Martinique’s manufacturing sector is relatively small but vital to the island’s economy and self-sufficiency, focusing on agri-processing, construction materials, textiles, and rum production. Being an overseas department of France, its manufacturing standards and regulations align with the European Union.
Key Areas of Manufacturing in Martinique
Sector
Description
Rum & Alcoholic Beverages
The most iconic industry. Martinique is world-famous for its AOC-certified agricole rum, produced from fresh sugarcane juice. Top distilleries include Rhum Clément, Rhum JM, and Rhum Saint James.
Agri-Food Processing
Includes fruit preserves, cassava-based products, juices (guava, mango, passion fruit), dairy, and coffee. Several cooperatives process local crops.
Construction Materials
Manufacturing of cement, concrete blocks, roofing materials, and pipes to support the island’s infrastructure and housing sectors.
Cosmetics & Essential Oils
Companies extract and process local botanicals (e.g. vetiver, aloe, coconut oil) for use in skincare and perfumes.
Textiles & Fashion
Small-scale tailoring of Creole clothing, Madras fabric garments, uniforms, and accessories.
Furniture & Wood Products
Use of local and imported wood for furniture, artisan crafts, and decorative items.
Packaging & Plastics
Production of plastic containers, bottles, and eco-friendly packaging materials for local consumption.
Notable Manufacturing Companies
Company
Sector
Notes
Rhum Clément
Alcohol
Exports globally, famous for high-end aged rum
Brasserie Lorraine
Beverages
Martinique’s local beer and soda producer
Société Martiniquaise des Eaux (SME)
Plastics/Utilities
Also involved in bottle manufacturing
Sodipal
Dairy/Food
Milk and yogurt production from local farms
Martinique Packaging
Industrial
Produces packaging for food, rum, and agriculture
Cosmétiques des Îles
Cosmetics
Local skin and haircare products using island botanicals
Exports & Challenges
Main Exports: Rum, bananas, sugar, fruit preserves, cosmetics.
Markets: Mainly France and the EU, with growing demand in the US and Caribbean.
Challenges:
High production costs
Import dependency for raw materials
Hurricane vulnerability
Limited industrial space
Government Support
European Union funds and French government programs help small manufacturers modernize and export.
Martinique Development Agency (Martinique Développement) supports local industrial growth and innovation.
