In the heart of the Caribbean, amid the lush landscapes of Dominica, lies a remarkable testament to resilience and innovation — the Dominica Coconut Products Successors Limited (DCP). As the largest authentic soap manufacturing entity in the English-speaking Caribbean, DCP not only redefines the soap-making industry but also symbolises the island’s capacity to rebound against adversity.
The vibrant and diverse Caribbean soap-making industry combines traditional craftsmanship with modern industrial practices. It encompasses small-scale artisan producers who create handcrafted soaps using local ingredients, alongside larger manufacturers that shape the marketplace.
DCP stands at the forefront of this industry, exemplifying the dynamic interplay between old-world artistry and contemporary techniques. The organisation offers a glimpse into how a regional enterprise can foster economic growth while preserving cultural heritage.
Crafting a Caribbean soap legacy
DCP’s journey began in the 1960s, evolving from its humble soap-making origins amidst the trials of World War II. Founded by Elias Nassief, who used local coconut oil to craft soap in his back yard, the venture has grown to become a leader in the Caribbean.
During the early 1970s, DCP pivoted towards exports by securing contracts to produce well-known international brands such as Dial, Tone, Palmolive, Protex, Imperial Leather, and Jergens for the regional market.
Yvor Nassief, the current Managing Director, reflects, “This foresight propelled DCP into international markets and, by the 1990s, it had become the dominant supplier of bar soap in the region, including providing products to cruise lines.”
The remarkable success of DCP led to its acquisition by Colgate-Palmolive in 1995. However, in 2015, Tropical Storm Erika caused severe damage to the plant, resulting in its closure. In a significant turn of events, a group of regional investors, led by the Nassief family, acquired the shuttered facility in 2017, determined to restore operations and breathe new life into the company.
With a 65-year tradition of soap-making, DCP has become a cornerstone of the local economy. The company produces Real and Reddy bath soap, as well as the Betta and Tru-Blu laundry bar soap. Currently exporting approximately 80% of its output, the company demonstrates how a local enterprise can not only survive but thrive.
Community-centric growth
The revival of DCP is not just a corporate endeavour; it is deeply intertwined with the community of Mahaut, where the company is located and where most of its employees reside. As Nassief emphasises, “Many of the current employees have been working at DCP for decades. The factory and what it stands for are close to their heart.”
This connection was pivotal, as the knowledge and experience of long-standing employees became indispensable in rehabilitating the factory and resuming production. He further explains, “Today, DCP employs 55 people and aims to expand as market share grows. Many skilled tradesmen in Dominica have come through DCP and, as we ramp up, we hope to create more opportunities that benefit the community.”
“To support this process sustainably, we collect used oil from garages and generator operators, and this is used as fuel to heat the boiler, effectively turning a waste product into an asset”
Gaining ground in exports
The Caribbean soap-making industry is flourishing, with Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Dominica vying for dominance in the bar soap export market. In this competitive landscape, DCP has firmly positioned itself as a key player by emphasising its unique selling points, including natural, high-quality ingredients, rich artisanal traditions, and quality craftsmanship.
As Nassief explains, “It is gratifying for new and unknown regional brands to compete against big-name international brands and achieve consumer acceptance across the region within five years. Once consumers try our product, we get buy-in.”
DCP aims to expand its reach beyond the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) region into other islands, including the French- and Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Currently, its products also are available in the United States, specifically in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as in St Croix and St Thomas.
Quality and sustainability in every bar
In July 2021, DCP received Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, demonstrating compliance with international quality and safety standards. This certification enhances their marketability, particularly in export markets.
The company places a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability. As Nassief explains, “This commitment to quality means you must ensure that your inputs are correct and that every finished product meets the specifications you set for it.”
This dedication to craftsmanship is matched by DCP’s focus on sustainability in its operational practices. The soap boiling process (or saponification) is a 36-hour process in which the soap mass is assessed and tweaked by the soap boiler using his sense of taste, smell, and touch to bring the soap to completion in a balanced way.
“To support this process sustainably, we collect used oil from garages and generator operators, and this is used as fuel to heat the boiler, effectively turning a waste product into an asset,” he explains. This capital-intensive investment in the saponification process reflects the company’s commitment to quality and allows DCP to differentiate itself from competitors who often rely on imported soap chips.
Lathering up for future growth
DCP stands out as the only true soap manufacturer of scale in CARICOM. The company incorporates essential ingredients from CARICOM partners, including salt from Jamaica and caustic soda from Trinidad, with packaging sourced from Trinidad and St Lucia. This commitment to regional sourcing not only strengthens DCP’s market position but also highlights the importance of supporting the Caribbean economy.
The dual focus on innovation and sustainability is evident in DCP’s strategic vision. As they look to the future, there’s a clear intention to explore new distribution networks and diversify the product range. Plans for new liquid soap products are on the horizon, reinforcing DCP’s commitment to market responsiveness.
Looking ahead, Nassief notes, “We are now approaching hotels and beginning to create products for them. This process is ramping up, and they’ll be hearing more from us. We have a competitively priced, high-quality bar soap made in the region. Dominica makes the best soap in the world.”
Washing away woes: the secrets of blues soap
Blue soap, a staple in Caribbean folklore, serves as both a cleaning agent and a “spiritual protector”. Traditionally used for laundry and household chores, its deep blue colour is believed to ward off negative energy and the “evil eye”, making it a powerful tool.
Despite the increased use of washing machines, blue soap remains essential in Caribbean homes for spot-treating school uniforms and delicate fabrics, connecting daily life to rich cultural traditions.
Dominica is the mecca for the region’s iconic blue soap. As the first company to introduce blue soap in the Caribbean, DCP leads with the Betta and Tru-Blu brands.
Here’s what DCP says about its blue soaps: “it makes white laundry sparkle, cures ‘blight’ (bad luck), washes out rude mouths, fixes body odour, and keeps everything nice and clean!”