-fresh produce in demand
By Marcelle Thomas in Barbados
Guyanese agricultural produce, condiments and craft are in high demand among Barbadians at AgroFest 2025 which continues today at Queen’s Park, Bridgetown where an increasing number of participants are showcasing the country’s offerings.
The Agrofest opened on Friday with Guyana’s agricultural produce, mainly ground provisions and pineapples in high demand. There are around 80 exhibitors in the Guyana section and President Irfaan Ali urged locals to maximize the market.
“Last year, on day two all the products were finished, all! I told them I hope they saw the demand trends and catered for that this year. Our pineapples are a big seller, all of the ground provisions really, but they love the pineapples and ground provisions,” Ali told the Sunday Stabroek as he toured the Guyana pavilion at the event.
As he met with participants, he was also quick to enquire if they had travelled with enough produce. Ali’s sentiments on the demand for pineapples and other agricultural produce were echoed by the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC).
“We have gotten a really good response from the locals in terms of the value-added but fresh produce is outstanding. I thought the agri products would have seen a Guyanese audience but it is more Barbadians who have taken a liking to the fresh produce. Our pineapples are selling out. The Barbadians call our pines the sweet pine and this is big,” NGMC representative Devin Warner told the Sunday Stabroek yesterday.
“The ground provisions too because they use a lot of it and things like raw turmeric, ginger, carilla, and watermelon are in demand. The taste for Guyana’s products is seen by the many people coming,” he added.
He said that over the years there has been a growing market and increase in demand for local products and that NGMC was checking to see how there can be a continuation after the fest.
The Guyana Office for Investment (G-Invest) is participating for the fourth time at the annual event which is organized by the Barbados Agricultural Society.
Head of G-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop said the number of Guyanese exhibitors has increased from around 47 last year to 80 this year and it was reflective of his organisation’s strategic plan in seeing more markets for Guyana’s products.
Traditional products like pepper sauce, achar, tamarind balls and coconut biscuits continue to see buyers but one delegate, Tamika Morris has taken the flavour of pepper sauce to another level. This year she brought pepper sauce made of boulanger (eggplant). “My family likes experimenting with condiments, especially pepper sauces.
We have even tried dried fish in pepper sauce. You won’t know until you try it and experiment with the flavour,” she said.
Barbecue
But what is hot at her booth is her barbecue sauce as all have been sold out. “It’s day two and all my barbecue sauce gone and people come asking for more because they hear of the barbecue sauce with pineapples and papaya,” she said.
The Pearl, East Bank Demerara resident said that she makes barbecue sauce with passion fruit, tamarind and other fruits she believes would “add a kick” . So far, they have all been a hit and she plans on returning next year for the expo.
“It is my first year and I was afraid to walk with plenty, plenty things. I know now what is needed so I plan to come back next year”,’ she said.
Local beauty products are also an attractive item among buyers and another first-time attendee – Falana Fraser – showcased her products which she said has seen much interest from patrons.
On the craft side of the exposition, there are many persons but Region 3 Santa Mission resident Shereen Singh has followed in her sister’s footsteps and is wowing Barbadians and tourists visiting with local Indigenous products such as beaded and women’s clothing and adornments.
“They love the unique things and are amazed that we can make so many baskets with different weaving patterns,” she said.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell was presented with one of the woven neck pieces that consists of a lucky bead which he said that he will be wearing quite often.
Angela Robinson, who operates on the Merriman Mall, had visitors to her booth in awe with her hand painted clothing and customized handbags she made. She said that she was glad to participate as this was not limited to Barbadians and the Agrofest is held during the peak tourist season.
She said she hopes to be a part of the team again next year but is hoping that Guyana goes to other Caribbean countries to showcase what it has.
In a statement G-Invest said that its participation in this event aligns directly with President Ali’s Vision 2030 and Beyond Plan, which outlines a strategic framework for economic transformation in Guyana. The plan focuses on agriculture-led growth, regional food security, and private sector-driven development, aiming to reduce CARICOM’s food import bill and position Guyana as an agricultural powerhouse in the Caribbean.
It said that Ramsaroop is investing in participation because the forum can be a catalyst for investments in food security.
“As Guyana leads in food security and economic diversification, Agrofest 2025 provides the perfect platform to showcase our goods and services. With the support of government and private sector initiatives, our businesses are ready to forge new partnerships and expand market access. The signing of agreements for the ferry service and food terminal will enhance trade, reduce logistical barriers, and further boost tourism, cultural exchange, and eco-tourism opportunities between Guyana and Barbados,” he said.
This year, according to G-Invest, about 80 Guyanese businesses are showcasing their products and services across key industries, including Agro-Processing, Tourism, Handicrafts & Garments, Furniture, Cosmetics, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Other producers and manufacturers and consultants. These businesses reflect Guyana’s diversified economic landscape and growing influence in the Caribbean market.
“In support of these businesses, collectively the Government and Private sector have provided technical and financial assistance. Moreover, the Small Business Bureau has sponsored 12 businesses, while GMC and GNBS have each sponsored five additional businesses. DDL and Tropical Shipping have also facilitated the shipping of two 40-ft containers, ensuring that Guyanese products reach Barbadian consumers efficiently,” the investment agency said in its statement.
G-Invest noted that the success of the event has been evident, with leading Guyanese brands such as Comfort Sleep, Only Coconuts, and Tidy-Up securing a presence in the Barbadian market. Additionally, the Guyana Marketing Corporation successfully established a Guyana Shop in Bridgetown at Sachin Minimart, creating a direct retail avenue for Guyanese products in Barbados.
It said that this year Banks DIH Ltd and Demerara Distillers Ltd. will both host export market launches as part of the Guyana Pavilion, sensitizing the Barbadian masses to their products including for the first time – DDL’s ‘Topco’, as well as Savannah Milk. On the hand, Banks DIH will have their wines, cream liqueurs and selected malt products. The commemorative launch will be held today.
Also on today, the Guyana Pavilion will be introducing two new features. A live cooking demonstration – bringing authentic Guyanese cuisine to visitors, allowing them to experience the country’s rich culinary heritage firsthand and a Virtual Reality Tourism Experience – A 360-degree immersive showcase of Guyana’s landscapes, eco-tourism destinations, and investment-ready locations. “These innovations are designed to strengthen Guyana’s brand visibility and attract tourism and business interest,” it said.
G-Invest said it remains committed to initiatives that foster sustainable development, trade expansion, and regional cooperation.
