Barbados and India sign MoU to establish state-of-the-art Coconut Processing Plant

The Governments of Barbados and India have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a cutting-edge Coconut Processing Plant on the island, marking a significant milestone in Barbados’ re-industrialisation efforts and bilateral cooperation.

The agreement aims to boost Barbados’ food processing capabilities and foster economic transformation through innovative agro-processing. It also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and value chain development in the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mark Hill, CEO of Export Barbados, highlighted the strategic importance of the project. “This investment allows us to leverage technology from India as part of our broader re-industrialisation strategy,” he said. “It’s not just about coconuts; it’s about building full value chains, fostering innovation, and setting the foundation for future partnerships. We are thankful to the Government of India for this generous contribution and rest assured, we’ll be back for more.”

Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Johnathan Reid, pointed to the potential for expanding collaboration beyond coconut processing. “India is a global leader in digital public infrastructure and payment platforms. We are eager to explore those opportunities alongside agro-industrial growth. I see many more projects on the horizon,” he remarked.

Indian High Commissioner to Barbados, Subhash P. Gupta, praised the partnership and noted India’s ongoing regional food processing initiatives in Suriname and St Vincent. “The Barbados facility, focused on coconut processing, will be the first of its kind and could serve as a model for full-chain value extraction,” he said. Gupta emphasized that every part of the coconut—from water and pulp to biodegradable coir for rope and gardening—has value. He also invited a Barbadian delegation to visit Kerala, India, a region renowned for its coconut industry, to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Minister Reid underscored the plant’s role in supporting Barbados’ sustainability goals by integrating coconut-based biogas production and maximizing the use of all coconut components.

The new facility is expected to create jobs, support small and medium enterprises, reduce waste, and enhance export potential by transforming coconuts into high-value products. It aligns with Barbados’ broader push toward deepening industrial linkages and adopting green manufacturing practices.