By Khamisi Slowe
GuyExpo 2024 has brought together an array of local businesses and entrepreneurs.
From tantalizing food products to finely crafted art pieces made out of clay, there is a wide variety on display at the National Exhibition Centre at Sophia.
Several exhibitors on Friday expressed satisfaction with their sales performance so far. Food vendors, in particular, are happy about their sales, with many selling out popular items before close-off time.
Cassava Delights said that their cassava-based chips and pastries have been a hit with attendees. Mother Nature’s Organic Farm a locally owned agri produce small business, one of the newest brands on the local market, made their debut at this year’s GuyExpo. Mother Nature’s Organic Farm offers a wide array of organic products that cater to health-conscious consumers. Their selection includes a variety of dried herbs and peppers, such as basil, fine and thick leaf thyme, and an assortment of pickled peppers. Among their unique offerings are a carefully crafted blend of shallot balls, curried peppers, and tiger teeth peppers, all sautéed with onions for a burst of flavour.
What sets Mother Nature apart from the competition is their signature flavoured pumpkin pepper which has a distinctive flavour profile.
Another newcomer to GuyExpo 2024 is Natasha Aziz, founder and CEO of Customized Creations, who launched a new food line called Custom Chops, which caters to busy individuals who don’t have time to prepare their own vegetables. Customers can simply purchase the pre-chopped veggies and cook them.
Additionally, Customized Creations offers a range of seasonings, including green seasoning, mango achar, and packaged coconut choka. The company sources all its produce from local farmers.
Beyond food products, Customized Creations specializes in crafting and branding merchandise, such as t-shirts, cups, and keychains. They offer customizable items, including branded glass bottles and resin keychains, and are promoting a festive Grinch-themed line of tea cups for the upcoming holiday season. The company plans to create gift packages that include surprises and candies, ideal for office gift exchanges.
Meanwhile, in the hardware and technology sectors, exhibitors are noting steady interest, particularly from contractors and tech enthusiasts. One such exhibitor is KSM Investments Incorporated, the CEO, Mahadeo Panchu, shared that his company was a pioneer in the manufacture of concrete products in the country. The company has been participating in GuyExpo for about six years. Their products are widely used across the country, including in areas like Bartica. For this year’s expo the company is introducing their new line of steel security doors imported from Turkey, highlighting their superior quality, rust resistance, and thermal insulation properties. These doors feature electrostatic powder coating, internal steel sheets for bulletproofing, and heavy-duty locking systems. Additional features like door viewer cameras with memory chips and one-way mirrors are also on offer.
Artisans and craft vendors are also seeing encouraging results. Creations by Kamla shared that their hand-painted ceramic and Indigenous-inspired jewellery have been top sellers, particularly among international visitors. Meanwhile, N&S Andrews Pottery a small business that makes ornaments and other items reported strong demand for smaller decorative pieces.
“This has been a great opportunity to showcase our products and connect with both local and international buyers,” said Mr Andrews of N&S Andrews Pottery. “The sales we’ve made here are a bonus, but the exposure is what really counts.”
While some exhibitors are already exceeding their expectations, others were using the first two days to build connections and promote their brands, anticipating that the weekend crowd will bring a surge in purchases.
GuyExpo 2024 runs until today, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with live entertainment, games for children, and a bustling night market.
Organisers are urging attendees to ensure they purchase their tickets directly from the ticket booths.
