Bird (Left) with colleague at recent Carnival event in Miami ABTA/Photo Credit Colin Subratie

The Caribbean Food Forum 2026 underscored the growing importance of local food production, regional collaboration and investment in Caribbean communities, according to Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority official Donyelle Bird-Browne.

Reflecting on the forum’s conclusion, Bird-Browne said the event highlighted how Caribbean food extends beyond cuisine and serves as a reflection of the region’s culture, identity, resilience, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

Held under the theme _“The Future Is Local: Caribbean Food at the Crossroads of Global Impact,”_ the forum brought together chefs, farmers, fishers, entrepreneurs, tourism stakeholders, students and policymakers from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Bird-Browne said the discussions generated new ideas, partnerships and dialogue focused on the future of the region’s food industry and its role in economic development.

“The future is local, and the future of Caribbean food is bright,” she said in a post-event statement.

She noted that one of the forum’s key messages was the need to continue investing in Caribbean people, products, stories and communities while strengthening connections across the region.

Bird-Browne also thanked participants, sponsors and partners for contributing to what she described as a meaningful and memorable event, singling out keynote speaker Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, for her regional leadership and contribution to the discussions.

The tourism official said the conversations sparked during the forum would continue beyond the event itself as organizers look toward the next Caribbean Food Forum in 2027.

The annual gathering forms part of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month and seeks to promote Caribbean food, agriculture and culinary tourism while fostering collaboration among stakeholders throughout the region.