First European Produce Shipment Arrives in Antigua, Supplier Projects Savings of Up to 40%

Antigua has received its first shipment of fresh fruits and vegetables under a new European supply arrangement that Cabinet says could lower import costs and give the country more options when supplies from traditional markets are disrupted.

Cabinet was told that the shipment arrived this week under an arrangement facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture. European supplier Paradise Foods said it could provide produce at prices 35 to 40 per cent below those available from other source markets. The estimate applies to procurement costs, and no retail prices were announced.

Paradise Foods said it sources produce from several countries, including Germany, Spain, Morocco, Egypt and Peru. The company told Cabinet that its network allows it to offer a wider variety of fruits and vegetables while using fewer intermediaries. Access to more suppliers could also help Antigua and Barbuda maintain supplies when seasonal shortages, extreme weather or geopolitical developments disrupt trade.

The company, which reported existing supply relationships with the governments of Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines, expressed interest in working with Antigua and Barbuda’s Central Marketing Corporation (CMC), as proposed by the Prime Minister. It also said it would work with local authorities to meet the country’s import requirements.

Paradise Foods said it was willing to explore investment in cold storage with the Government and the CMC and provide training in handling and storing fresh produce. Better storage could extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. The company also suggested using Antigua and Barbuda as a distribution hub