COUNTRY PROFILE
Discover more about the Bahamas market including overviews about the retail, food service, and food processing sectors. Events, resources, and more are linked throughout the profile.
70%
The Bahamas sources over 70% of its consumer-ready products from the U.S.
$266 Million
Bahamas is the second largest market in the Caribbean for processed food.
$271 Million
U.S. processed food export reached US$271 million in 2024.
The CIA World Factbook (2024 Est.) reports that the Bahamas who with US$36,322 has the second highest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in the English-speaking Caribbean with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and financial services. Tourism accounts for approximately 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs half of the archipelago’s labor force.
The 2024 population of the Bahamas was 410,862 according to the CIA World Factbook. The median age is 30.7 and 8.6% of the population is over 65 years, which is about 35,000 Bahamians.
FAS Post Miami reports that the Bahamas sources over 70% of its consumer-ready products from the U.S., creating an environment of opportunity for U.S. suppliers of retail products in practically all product categories. Bahamian demand for U.S. products and brands is driven by its proximity to the U.S. and familiarity with the American lifestyle and culture. Modest upticks in the economy and growth in private consumption should create new opportunities for U.S. suppliers in the retail sector.
Bahamas is the second largest market in the Caribbean for processed food as well. In 2024 U.S. exports of processed foods were US$271 million, a record high.
Top 2024 U.S. exports of processed food products to Bahamas included:
To access the latest FAS GAIN Reports for this country, visit the FAS site.
$524 Million
The retail packaged food market in The Bahamas was US$524.8 million in 2024.
$609 Million
The retail packaged food market is expected to reach US$609 million by 2029.
$1.2 Billion
Retail grocery sales topped US$1.2 billion in The Bahamas in 2024.
Euromonitor has indicated that the market size of the packaged food retail business in The Bahamas was US$524.8 million in 2024. They also forecast growth of 15.4% to 2029. According to Euromonitor, grocery retail sales topped US$1.2 billion in 2024. Supermarkets account for US$389.7 million of that amount, hypermarkets US$231.9 million, discounters US226.9 million, and convenience stores US$112.7 million. FAS Post Miami reports that the majority of supermarkets in the Bahamas are located in Nassau, on the island of New Providence, which is home to roughly 80% of the country’s population.
Although large-chain supermarkets are located in the populated areas, smaller independent grocers maintain a strong presence in the market. While these retail outlets carry a more limited inventory than the larger supermarkets, they are conveniently located throughout the main islands of The Bahamas and typically offer products at lower prices and a wide selection of ethnic condiments and spices.
The Bahamas has a wide variety of products available. However, importers and consumers are always interested in new food and beverage alternatives. Although not present in large quantities, the health food trend has recently been on the rise in the Bahamian food market. Some of the more affluent areas of The Bahamas, like Cable Beach, on New Providence Island, have witnessed a small surge in health and gourmet food stores openings. Supermarkets have widened their offerings of food and beverages for the health-conscious consumer and tourist.
FAS Post Miami reports that market opportunities exist for practically all high-value consumer-oriented foods and beverages and seafood products in the Bahamas. In 2024, the following product categories had good growth levels: fresh fruit and vegetables, distilled spirits, beer, eggs and products, milk substitutes, microwave popcorn, soybean oil, sausages, beef and products, and pork and products.
30%
The Caribbean foodservice sector accounts for roughly 30% of consumer-oriented agricultural imports.
FAS Post Miami reports that the Caribbean hotel, restaurant institutional (HRI) foodservice sector is estimated to account for roughly 30% of consumer-oriented agricultural imports. According to Euromonitor International, the sector is made up of over 6,900 outlets, with full-service restaurants, cafes and bars accounting for three quarters of these.
The larger hotels and resorts purchase roughly 40% of their food and beverage needs through local importers, while 60% is purchased directly from U.S. suppliers. Some hotels have even positioned offices in south Florida to facilitate shipment to the seaports of the Bahamas. Moreover, the chained foodservice establishments located in the Bahamas typically import directly from U.S. buying offices. Most restaurants turn to local importers, which also serve as wholesalers/distributors, to source their imported food and beverage supply, while the majority of the seafood, bottled beverages, and seasonal fruits and vegetables tend to be bought directly from vendors on the island.
