For the first time ever, Guyana will be displaying a range of locally produced products at the 27th Ameri-ca’s Food and Beverage Show & Conference 2024, to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, USA, from September 16 to 18.
The event is being hosted by the World Trade Center Miami and this is the first time Guyana will participate as an exhibitor in this show, which is slated to attract some 900 exhibitors and 20 country pavilions. Earlier this year, WTC Miami signed a Memorandum of Under-standing with World Trade Center Georgetown (WTCG), for collaboration in trade expansion through provisions for enhanced product visibility, easier market access and the exchange of trade missions, a release yesterday from WTCG stated.
This business-to-business show and conference is expected to have 7,300 attendees from 93 countries and will provide a unique opportunity for manufacturers and buyers to get together in fulfillment of their shared objectives, the release added.
It was explained that Guyana’s participation in this event was made possible through the newly established WTCG, which is facilitating the exhibits of products from five local export ready companies. Exhibits of Demerara Distillers Limited’s (DDL) range of internationally acclaimed El Dorado rums and its Tropical Orchard Products (TOPCO) fruit juices, along with packaged seasonings from Roy’s Extra Quality Products, different types of sauces from Umami, and a variety of BBQ sauces from SS Natural Fruit Flavored Inc will be on display.
WTCG Executive Chairman, Komal Sama-roo, noted, “The participation of World Trade Center Georgetown in this international business show and conference is in keeping with our mission to expand trade between Guyana and the rest of the world by providing opportunities for Guyana’s export ready food and beverage products to be exposed to international buyers thereby creating the potential for new markets and increased sales.”
Samaroo, who is also executive chairman of DDL, the WTCG licence holder, pointed out that “this is not just an opportunity for DDL’s internationally acclaimed range of El Dorado rums to be exposed to new markets in Latin America and other parts of the world where we do not currently enjoy significant market share, but also for other export ready companies to seek buyers and distributors throughout North America and other markets where there is a demand for their products.”
He added, “This is also an opportunity for our subsidiary, Distribution Ser-vices Limited (DSL) to look at products for which there might be a market in Guyana and to have discussions about representing such brands locally.”
DSL will have a representative at the show.
Meanwhile, President and Chief Executive Offi-cer of WTC Miami, Ivan Barrios, says he is pleased Guyana will be featured among the some 900 exhibitors.
“Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the World Trade Centers in Miami, Florida and Georgetown, Guyana earlier this year, I am elated that Guyana has chosen to exhibit and participate for the first time at our internationally renowned Ameri-cas Food & Beverage Show & Conference.”
He added, “Guyana’s presence will be among the over 900 exhibits, representing over 20 nations from 5 continents, with an anticipated 10,000 attendees.”
And President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsay Ali, posited that Guyana’s participation in the show and conference, demonstrates that the participating companies are fully export ready and well prepared to enter international markets. He also thanked DDL for making such an opportunity a reality.
“On behalf of the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), I would like to express our deepest appreciation to Demerara Dis-tillers Limited (DDL) World Trade Centre Georgetown for the opportunity to have products from three of our members – Umami Inc, SS Natural Fruit Flavor Inc, and Roy’s Extra Quality Products – showcased at the 2024 Americas Food & Bever-age Show & Conference in Miami this month.”
Ali expressed the view that the local exhibitors have the opportunity to showcase their products with a view to competing in the world market. “This initiative demonstrates that these companies are fully export-ready, showcasing the potential of local businesses to compete on the global market. Through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes from major companies like DDL, large companies can play a crucial role in supporting the growth and global exposure of small businesses. With such backing, we can continue to elevate Guyana’s presence on the international stage and drive development for our local entrepreneurs.”
