Colombian companies are interested in importing T&T spices and other food items based on a presentation done by a Trinidadian chef at a food festival in the Colombian city of Barranquilla in August, said Paul Ghany, executive director of the Colombian/T&T Chamber of Commerce.
"The spices at this moment are the Indian spices such as curry, geera, that Chef Raymond Joseph used in his presentations. Also the local pepper sauces: scorpion pepper sauce and tamarind sauces. The drinks at this moment are mostly Trinidad rum," he said.
Sabor Barranquilla featured six foreign chefs and ten Colombians. The Colombian/T&T Chamber of Commerce, in association with the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association, selected Chef Joseph to represent T&T at the event where he prepared two dishes that reflected the country's diverse cuisines and cultures.
Joseph is head chef at the Couyrtyard Mariott Hotel in Port-of-Spain.
Ghany said Colombians in other industries are interested in doing business with T&T.
It was the first time that an English-speaking country participated in Sabor Barranquilla which attracted more than 25,000 people over a three-day weekend. Ghany said Joseph's performance created a stir.
"Local newspapers and magazines reported that this year Sabor Barranquilla brought a surprising taste and flavour from T&T to the event. Visitors were enthusiastic to learn more about T&T, its culture and food. Event organisers have already extended the invitation for T&T to participate in Sabor Barranquilla's 10th Anniversary next year. They hope T&T will send more chefs to participate at this event."
He said this builds economic ties between the two countries and creates further business opportunities.
"At the event, local companies approached the Chamber inquiring about selling Trinidad spices and drinks in Colombia. As well, the Chamber received requests from local companies about importing and exporting products in other industries"
This comes on the heels of growing interest in doing trade and increasing commercial ties. T&T companies, including Sacha Cometics and the Massy Group, are already established in Colombia.
Chef's experience
Joseph, who has been in the food business for 18 years, presented two T&T dishes at the Food Festival–pelau and roti.
"Each presentation was 90 minutes where I prepared the dish and it was done before crowds of roughly 100 persons. The crowds were very excited to see our tasty dishes," he said.
Joseph said Colombians are very interested in learning more about T&T's food and even in collaborating with local chefs.