More representation for Antigua and Barbuda at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show now taking place in London, United Kingdom, where along with locally grown flowers and plants, the famous, Antigua Black Pineapple will also be on display.
This as, Grant Joyce of Claremont Farms, an esteemed Antigua Black Pineapple farmer for over 40 years, has traveled to the UK as part of a delegation participating in the Chelsea Flower Show 2025, in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Horticulture Society.
This prestigious international event, often regarded as the “Olympics of Flower Shows,” will take place in Chelsea, England, and will feature a visit by His Majesty, King Charles III on Monday, May 19, 2025. The Antigua and Barbuda display, themed “A Glimpse of Antigua and Barbuda”, aims to showcase the best of the nation’s natural offerings—including our national fruit, the Antigua Black Pineapple—to a global audience.
A team of nine representatives, including Joyce, departed on Tuesday for London and will return on May 26. The display will feature an array of locally sourced items including:
- Antigua Black Pineapple
- Barbuda’s pink sand
- Sugarcane barrels
- Barbuda honey
- Local hot sauces
Joyce, who began growing Antigua Black Pineapples in 1980, has since cultivated thousands of clones and remains one of the island’s leading pineapple farmers. Antigua currently has approximately eight active pineapple farmers, growing this unique fruit in the island’s rocky, volcanic soil—ideal for its cultivation. The fruit is also used locally to produce pineapple wine, jams, and jellies.
This initiative is a collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Horticulture Society, led by President Barbara J’Paal and based on Friars Hill Road. Founded in 1956 and revived about a decade ago under the name Agave Gardens, the society educates the public on backyard gardening, native seed collection, and sustainable agriculture. The society’s motto, “Share what you know, share what you grow,” speaks to its community-focused mission. The group also manages a medicinal garden and beautifies green spaces across the island.
The team hopes to secure the Gold Prize at this year’s event and promote Antigua and Barbuda to a global audience. The delegation has received support from a number of sponsors, including:
Halo Foundation
Caribbean Alliance
Mill Reef Trust
Jamie Howell and family
Friends of Horticulture
The Harrison Trust
Additionally, BBC was recently in Antigua filming the preparations and will feature the display and participants in an upcoming special to air on BBC1 and BBC2.
Given the international attention this event will receive and the opportunity it presents for agricultural diplomacy and national branding, this is a proud moment for Antigua and Barbuda.
It is therefore important that the Ministry of Agriculture plays a role in supporting and recognizing this achievement.
