Rachel Renie, an inspirational figure from Trinidad and Tobago who combines entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact

Rachel Renie is a visionary entrepreneur and a leading force in Trinidad and Tobago’s agri-food sector. As the co-founder and Managing Director of D’Market Movers Ltd, Rachel has redefined how food is sourced, sold, and consumed in the Caribbean. Her bold vision, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, has not only transformed food distribution in her country but also laid the foundation for empowering women and local communities through innovation and sustainable practices.

D’Market Movers: bridging farmers and families

In 2009, Rachel and her co-founder David Thomas launched D’Market Movers, the first farm-to-door produce service in Trinidad and Tobago. This innovative platform allowed consumers to easily access fresh, locally grown produce with just a few clicks. By connecting rural farmers with urban families, D’Market Movers addressed two pressing issues: the need for more accessible, healthy food and the desire to support local agriculture. The service has been a game-changer, not only by providing convenience to consumers but also by creating a direct, mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and customers, making it easier to purchase fresh produce and support local economies.

Expanding her impact: other ventures

Rachel’s entrepreneurial impact extends beyond D’Market Movers. With her passion for both food and design, she co-founded Farm & Function TT, a line of frozen fruit products that offer easy, nutritious, and locally sourced options for consumers. This business transforms surplus Caribbean fruit into frozen blends ideal for smoothies, desserts, and more. Additionally, Rachel launched MMDesign, a food branding and e-commerce consultancy. Through MMDesign, Rachel empowers businesses—from startups to established companies—by enhancing their product offerings and developing distinctive, market-savvy branding strategies. She helps clients refine their brand identities, create compelling narratives, and strengthen their online presence, allowing them to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Another key initiative, Our Moving Table, is a monthly farm-to-table event that connects consumers with local farmers while promoting sustainability and the importance of supporting local agriculture.

E-commerce as a gateway to market access for women entrepreneurs

Rachel has demonstrated how e-commerce platforms like D’Market Movers are transforming access to markets, particularly for women entrepreneurs. By enabling the online sale of products and services, these platforms break down traditional barriers and open up entirely new opportunities both locally and globally. She highlighted that digital commerce—through tools like user-friendly websites, mobile payment systems, and integrated delivery services—removes many of the geographic and logistical limitations that have traditionally constrained small businesses. For women entrepreneurs, who often face additional social and structural challenges, e-commerce offers a powerful pathway to scale their businesses, reach broader audiences, and build greater financial independence. Rachel’s journey showcases how technology can act as a catalyst for inclusive growth and economic empowerment, particularly for women who might otherwise be excluded from larger markets.

Empowering women and leading by example

As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, Rachel is not only focused on building successful businesses, but also on paving the way for other women to succeed. Her journey has always been one of empowerment, empowering local farmers, fellow entrepreneurs, and especially women in business. Rachel also works with organisations like Youth Business of Trinidad & Tobago to guide aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, and to foster an environment where women feel supported and capable of leading. Rachel’s leadership is a testament to the fact that when women are given the opportunity and the right tools, they can lead and innovate in industries from agriculture to e-commerce.

Inspiration in action

Rachel Renie is more than just an entrepreneur, she is a symbol of resilience, leadership, and the power of technology in driving positive change. Through her work with D’Market Movers, Farm & Function TT, Our Moving Table, and MMDesign, Rachel is not only transforming food systems but is also inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs, especially women, to take charge of their futures. By using her platform to create opportunities for others, Rachel is showing the world that women can lead in every sector, and they can do so while making a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond.

Rachel was a panellist at the Caribbean Agrifood Business Session n°3, organised by IICA and COLEAD through the FFM+ programme ; the session aimed at showcasing the innovations and successes of Caribbean farmer-led businesses and small and medium enterprises. She was also a panellist at the South-South Session n°2, organised by UN Women and COLEAD, also through FFM+ ; this session aimed at strengthening women-led businesses by fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, skills development, market access, and networking opportunities. You can find the highlights in this document.

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.