SUCCESS OF BARON FOODS

Presenter: Mr. Riyad Mohammed

CEO/FOUNDERRonald Ramjattan is the CEO/Founder of Baron Foods Ltd.

Born in August, on the planet of the majestic Leo, Ramjattan grew up in Georgetown, Guyana with his five sisters. With the attainment of a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Guyana, coupled with a vast knowledge and experience in the food manufacturing industry, the ever impassioned Ramjattan took the voyage upstream, leaving his home in Guyana to devote his energies in founding his very own food processing plant in November of 1991. Guided by his drive for quality and excellence in his every endeavour, he began with a staff of 23 personnel producing a range of 12 products. Today Baron Foods Ltd., Ramjattan’s very brainchild of 1991, manufactures over 150 products all of which are internationally acclaimed

Ramjattan’s stellar leadership has foreseen Baron Foods Ltd’s perpetual mission of providing innovative Caribbean-style foods products of the highest quality and superior presentation. This leadership has, over the years, earned this aspiring businessman several coveted awards, both regionally and internationally. Ronald Ramjattan, recipient of the 2014 Birthday Honours, was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He is also President of the St. Lucia Manufacturer’s Association and the Chairman of the National Export Council in St. Lucia, as well as a member of various civic and charitable organizations and is a generous philanthropist.

THE COMPANYBaron Foods Limited commenced operations in November 1991 in the Vieux Fort Industrial Estate, South of the island of St. Lucia. Our company’s primary products are condiments,

sauces, spices, essences, dressings, and exotic fruit beverages. To date, our export oriented company produces a range in excess of one hundred and fifty (150) various products across

its plants in St. Lucia and Grenada. Baron Foods has recently established its third, full fledged manufacturing facility in the island of Trinidad and Tobago as part of its expansion drive into

establishing a truly Caribbean brand … owned by the Caribbean.

OUR MISSIONIn our continuous quest for excellence, we at Baron Foods Limited will provide innovative Caribbean - style food products of the highest quality and superior presentation.

Supported by a motivated, highly trained and result oriented staff, we are excited about the future and reaffirm our commitment to providing affordable, yet distinctively fine products combined with total customer satisfaction.

BARON FOODS – transforming every culinary endeavor into a gourmet experience!

PRODUCTS

CONDIMENTS SAUCES SALAD DRESSINGS

PRODUCTS

FLAVORS FRUIT CONCENTRATES

PRODUCTS

SPICES

CHALLENGES

START-UP CAPITALEXPORT COMPLIANCE (TRADE REGULATIONS & BARRIERS)

Like many companies, there are always challenges. These are our major challenges faced

by the company from inception:

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES

START-UP CAPITAL

EXPORT COMPLIANCE (TRADE REGULATIONS & BARRIERS)

EXPORT REGULATIONS• PALLETS & DUNNAGE LAWS • LABEL REQUIREMENTS & NET CONTENTS

COST FACTOR INCREASES ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS CONTACT WITH REGULATORY BODIES OF EXPORT COUNTRIES WORLD WIDE WEB

LOANS

EMPLOYMENT LEVELWith an initial employment level of 23 employees in 1991, the

company currently has a consolidated personnel count of over 100 employees, producing over 150 different products.

SAFE & QUALITY FOODSBaron Food’s products are currently certified against

the internationally recognized FSSC 22000 V3 food safety standard

The FSSC certification ensures:

Safe and high quality products Our ability to control potential hazards throughout

the supply chain to meet customer and regulatory criteria

The highest quality of raw and packaging materials used in products

Compliance with labeling requirements of individual importing countries i.e legal compliance.

LOCAL & EXPORT MARKETS

The company’s products are well received in the local markets and are currently exported to:

English, French, Spanish & Dutch speaking islands of the Caribbean

North America – USA & Canada

Europe – UK, France & Germany

Asia - Japan

South America – Guyana

LINKAGE WITH THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Over the years, Baron Foods Limited has established a strong relationship with farmers and has entered contractual agreements to maintain a fresh, consistent supply of peppers, herbs, seasonings and fruits throughout the year. As a result of this collaboration, many crops that were of minimal market demand are now grown, harvested and supplied exclusively for the company. This trend will continue to expand as new products are being introduced by our company. It is also noteworthy that the principal export products utilize almost 100% local raw materials which are provided solely by the local farming communities.

LINKAGE WITH TOURISM SECTOR

Baron Foods Ltd has also established and maintained a forward linkage with the tourism industry. Gift shop owners and individuals are commissioned to package selected products produced by the company in over 20. Gift packs are sold by vendors operating at several locations frequented by tourists such as the cruise ship berths, municipal and craft markets, beachfronts, gift shops in hotels etc. This has created a substantial source of income for these vendors. Selected private labeled products are also supplied for fine hotels and resorts including. Apart from local sales, Baron Foods also exports a significant portion of Value Added items to North America and European markets.

SUPPORT FROM REGIONAL

ORGANIZATIONBaron Foods Ltd has continued to work with organizations within the region to expand its growth in new markets. Some of these

organizations are; Caribbean Export Development Agency & OECS

LOCAL AWARDSSt. Lucia Chamber of

Commerce – Most Outstanding Manufacturer

1999

St. Lucia Manufacturers Awards Minister Award for Innovation

2012

St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Goods Exporter 2015

REGIONAL AWARDSCaribbean Business Awards

Manufacturing Excellence 2012

Caribbean Business AwardSmall to Medium Business 2012

Caribbean Business AwardsAward for Innovation 2012

INTERNATIONAL AWARDSTop Innovative Product -

Banana Ketchup, Taste 13 Challenge, ANUGA Germany

Superior Taste Award for Baron Banana Ketchup– International Taste & Quality Institute (iTQi),

Brussels

Superior Taste Award for Baron West Indian Hot Sauce –

International Taste & Quality Institute (iTQi), Brussels

THANK YOU