Caribbean herbals arrive in Europe

The Caribbean herbal industry will be presenting its products in Europe next month in a special exhibition at Natural Products Expo in London.

'Treasures of the Caribbean' is one of the first attempts to promote Caribbean herbal products on the European market, according to the organisers. The exhibition will provide information on some of the Caribbean's most important medicinal plants and their uses. Visitors will also be offered product samples and technical information on the botanicals.

The section has been designed to promote a greater awareness of the botanical wealth and commercial standing of the Caribbean herbal industry. The companies involved, who recently formed the Caribbean Herbal Products Association, are hoping to highlight the Caribbean as a potential source for new plant-based materials and natural remedies.

Some of the products to feature in the exhibition, such as aloe vera and nutmeg, are well known but others, like Santa Maria, quassia and fitweed are relative newcomers to Europe.

The companies represented include Arrowroot Industry Association from St Vincent, Blue Mountain Aromatics, based in Jamaica, De La Grenade Industries from Grenada, Barbados company Earth Mother Botanicals, Eden Herbs, St Lucia and HERBS, based in Trinidad.

Natural Products Europe​ takes place from 6-7 April at the Olympia in London.