The first installment of the Market Access Series (MAS), titled “Compliance Made Simple: Navigating U.S. Food & Beverage Regulations,” proved to be an outstanding success. Held on April 30th, the online session welcomed participants from across the Caribbean; including Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, as well as attendees from the United States, all eager to deepen their understanding of compliance regulations required to export to the U.S. market.

Led by Bob Bauer, President of the Association of Food Industries (AFI), the session provided attendees with practical insights into what it truly means to be “retail-ready” from a regulatory standpoint. From FDA registration and labeling standards to facility inspections and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), the session unpacked complex regulations in a way that was both digestible and actionable. Mr. Bauer’s deep industry experience and clear, relatable presentation style resonated with attendees, many of whom expressed that the session helped clarify longstanding confusion around compliance requirements.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants described the session as “eye-opening,” “essential,” and “timely,” especially in the current global trade environment where regulatory missteps can be costly. Several brand owners commented on how much they appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from a leading authority in the field and how valuable the information was in helping them assess their own readiness for the U.S. market. Many also shared their excitement about finally having a platform like MAS that directly addresses the unique challenges faced by Caribbean exporters.

If you missed the live session or would like to revisit it, we’re pleased to share that the full recording is now available online. You can watch it here:

This session marked a powerful start to what promises to be an impactful series. MAS was developed by Trade Trek USA in partnership with AMCHAM Trinidad & Tobago to equip Caribbean food and beverage brands with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to thrive in the U.S. market. Each event in the series focuses

on a core pillar of successful market entry, starting with compliance, and continuing with equally critical areas such as tariffs, logistics, marketing, and distribution.

We’re excited to invite you to our next session:
“Tariff Talks: Understanding the Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Caribbean Exports”
Wednesday, June 18th – 2:00 PM EST – Hosted on Zoom

This upcoming session will feature experts from Port Miami who will break down how recent tariff changes are affecting Caribbean exporters, and what smart strategies brands can use to protect profits, stay competitive, and grow their footprint in the U.S. market.

Thank you to everyone who attended our kickoff session. We’re thrilled to see this community growing and look forward to continuing the journey with all of you. Stay connected, stay informed, and most importantly, stay ready.