’s decision making process -
at the shelf.
Our products are a part of everything we do:
Everywhere we go....
When we Are good to go and of course...
When we have to go...
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Our products showcase their journey
from “pulp-to-shelf”- a manufacturing
process that will make all nationals
proud to understand the capability of
the company and build a sense of pride
for our wide range of local products.
At Trinidad Tissues Ltd, we try to
“Think, Buy and Be Local”.
In addition to TTLocal, GBP/TTL
recognizes the invaluable role that the
company plays in the protection of the
environment, and so not only recycles
the huge volumes of water used in
the production process but have
engaged in planning a more extensive
paper recycling program that would
incorporate the support from both the
public and private sectors.
Paper makes up a significant
percentage of the solid waste stream
and is one of the most recoverable
materials. Recycling provides many
direct and indirect benefits including;
preventing emissions of many
greenhouse gases and water pollutants
and supplying valuable raw materials
to the industry.
The company partners with local
recycling organizations to reduce its
overall environmental footprint and
build mutually beneficial relationships
with organizations that support
sustainability. In an effort to make use of
the large volumes of sludge generated,
it is supplied to a local company for
use in wall panel manufacturing and
the material is being evaluated for
agricultural soil enhancement.
At GBP/TTL thinking local enriches our
employees and forges an emotional
connection with our communities to
buy local and believe in our products.
In such an environment, everyone
“plays a roll”.
Our products: Paper Towels, Napkins
and Bathroom Tissue are a part of
everything we do: Everywhere we
go…When we’re good to go and of
course… When we have to go….
GBP/TTL; making quality products you
can count on. We make TTLocal.
The TTMA can continue to drive
awareness of locally manufacturing
companies not only to build a sense
of national unity and pride, but also
to expand the footprint of the industry
both regionally and internationally.
The TIC platform has raised awareness
of the company showing our
capabilities. Being involved in show
over the past few years has given TTL/
GBP much needed exposure and new
business for our Away From Home
category. The team has made some
valuable contacts that are needed to
work with within the industry.
TTL has succeeded in exporting our
brands and has made a significant
contribution to the development of
the T&T economy. Within the last
2 years, the company has made
significant progress into the export
markets including Cuba, Puerto Rico,
Dominican Republic and Haiti.
TTL’s plan for the future includes
continuing to diversify and enter new
markets showcasing our capabilities,
talent and high quality products. In
2017-2018, the company’s focus will
be penetrating the Florida market as
well as French Caribbean territories
Martinique and Guadeloupe, while
expanding in Haiti and developing the
business in the Dominican Republic.
23

Market Brief
Export of Beer
from Trinidad & Tobago to Chile (July 2017)
BEER
Within the realm of the manufacturing sector, the food and
beverage sector contributes significantly to the economic
landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. Several products, both
niche and mainstream, are manufactured within the borders
of the twin-island state. These products are exported to the
Caribbean, North America, and Europe. These products are
manufactured to various international food standards, and
have been recipients of multiple internationally-acclaimed
awards and accolades. Among these items is beer.
Total national production: N/A
Total national exports :
N/A
Average [unit] value:
N/A
HS Code: 2203.00
Trinidad & Tobago tariff lines: 2203.00.10
2203.00.20
2203.00.90
Tariff lines in Chile: 2203.00.00
Target Market
Population (2016):
17.91 million (World Bank)%
Growth 0.80%
GDP per Capita (20164):
Capital:
Major cities:
Currency:
Languages:
Religions:
13,792.9 (Current, US)%
Growth 0.80%
Santiago
La Florida, Maipú, Puente Alto,
Viña del Mar
Chilean Peso (1 USD = 650 CLP)
Spanish, English
Christianity (Roman Catholic
66.7%, Evangelical or Protestant
16.4%, Jehovah’s Witness 1%,
other 3.4%, none 11.5%,
unspecified 1.1%)
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Imports of Beer
(2012-2016)
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Market Brief
Export Sugar Confectionery
from Trinidad & Tobago to Chile (July 2017)
SUGAR
confectionery
Within the realm of the manufacturing sector, the food and
beverage sector contributes significantly to the economic
landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. Several products, both
niche and mainstream, are manufactured within the borders
of the twin-island state. These products are exported to the
caribbean, north america, and europe. These products are
manufactured to various international food standards, and
have been recipients of multiple internationally-acclaimed
awards and accolades. Among these items is sugar
confectionery.
Total national production: N/A
Total national exports :
N/A
Average [unit] value:
N/A
HS Code: 1704.90
Trinidad and Tobago tariff lines: 1704.90.10, 1704.90.10
Tariff lines in Chile: 1704.90.20, 1704.90.30
1704.90.50, 1704.90.60,
1704.90.70, 1704.90.80,
1704.90.90
Target Market
Population (2016):
17.91 million (World Bank)%
Growth 0.80%
GDP per Capita (20164):
Capital:
Major cities:
Currency:
Languages:
Religions:
13,792.9 (Current, US)%
Growth 0.80%
Santiago
La Florida, Maipú, Puente Alto,
Viña del Mar
Chilean Peso (1 USD = 650 CLP)
Spanish, English
Christianity (Roman Catholic
66.7%, Evangelical or Protestant
16.4%, Jehovah’s Witness 1%,
other 3.4%, none 11.5%,
unspecified 1.1%)
26

Imports of Sugar
Confectionery
(2012-2016)
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Market Brief
Export of Cereal
from Trinidad & Tobago to Chile
Cereal
The industry’s major product is ready-to-eat (rte) cereal. The
most popular cereals are made with corn flakes, wheat, oats,
mixed grains, or puffed rice. Other products include instant
hot cereal, rolled oats, farina, and infant cereal.
The most important raw material in any breakfast cereal is
grain. The grains most commonly used are corn, wheat, oats,
rice, and barley. Some hot cereals, such as plain oatmeal, and
a few cold cereals, such as plain shredded wheat, contain no
other ingredients.
In Trinidad and Tobago, several manufactures of cereal
include associated brands industries (universal foods).
Total National ExporTS uS $1,669
HS Code : 11 041900
Trinidad and Tobago Tariff Lines : 10.01 – 10.08
Chile Tariff Lines: 100890
Market Access
General applied tariff
6%+specific duty
Tariff applied to Trinidad and Tobago
Tariff applied to main competitors
such as USA, Argentina , Canada
6%+specific duty
6%+specific duty
The payment of taxes on foreign
trade must be made to the
Customs Service of Chile.
Cereal Prices
$500 - $ 1000pesos
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Imports of Cereal
bY countries of origin 2016
Chile ‘s market is highly represented by imports from USA and nearby counterparts Argentina and Paraguay
Imports of Cereal
2013-2016
The above graph shows a steady decrease of the importation of Cereal over the period of 2013-2016
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