Dozens of Guyanese agro-processors once again had an opportunity to showcase and market their products at the second UncappeD Marketplace event held on Saturday, July 28 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
More than 50 agro-processors had their products on sale and offered samples to hundreds of visitors to the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) organized event which was made possible with the support of sponsors; the lead one being ExxonMobil Guyana.
OilNOW spoke with the company’s Senior Director, Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe at the event who said support for small businesses and the growing agro-processing sector was integral to the growth and development of the industry.
“We’re excited to be here and support small businesses. Us sponsoring this event along with other sponsors allowed these businessmen and women to come out and promote their products and be able to sell and gain more market-awareness about what they are doing,” Moe said.
The first UncappeD Marketplace event was held in April as a spin-off from Guyana Flavours UncappeD, which was held in October 2017.
The concept of the ‘Marketplace’ is to create conditions similar to that of a farmers market where agro-processors are able to maximize sales while promoting their products to the ever-increasing market of local buyers.
GMSA’s First Vice President, Ramsay Ali has indicated that a long-term marketing campaign is being rolled out that is geared towards helping agro-processors build capacity and improve their products. Ali, who has been the lead GMSA official working with other organizers in making the Marketplace events a success, said the ultimate objective is to help the small business owners in the sector realize their full potential.
Moe said ExxonMobil is committed to continuing its support of the events, four of which is expected to be held annually in various locations across the country. “We’re excited to be a part of it and happy to continue,” she said.
The next UncappeD Marketplace is scheduled to be held in Berbice in the last quarter of 2018. Other sponsors include Sterling Products Limited, Beharry Group of Companies, Banks DIH Limited, Republic Bank, Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO) and the Ministry of Business, with Marketing and Communications support from Sagacity and brand support from Impressions.
Well done Exxon it warms my heart. Guyanese are very happy for this for this. Keep up the interest and good work