The Seamoss Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SMASVG) is engaging with EU stakeholders to support efforts to re-enter the European market after 20 years of restrictions.
“We are working directly with the European Union to break through this barrier,” Ronita Ollivierre, a member of the group, said after it participated in the European Union’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in Barbados, from May 7–9.
“This is a critical opportunity for the sea moss industry and for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole,” Ollivierre said.
The event in Barbados, organised under the EU-Caribbean Food Security Programme by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and partners, highlighted sustainable and artisanal products central to food security, the blue economy, and value-added innovation.
At the centre of the showcase was dried seamoss, positioned as the industry’s primary export-ready product, supported by quality standards, lab testing, and small-batch production practices.
The association also highlighted the innovation and diversity of the sector through a range of value-added products, including seamoss-based food and beverage items, cosmetics, wellness products, and emerging applications within the pharmaceutical space.
Participating Vincentian entrepreneurs included Miss Cassandra’s, Tash’s Dusk til Dawn, Marslyn’s, Mark’s Produce, Seamoss Boss Canouan, Pure Canouan Seamoss, and Ocean Remedies, Nature’s Pride, demonstrating the strength of the seamoss value chain from raw material to finished, market-ready goods.
Visitors were also able to engage in a mobile sea moss experience, which included tastings, product demonstrations, and discussions centred on sea moss education, usage, and benefits.
“The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with Barbadians, international visitors, and Vincentians within the diaspora expressing strong interest in the products and the tasting experience,” a press release said.
A delegation of ambassadors and international representatives commended the quality and presentation of the products, praising the sector’s innovation and strong artisanal identity.
Discussions extended beyond raw material production to focus on the circular economy, value chain development, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing SVG’s position as a leader in value-added marine resources.
The programme included a marketplace and product showcase at the Barbados Film Festival, guided B2B site visits with regional and EU distributors, and Europe Day celebrations focused on sustainable food systems.
“We are delighted to support the Sea Moss Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in this important step,” said Cindy Eugene of the International Trade Centre.
She said sea moss embodies the values of sustainability, innovation, and food security that the EU-Caribbean Food Security Programme seeks to promote.
William Castro Rodriguez, programme officer at the International Trade Centre, said the engagement is about building bridges between Caribbean producers and European markets, and Seamoss is a perfect example of value-added potential.