From Hive to Shelf: Reflections on the Food, Agriculture and Beverage Expo at Gulf City Mall, Trinidad.

By Jamillah of Sofi Works Food Services

From April 30th to May 4th, I had the privilege of participating in the Food, Agriculture and Beverage (FAB) Expo hosted by SouthEx at Gulf City Mall, Trinidad. As a food consultant passionate about food safety and quality, this event was not just another expo—it was a vibrant celebration of our local food system, and a powerful reminder of the important connections between farm, factory, and fork.

One of my favorite moments was engaging with curious visitors—especially children and young adults—about beekeeping and honey production. I spoke about the role of the apiary and how that tiny buzzing world of bees plays a crucial part in our food ecosystem. It was so rewarding to help people make the link between the hive and that familiar jar of honey on the supermarket shelf. Too often, we forget that every bottle, pack, or can of food we pick up began somewhere—on a farm, in a field, or even in a hive.

In those moments, I had the chance to explain that behind every product we consume, there’s an unseen chain of care and responsibility. That’s where Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (FSQMS) come in. These systems are the invisible guardians that ensure our food isn’t just tasty and attractive—but safe and trustworthy. I love seeing the lightbulb moment when people realize that FSQMS isn't just about ticking boxes or passing inspections—it's about building confidence in our food.

A truly special highlight was my conversation with the Honourable Dr. Michael Dowlath, Minister of Education. We spoke candidly about the reputation risks that arise when local companies export food products that fail to meet international safety or quality standards. These incidents don’t just affect one company—they tarnish the image of Trinidad and Tobago as a food-exporting nation. I shared my perspective on how robust FSQMS frameworks can act like a safety net, catching issues before they damage the product—or the brand of the country. Look out for an upcoming blog post where I expand on this some more.

The Expo was a reminder that food is a shared language—connecting government, business, families, and farmers. Events like this are so valuable because they allow us to educate, engage, and empower.

As I reflect on the past week, I feel more energized than ever about the work we do at Sofi Works Food Services. Whether it’s working with clients on preventive controls, building FSQMS plans, or engaging with young minds about bees and bottled honey—I’m proud to play a small part in making our food system safer and stronger.

Thank you to SouthEx, all the exhibitors, the visitors, and of course, the bees. 🐝

Look at the video below for highlights about the Expo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XZ6LpRwAzU