Nigel Jordan is a Trinidad and Tobago–based entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of Twigs Naturals, a company producing natural teas, seasonings, and essential oils.
The idea behind the business began in 2014 when Nigel and his son experimented with herbs from their family garden to create tea bags for a school project. The results encouraged further exploration of local ingredients, leading Nigel to develop early herbal tea prototypes that were well received within his community. Despite initial skepticism about the commercial viability of locally made herbal teas, he continued refining the concept.
Nigel brings over 20 years of experience in telecoms and web application development, including e-services and e-commerce systems. This background influenced his structured, systems-based approach to building the business, particularly in production management and operations.
In 2016, he formalised the venture as Twigs Naturals. To strengthen his expertise, Nigel participated in the Business Hatchery Programme at the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and became a certified tea specialist through the Specialty Tea Institute in the United States.
A key part of his approach has been working directly with local farmers across the Paramin region of Trinidad and Tobago. These partnerships support sustainable sourcing of herbs while providing income opportunities for farming communities.
The company produces a range of 100% natural teas, blended infusions, dried seasonings, and essential oils. Production follows HACCP, GMP, and PCQI standards, with an emphasis on consistency, food safety, and quality control. It also uses recyclable packaging and composts organic waste as part of its environmental practices.
Nigel also leveraged external support to strengthen the business. Through COLEAD's Fit For Market+ Programme, Twigs Naturals benefited from online trainings on Sustainable Energy Management, Managing Gender Dynamics in the Workplace, and Labour Conditions as well as post-training support on food fraud and food defence.
For Nigel Jordan, a simple idea rooted in local resources can evolve into a structured business that supports farmers, promotes sustainability, and brings Caribbean products to international markets.
Nigel Jordan presented his enterprise during the Caribbean Agrifood Business Session n°2, organised by IICA and COLEAD, and aimed at showcasing the innovations and successes of Caribbean farmer-led businesses and small and medium enterprises. You can access the business profile of Twigs Naturals here.
This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.