Caribbean Horti Institute Curaçao (CHIC)

Mission

CHIC aims to build resilient, self-producing food systems for Caribbean communities by establishing a state-of-the-art horticultural institute in Curaçao. This institute will integrate research, education, and commercial growing, leveraging the expertise and technology of the Dutch horticultural sector.

Market Opportunity

Curaçao’s favorable geographic location, outside the hurricane belt, and strong agricultural ties with the Netherlands present a unique opportunity to transform the island into a leading horticultural hub in the Caribbean. The high dependence on imported vegetables (approximately 95%) coupled with increasing global food security challenges underscore the necessity and potential of this initiative.

Project Overview

CHIC’s flagship facility will be developed on a 1.5-hectare site, featuring:

  • 11,000 m² of greenhouses.
  • 400 m² of indoor vertical farming space
  • 700 m² for warehouse, office, and processing
  • Solar energy collection with storage capacity

Phase 1
Development of the flagship facility to serve as a prototype for expansion.
Phase 2
Scaling operations to fully offset vegetable imports, providing fresh, sustainable, and affordable food locally.

Investment Request

CHIC seeks an investment of ANG 8 million (EUR 4.4 million) through a combination of shares and debt, targeting a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 50%.

Financial Projections

Revenue Projected at ANG 4 million annually from import substitution
Debt/Equity Ratio 50/50
Interest Rate 5% over a 10-year term
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 13.7%
Return on Equity (ROE): 19.1% over 10 years, with an annual ROE for investors at 10%
Net Present Value (NPV): ANG 1.60 million over 10 years
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) 3.02 (year 1 minimum: 2.11)

Key Benefits

  • Food Security: Ensures consistent delivery of high-quality, competitively priced vegetables.
  • Sustainability: Utilizes renewable energy, minimizes water usage, and employs eco-friendly packaging.
  • Local Impact: Creates jobs and supports local growers without reducing existing employment.

Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration with Agrikorsou and Dutch agricultural experts (“Kennispact”) ensures the transfer of knowledge and expertise, enhancing local agricultural practices.

Timeline

Q3 2024: Financial closure
Q4-Q1 2025: Construction and commissioning
Q2 2025 On-wards: Operations and maintenance, start educational and R&D activities.

Join us in transforming Curaçao into a sustainable horticultural leader, ensuring food security and fostering economic growth for the Caribbean region.

Contact information

For more information and to participate in this exclusive investment opportunity, please contact us at [email protected]

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