NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Efforts to lower food costs in the Bahamas are gaining momentum, with the success of Super Value’s recent egg imports seen as “just the beginning,” according to the Deputy Chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission who revealed that consumers could expect a 20 to 60 percent reduction in several essential consumables in the short term.
Senator Barry Griffin, during a weekly Office of the Prime Minister press briefing, also discussed ongoing initiatives to reduce construction industry costs by sourcing more affordable building materials. This he noted, supports the government’s broader strategy to lower the cost of living through trade diversification.
“We are encouraging businesses to explore different options for diversifying trade—whether it’s suppliers, manufacturers, or the supply chains that deliver goods to The Bahamas. The government believes that one reason for high prices in The Bahamas is that many goods are sourced from a small number of suppliers in one jurisdiction. The official policy is to encourage the private sector to diversify its sources, buying directly from manufacturers and suppliers, particularly those who are sourcing raw materials and products from multiple regions,” said Senator Griffin.
He added that the government is providing support through its National Trade Diversification Program, collaborating with companies like Global South Export Import and CLX Logistics, which help connect Bahamian businesses with manufacturers and suppliers in various countries. “CLX Logistics, one of our partners, played a key role in helping Super Value bring in the lower-cost eggs from the Dominican Republic,” Senator Griffin explained.
“We’re seeing the government’s goals to reduce the cost of living coming to fruition. The success with eggs is just the start. We anticipate a 20 to 60 percent reduction in the price of additional products, such as chicken, pork, beef, beans, and canned goods like tuna and corned beef, rice, and limes. By sourcing directly from Latin America and the Caribbean, we can significantly reduce costs, and we expect our partners to pass on those savings to Bahamians,” he continued.
Senator Griffin also emphasized the quality of imported products. “We are working with legitimate and verified suppliers.
The Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) in a statement yesterday noted that it has received documents from the Government of the Dominican Republic verifying that Super Value’s eggs are in good sanitary condition, comply with current regulations, and are suitable for human consumption. The eggs are from a certified farm, ‘Huevos Perla,’ which meets international export standards and is free from avian influenza,” he assured.
“The Bahamian people need not worry about the quality of these goods. We are working with reputable suppliers and ensuring that products meet the highest standards,” Senator Griffin stated.
He also highlighted that the trade program extends beyond food. “Another major focus is the construction industry. We’re working behind the scenes with local retailers and international companies to provide high-quality, lower-cost building supplies. We expect to see reduced prices for essential materials like cement and steel in the short term,” he said.
Ceri Howells, CEO of CLX Logistics Bahamas, shared that his company played a key role in facilitating Super Value’s egg imports from the Dominican Republic. “Super Value reached out to a supplier through one of our partners, and we helped facilitate the transaction. We also work with Bahamians who have established businesses in the Dominican Republic and source certified, documented goods directly from packing houses. Additionally, we manage shipments arriving in the Bahamas every 10 days, often at cheaper rates than sourcing from the United States,” said Howells.
“We’re also working on direct shipments of building supplies from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. By managing these supply chains and working with Bahamian-owned vessels, we aim to reduce costs and pass on savings to Bahamians,” he explained.
Howells also noted that the company is exploring global opportunities. “We’ve recently established an office in Ghana, Africa, and have a shipment en route to the Bahamas. We’re also working with the African Cooperative Society to bring products from other regions, although the Dominican Republic remains a key partner due to its proximity and production capacity,” he said.
Jasmine Williams, COO of Global South, added that her company partners with suppliers in Panama and Ecuador to source essential items such as bread, cooking oil, rice, seafood, and fresh produce at competitive prices. “We bring Bahamian businesses to Panama and Ecuador to ensure these products meet import standards and are able to support food security in The Bahamas,” she said. “Our goal is to stabilize household expenses and ensure that all Bahamians have access to essential items that support a dignified life.”
