International Market Research Consultant on Non-Traditional Flours in the Caribbean

Output 1 (by 17 July 2026) Inception report, including detailed methodology, stakeholder mapping, workplan, analytical framework, list of target products and proposed structure of the final report.

Output 2 (by 31 July) Desk review and evidence synthesis report, including key findings from existing market and technical documents, commercialization implications and identification of gaps requiring further validation.

Output 3 (by 14 August) Draft market study and product opportunity assessment report covering:

• product assessment for cassava, sweet potato, breadfruit, dasheen and arrowroot
• market analysis and buyer intelligence
• competitor and substitute product analysis
• supply, volume and sourcing assessment
• processing, compliance, packaging and logistics considerations
• preliminary product prioritization and commercialization recommendations.

Output 4 (by 27 August) Dedicated non-traditional/gluten free markets such as arrowroot, dasheen, breadfruit and Cassava assessment note, including quantified opportunities where feasible, buyer segments, product specifications, distribution logistics, potential commercial applications and recommendations for market entry and scale-up.

Output 5 (by 11 September) Product prioritization matrix and phased commercialization roadmap for 12, 24 and 36 months, including quick wins, medium-term growth opportunities and longer-term strategic product lines.

Output 6 (by 25 September) Market development input note, including:

• shortlist of target markets and indicative buyer categories
• recommendations for commodity supply catalogue structure and content
• product specification and supply forecast guidance
• route-to-market recommendations
• practical market intelligence inputs to support future marketing plans and commercial outreach.

Output 7 (by 30 September) Final revised report package and presentation, including the final market study, final arrowroot market assessment, final product prioritization matrix, final commercialization roadmap and presentation of findings and recommendations to ITC and key stakeholders.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (OLAC), as geographical section of the Division of Country Programmes (DCP), is responsible for defining the ITC strategy and coordinating interventions in the region. The Green & Inclusive Value Chains section within the Division for Sustainable and Inclusive Trade supports sector-wide transformation, improved market linkages and private sector competitiveness linked to responsible production and consumption, climate resilience, food security, sustainable standards and market systems. The section utilizes the Alliances for Action methodology to implement projects in inclusive and sustainable agribusiness value chains.

Under the European Union-funded project “Strengthening nutritious and sustainable value chains in the Caribbean through Alliances”, ITC supports agri-MSMEs, cooperatives and producers to become more competitive and resilient through value addition, diversification and new market development at the regional level. The project contributes to regional priorities related to food and nutrition security, import substitution, agribusiness development and increased resilience of local agri-food systems.

In the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and in Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana there is growing interest in expanding agro-processing and market development for locally available crops, including cassava, sweet potato, breadfruit, dasheen and arrowroot. The proposed assignment will support the identification of commercially viable value-added product opportunities and practical commercialization pathways for these crops, including flour, starch, composite blends, baking and cooking ingredients, ready-to-cook items, minimally processed products and selected ready-to-eat or convenience products. The assignment is expected to generate commercially relevant evidence on product opportunities, buyer requirements, price expectations, supply volumes, distribution logistics and market entry requirements for domestic, regional and selected export markets.

Special attention is required for arrowroot, dasheen, breadfruit and Cassava given the interest in strengthening product development and market readiness for these crops starch, flour and other commercially viable value-added products. The consultancy is therefore expected to identify and quantify market opportunities where feasible, assess buyer segments, determine product specifications and packaging requirements, and analyze distribution logistics and commercialization pathways for arrowroot products.

The assignment is also expected to provide practical market intelligence to support wider agri-food marketing and commercialization efforts in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and the OECS countries. This includes recommendations relevant to produce aggregation and coordination, marketing through existing and proposed distribution channels, product specification requirements for large buyers, supply forecast needs, route-to-market options and a structured approach for preparing a national commodity supply catalogue covering fresh commodities, processed fresh produce and value-added products. The study is expected to identify the most viable products, validate market demand, assess supply feasibility, define processing and compliance requirements and outline a phased pathway for commercialization and investment.

Postgraduate degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Food Science, Agro-processing, International Trade, Rural Development or another relevant field. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.

• At least 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in market research, agribusiness development, agro-processing, value chain analysis, product development or commercialization strategy;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting market studies, commercial feasibility assessments or similar analytical assignments for agri-food products;
• Experience working on roots and tubers, breadfruit, arrowroot, starches, alternative flours, convenience food products or Caribbean agribusiness will be an asset;
• Experience working with ITC or international organizations will be an asset.

Skills:

• Excellent understanding of agribusiness markets, market research, commercialization strategy and value-added product development;
• Strong knowledge of agro-processing, product positioning, route-to-market analysis and buyer requirements for agri-food products;
• Knowledge of supply chain analysis, commodity aggregation, post-harvest and logistics considerations in small island contexts;
• Familiarity with food safety, traceability, packaging, labelling and market compliance requirements;
• Strong analytical, report writing and presentation skills;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, efficiency, competence and integrity and in harmony with people from different backgrounds.