#United States #Washington, D.C. #Non-GMO Project #Calypso Harvest #Natalia Kalloo

Trinidadian Entrepreneur Brings Caribbean Flavors to Frozen Foods

In an inspiring move that reflects cultural pride and innovation, Trinidadian entrepreneur Natalia J. Kalloo has successfully introduced her heritage-inspired frozen foods to a broader audience in the U.S. through her brand Calypso Harvest. Recently, she garnered attention by earning verification from the Non-GMO Project for three of her signature products, marking a significant achievement for her business and the communities she serves.

About Calypso Harvest and Its Mission

Calypso Harvest specializes in traditional Caribbean cuisine frozen for convenience without compromising authenticity. Kalloo’s commitment is not just to provide tasty meals but to be a beacon for transparency and trust in the food industry. As she states, "For us, Non-GMO Project verification goes beyond merely labeling; it establishes a standard of transparency about the foods we produce, strengthening trust with our customers."

Her verified products include:

• - Dhalpuri Roti: A soft flatbread stuffed with seasoned split peas.
• - Bussupshut (Paratha Roti): A flaky, layered flatbread.
• - Trinidad Doubles: A beloved street food featuring curried chickpeas and soft bara flatbread.

These dishes not only bring a taste of Trinidad to the table but also represent her dedication to her roots.

Journey to Success

Kalloo started her culinary journey selling artisanal spice blends at farmers markets in Washington, D.C., back in 2019 through her initial brand, Trini Vybez. This venture blossomed into a food truck and eventually led to a brick-and-mortar restaurant. With the launch of Calypso Harvest, she aims to make Trinidadian cuisine readily available in grocery store freezers nationwide, thus enhancing the food culture across America and offering convenient meal options that resonate with her heritage.

In addition to her culinary pursuits, Kalloo is deeply invested in community welfare. In 2025, she founded Victual Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing food access and creating economic opportunities for underserved populations, particularly in Ward 7. The organization plans to launch initiatives such as a community farmers market, focused on making fresh produce more affordable and accessible.

A Part of a Bigger Movement

Kalloo’s efforts exemplify a broader movement aimed at supporting small food businesses led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Through the Non-GMO Project's Equitable Transfer Program (ETP), which seeks to remove barriers to independent verification, Kalloo has shown that small, underrepresented food businesses can not only adhere to rigorous standards but also thrive while honoring cultural traditions.

The ETP has already awarded over $46,000 to numerous business owners, helping 41 products achieve verification. Remarkably, Calypso Harvest stands out as the first ETP recipient specializing in Trinidadian or Caribbean frozen foods, paving the way for others in similar markets.

Upcoming Initiatives

As part of Non-GMO Month, Kalloo, along with the Non-GMO Project, is hosting a complimentary virtual workshop on October 22, aimed at educating food entrepreneurs about obtaining Non-GMO Project verification. This initiative further emphasizes community engagement and knowledge sharing, essential for encouraging diversity in the food business landscape.

Conclusion

Natalia J. Kalloo’s journey is not just about her success; it encapsulates a narrative of cultural empowerment, community investment, and redefining food industry standards. As she continues to share the flavors of Trinidad with the world, her impact extends far beyond frozen meals, making a statement about inclusion, trust, and integrity in food systems. By reinforcing the value of culinary traditions while advocating for social justice and community welfare, Kalloo sets a paradigm for future food entrepreneurs, proving that with perseverance and passion, delicious change is indeed possible.