Compass TV’s new Signal business show features ‘Business Incubators’ on a regular basis. This week, we sit down with Sara Mair-Doak, founder of Chef Sara’s Tings.
Tell us about Chef Sara’s Tings
Founded in 2023, Chef Sara’s Tings transforms Caribbean ingredients into innovative, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat products that celebrate the region while creating opportunities for global growth.
After 35 years as a chef, I have always believed in showcasing local ingredients in new and practical ways. My goal has been to make Caribbean foods more convenient without compromising quality, authenticity or flavour.
Our flagship product, the breadfruit taco, was created in 2011 while I was executive chef at Ortanique in Camana Bay. Faced with an abundance of breadfruit that needed to be used before it spoiled, I experimented with it and created what has become our signature product. Today, the breadfruit taco has the potential to become a globally recognised Caribbean food innovation.
How has the business evolved?
I started Chef Sara’s Tings with consulting, catering and private chef services, but those businesses required long hours and left little time for my family.
In 2023, I officially began selling at local farmers’ markets. The strong response to our dips, sauces, jellies and breadfruit tacos confirmed there was demand for premium Caribbean food products.
Today, the company focuses on manufacturing and distribution through supermarkets, restaurants and farmers’ markets. We produce approximately 20 products, including naturally cured bacon, dips, spreads and sauces, with the breadfruit taco set to launch in supermarkets.
What makes your products different?
Everything begins with whole, natural ingredients. Our mission is to transform familiar Caribbean ingredients into products that are easier to prepare, store and enjoy while maintaining their authenticity.
The breadfruit taco is naturally gluten-free, sustainable and supports regional food security. The Caribbean is home to millions of breadfruit trees, creating an abundant and renewable raw material for international food production.
Our bacon is traditionally brined, naturally smoked, portioned, vacuum-packed and contains no injected saline or unnecessary additives. The process takes seven days, resulting in a premium product with exceptional flavour and quality.
Consumers increasingly want minimally processed foods made with recognisable ingredients, and that philosophy guides every product we create. With Caribbean communities around the world and growing demand for healthier alternatives, we believe the opportunity extends far beyond the region.
How scalable is the company?
The business is highly scalable.
Current production comfortably supplies the Cayman market, but our long-term vision is to establish a manufacturing facility in Jamaica. By working directly with breadfruit farmers, we can build a reliable supply chain while creating economic opportunities throughout the region.
Each breadfruit produces approximately 30 taco shells with virtually no waste, making it an efficient and sustainable commercial crop. Breadfruit grows throughout the Caribbean, yet very few value-added products exist.
By transforming this abundant resource into commercially viable products like the breadfruit taco, we can create new markets for farmers while reducing food waste and adding value to a crop that has tremendous, untapped potential.
I also work with Trees That Feed, an organisation promoting breadfruit cultivation in developing countries. While much of the focus has been on breadfruit flour, ready-to-use products, such as taco shells, offer consumers an easier and more accessible way to enjoy breadfruit.
What is the next stage of growth?
Since launching in 2023, we have sold approximately 20,000 breadfruit tacos, either as prepared meals or retail shells. We also produce between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds of naturally cured bacon each year, while our line of dips, spreads and sauces continues to expand into supermarkets, restaurants and hotels.
Our immediate priority is launching the breadfruit taco into supermarkets. From there, we will establish manufacturing capacity in Jamaica to support export markets and position the breadfruit taco as an internationally-recognised Caribbean food product.
What investment are you seeking?
I am looking for an investor with a strong financial background who shares my long-term vision for the company.
The foundation has already been built through proven products, established retail relationships and a clear growth strategy. The next step is scaling production to bring innovative Caribbean food products to international markets.
Our vision is to build the world’s leading breadfruit food brand while creating new markets for Caribbean farmers and showcasing regional innovation on the global stage.
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