Caribbean News
Sunny Foods Executive rings up the costs of the Grocery Business
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, December 1, 2022 – Another TCI based grocer is speaking out on the high costs of goods in stores even as an update on the extension of the tax exemption on Bread Basket items is confirmed. Sanjay ‘Sunny’ Gopaldas of Sunny Foods spoke to Drexwell Seymour on RTC FM during Financially Speaking to explain why residents are feeling such a big pinch in terms of grocery prices
A 22 year food industry veteran with six stores across the TCI, Sunny was questioned on whether grocery stores were passing on the savings, a question many residents may be asking themselves given the recent spikes in food especially poultry and lettuce.
“We are passing on the duty exemptions and the CPF from the government but the problem we are facing is the increases from our vendors- from the supply chain.” he explained, saying that many of the increases were simply out of their control.
“For example- even I saw it on Facebook where people were complaining about the Romaine heart lettuce. There was a viral fungal infection in California and the demand— is much higher than regular and everybody had to pay more.”
Unfortunately for lettuce lovers that price may take months to go back to normal, the grocer said.
Gopaldas explained that because of decimated labour forces from Covid-19 stores like Amazon, Winn Dixie and other major retailers were woefully short on manpower, decreasing supply as demand increases pushing up prices even more. And just like consumers, stores too are taking a major hit.
‘Our [profit] margins are actually down because of the competition that we are facing, there are a lot of mom and pop stores– it is a good thing because it keeps everybody on their toes– at the same time the cost of doing business is not the same. Electricity is up and commercial businesses are still paying high prices and we have the same labour crisis on this island as well.”
He listed freight raises as a major expense, up to 45 percent higher than before the pandemic and higher NIB costs as factors driving up operating costs.
“It just adds up” he said “and you have no choice but to pass on the freight costs and add on to your price. It’s part of the cost.”
Magnetic Media obtained a statement from Graceway Supermarkets, which operates five stores including one in Grand Turk and it echoed the same sentiment. Citing high costs around the globe as behind the rocketing prices on grocery items for locals.
Aside from the extension of the tax exemption associated with the Price Inflation Stimulus – duty free breadbasket items and duty exemption for returning residents on purchases abroad – the government had promised to re-assess the $15 million dollar Food and Fuel Tax break – a discount on Customs Processing Fee and fuel tax – if it was needed.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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