Business in Haiti’s Food and Beverage Sector
Business in Haiti’s Food and Beverage Sector
2011
Agriculture is considered by many to be a priority sector for Haiti, with the potential to reduce rural poverty and increase food security. An estimated two-thirds of Haitians depend on agriculture, and the sector accounts for more than 25% of Haiti’s GDP. In October 2011, Building Markets co-sponsored an all-day networking event with Le Nouvelliste newspaper and the Association touristique d’Haiti to promote the Haitian food and beverage sector. More than 30 local agribusinesses had stalls promoting their products and the event was attended by 44 national and international organizations interested in local purchasing.4 Building Markets interviewed owners and managers of 12 agribusinesses exhibiting at the event to gain insight into this crucial sector. Based on the interview responses, this report examines where the businesses source their products, the customers they sell them to, and the challenges facing agribusinesses in Haiti. It is aimed at buyers interested in purchasing Haitian food and beverages and organizations supporting the Haitian agribusiness sector