Saint Lucian culinary star Chef Nina Compton has added another major international accolade to her growing list of achievements after being featured in ESSENCE Magazine’s July 2026 Culture’s Curators issue, a recognition Export Saint Lucia says once again places the island’s talent in the global spotlight.
The honour, awarded by one of the world’s leading lifestyle and culture publications, celebrates influential figures shaping culture through their work. Export Saint Lucia Chief Executive Officer Sunita Daniel said Compton’s inclusion is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Saint Lucia.
“From the kitchens of Saint Lucia to the pages of ESSENCE, Chef Nina Compton continues to show the world what Lucian excellence looks like,” Daniel said. “Being recognized alongside some of today’s most influential cultural voices speaks not only to her extraordinary culinary achievements but also to the creativity, resilience and vision that define our people.”
Daniel noted that Export Saint Lucia has long celebrated Compton’s contribution to promoting the island through its culinary heritage, pointing to the agency’s Taste of Saint Lucia brand, which proudly carries her cookbook.
“At Export Saint Lucia, celebrating Chef Nina Compton is nothing new. Through our Taste of Saint Lucia brand, we have proudly carried her cookbook because we have always recognized her as one of Saint Lucia’s finest ambassadors. She has consistently showcased our rich culinary traditions and elevated the profile of Saint Lucian cuisine on the international stage,” she said.
According to Daniel, Compton’s latest recognition reinforces the importance of investing in and promoting Saint Lucian talent internationally.
“Her latest ESSENCE feature reminds us that Saint Lucian talent belongs on the world stage. We are proud to continue celebrating her journey and to use moments like these to spotlight the incredible people who carry our island’s name with distinction.”
Daniel also congratulated the celebrated chef for continuing to inspire future generations while serving as a global ambassador for Saint Lucia.
“Congratulations, Chef Nina Compton. Thank you for continuing to elevate our flag, our flavours and our culture. Your success inspires a new generation of Saint Lucians to dream boldly while reminding the world that excellence can come from a small island with an extraordinary story to tell.”
Export Saint Lucia continues to champion local products, services and talent through initiatives such as Taste of Saint Lucia, promoting the island’s unique culinary identity and showcasing Saint Lucian excellence to regional and international markets.
