Export Saint Lucia is proud to announce the successful handover of a refrigerated truck to the Saint Lucia Marketing Board (SLMB) — a key milestone in the ongoing ‘CDB Packhouse Project’, officially titled “Enhancing the Capacity of Stakeholders in the Agriculture Sector to Supply Quality Products in New Markets.”
The handover, which took place on Friday, March 14, 2025, was held during the official opening of ‘Anchorage on the Waterfront’ – a new commercial and tourism hub that now houses 22 local businesses and will be operated by the SLMB. The timing of this handover highlights the synchronization of Saint Lucia’s development efforts, where export-readiness, infrastructure investment, and enterprise development are being aligned to deliver real impact.
The refrigerated truck, procured by Export Saint Lucia and funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is a critical addition to the country’s export infrastructure. It will play a central role in maintaining the cold chain, ensuring that locally grown produce reaches export markets in optimal condition — a key requirement for meeting international food safety and quality standards.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister for Commerce, Hon. Emma Hippolyte, said:
“This is the kind of investment that makes a real difference for our farmers and exporters. It’s part of a broader commitment to build the systems and tools that make trade work for everyone.”
Chair of the Saint Lucia Marketing Board, Ms. Sunita Daniel, also welcomed the development, stating: “This refrigerated truck is a critical addition to our export infrastructure. By maintaining the cold chain, it ensures that our farmers’ produce reaches international markets in peak condition, meeting the strict quality and safety standards required for export. This addition directly supports our efforts to expand market access for local producers and enhance Saint Lucia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products.”
While the refrigerated truck is a major asset, it represents just one part of the broader CDB Packhouse Project. To date, farmers across Saint Lucia have received training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and packhouse operators have been trained in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) — international benchmarks that improve food safety, handling, and export readiness.
Additionally, three communal packhouses have been earmarked for upgrades, with work scheduled to begin in the coming months. These investments are aimed at helping farmers not only maintain access to existing markets but also position themselves to enter new, high-value export markets, particularly in the European Union.
At Export Saint Lucia, we remain focused on delivering results that directly benefit our producers. With the continued support of the Caribbean Development Bank, we are strengthening the export ecosystem — ensuring our farmers, packhouse operators, and exporters are well-equipped to grow, compete, and succeed.