Guyanese agro-processors participating in Canada trade show

Five local producers of indigenous processed foods are in Canada to participate in the annual SIAL-11 agricultural trade show in Toronto.

The exhibition, which commenced on May 8, will last until the 14. The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Ltd said in a release that Jet’s Enterprises, Tandy’s Manufacturing Enterprises, Original Juice, Prestige Manufacturing and Bottling Enterprise, and the Kuru Kururu Farmers, Crops and Livestock Association are the businesses represented.

The GMSA said these companies have been in the business of preserving, processing and bottling fruits, vegetables and other agricultural by-products for several years. Each exhibitor expects that this exposition will open the gates to the Canadian and American markets for their “Made in Guyana” products.

The trade mission is another aspect of continued collaboration between the GMSA and the Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) of Canada. The main objective is to provide access to the Canadian market for Guyana’s agricultural producers and processors, artisans, furniture manufacturers, and owners of indigenous enterprises who have brought their products up to international standard.

This effort by the GMSA is one more step in the overall process to create opportunities for business growth, to expose small business owners to markets outside Guyana’s borders, and provide access to international expertise and funding. Participation in this agricultural trade mission to Canada is the second initiative that the GMSA has spearheaded this year, the association said. It added that, back in January, eight Guyanese artisans from rural communities showcased a collection of intricate household artifacts made of leather, cane, woods, clay, tibisiri and other indigenous derivatives at the Canadian Interior Design Show in Toronto. Funding for both these trade mission was provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The exhibitors were selected after a rigorous process of evaluation and in-plant visits by GMSA technical representatives and TFO international consultants.

In April 2010, the association hosted the first export packaging workshop for agro-based exporters and manufacturers of primary and secondary products. It focused on regulations and standards for export packaging materials, printing labels, packaging equipment, testing and quality assurance.