RSSSeveral fruit and animal processed products are produced in Belize. These include frozen citrus concentrates, not from concentrate juices, hot pepper sauces, jams and jellies, chutneys, dehydrated tropical fruits, snack foods, cassava bread, ham, bacon and sausages.
There is potential in Belize for the development of the food industry. Indigenous technology can be improved to produce unique Belizean processed products for the domestic and export market. The banana and citrus industries can diversify their product base; however, investment in technology and capital is critical for this kind of development. Appropriate technologies that have been developed in the Republic of China and other countries can have application in Belize.
| Frozen Juice Concentrates |
Citrus concentrate production
is one of the most important food-processing industries of Belize. Its secure
standing in the export market has ensured its future success as one of the Belize's
leading exports. Belize's citrus concentrate has been internationally acclaimed
for its consistency in high quality standards and has a good product reputation
throughout the EU.
In December of 1998, the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) purchased
the Citrus Company of Belize (CCB) and in August 1999, it also purchased Belize
Food Products Ltd (BFPL), thereby, bringing the two processors under single
ownership.
Currently and historically, the production of orange and grapefruit concentrate
has been the industry's mainstay, with orange and grapefruit oils produced as
by-products. Most recently, there has been an expanding shift to producing higher
valued Single Strength Juices and Freeze Concentrates for sale in the European
Markets. This shift has been facilitated by more efficient shipping arrangements
to Europe.
Currently the majority of orange concentrate is exported to the U.S. and the
majority of orange and grapefruit Not From Concentrate (NFC) and grapefruit
concentrate go to Europe. Belize currently has duty-free access to U.S., E.E.C.
and Caricom Markets for all its citrus exports.
| Tropical Fruit Juices and Squashes |
A few companies such as
Valley Manufacturing Company, Cayo Tropical Fruits Ltd. and Belize Refrigeration
Limited are producing tropical fruit juices and squashes from orange, grapefruit,
pineapple and coconut for the domestic and foreign markets.
INDUSTRY PRODUCTION
| Year | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 |
| Citrus Concentrate ('000 gals.) | 3,530 | 5,109 | 5,702 |
| Orange | 2,806 | 4,373 | 4,925 |
| Grapefruit | 723 | 736 | 777 |
Source
: Belize Trade
and Investment Development Service
Contact - #14 Orchid Garden St, Belmopan, Belize
Tel: (501) 822-3737 / 0178 Fax: (501) 822-0595
Email: beltraide@belize.gov.bz
