The high Caribbean-wide demand for ‘well-seasoned, spicy foods’ and the evident market potential deriving therefrom is pushing established and emerging agro-processors in Guyana in the direction of creating food seasonings and pepper sauces in the direction of being more accommodating of those preferences, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) says in a recently released statement. The GMC statement names the local agro- processing company UMAMI, as a company which having ensured that their products remain aligned to popular taste, have been able to ‘make waves’ in the regional market.
On the whole, the GMC’s Agri Business Development Unit (ABDU) says that it continues to be “particularly impressed” with the quality of the seasonings and pepper sauces coming onto the market.
Meanwhile, the GMC says in its media release that its efforts to facilitate the qualitative growth as much as the expansion of the agro-processing sector, are being rewarded through what it says is “a significant increase in the number of persons who are involved in agro-processing.” Its own role, the GMC release says, has to do in large measure, with the development of non-traditional agricultural products. In this regard, it has been working through its Agri-Business Development Unit (ABDU) to consolidate the sector. Contextually, the agency says, it has seen an increase in the number of persons seeking assistance in the conceptualisation and the development of new and existing products with a view to creating demand in both the local and export markets.
The entity says that during last year it provided developmental support for product consolidation for more than 27 agro-processors. “It is not only about assisting agro-processors, but it is also about developing the value chain to ensure sustainability of both the agro-processors investment and the farm investment,” the GMC’s Agri-business Development Officer, Johan David said.
Last year the GMC supported product development for over 60 products in areas including packaging, raw materials sourcing, labelling, and scientific assessments intended to both extend shelf life and improve the taste and quality of products. Over the period, the ABDU also provided assistance to agro processors in the critical areas of business registration and the acquisition of food manufacturers’ licences, acquisitions that are critical for the pursuit of business which, for various reasons, often pose difficulties for agro processors. Accordingly, the ABDU has been working closely with the Deeds Registry and the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD), the GMC says, to ensure that that these transactions are completed expeditiously.
The Corporation says that most of the new brands that emerged in 2018 resulted from its own “tutelage” through the ABDU. Some of the named new brands are Sun Crest Rainforest Honey, Indigenous Coconut Oil and Diekah’s Spices. “We are currently working with a number of agro-processors who will be launching great products in 2019,” David said.
The ABDU, meanwhile, has also been providing financial guidance to agro processors with one of its first training sessions, a Cost of Production (COP) exercise, having been conducted in collaboration with the Market Extension Department. The COP training programme was conducted in six of the country’s ten Administrative Regions, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten.
Meanwhile, the GMC has identified sourcing of packaging materials, understanding financial management, understanding contractual agreement and record keeping as some of the main challenges confronting agro- processors. with the Agri Business Development Officer through the ABDU is working to alleviate some of those challenges, particularly those relating to the availability of suitable packaging materials. “The Corporation continues to advocate for packaging materials to be available so that agro-processors can have easier access to same. As such, partnerships and linkages have been created with suppliers who are now part of the Corporation’s extended database,” the GMC release adds.
And in a bid by the GMC to provide support with packaging for agro processed goods, the General Manager, Ida Sealey-Adams; and Agri-business Development Officer, on January 14 met the Full Works bottling company to discuss the alleviation of the problem with regard to inconsistent availability of plastic bottles and tubs. The meeting addressed the possibility of extending the range of plastic bottles currently being utilised by agro-processors. Sealey-Adams is quoted in the release as saying that with the Corporation’s continued guidance, improved quality of plastic bottles and tubs will become available to agro-processors.
In the period ahead, the release says, “the Agri-business Development Unit will be focusing on a number of specific training and sensitisation exercises…” in areas that include “agri-business Management, Essential Knowledge of Local tax Regulations, Business Plans Development, Marketing Strategy Development, and Essential Knowledge of Contract Law.”
The GMC, meanwhile, says it continues to work with agro-processors and farmers to ensure the development of value chains… “to deliver to consumers, locally and abroad, products that are wholesome; and nutritious foods that reach international manufacturing and packaging standards.”
