GMC holds ‘pineapple’ affair (GC + GINA)

Established to help boost the country’s local products, the Guyana Marketing Corporation’s new facility, the Guyana Shop and Marketing Information Centre Saturday held a pineapple promotion. The Robb and Alexander streets Centre is aimed at facilitating and coordinating development of non-traditional agricultural produce and products for export and improving on services offered by the GMC. Its ‘pineapple affair’ was held to highlight the many products and delicacies made from the succulent fruit. Farmers showcased and sold their pineapple jams, jellies, wine, and other delicacies, as well as rubbing alcohol all made from pineapple.

According to General Manager of GMC Nizam Hassan, “Through this activity we hope that more persons will be aware of the agriculture products and produce in Guyana.” Hassan said that this is the first external activity since the new shop was launched last month and noted that several other promotions are planned for the months ahead. He explained that since its launch, the new facility has been doing very well. “We saw lots of overseas Guyanese, tourists and visitors during the Cricket World Cup period.”Farmers expressed satisfaction at the initiative by the GMC, noting that it is an activity which must continue. They also urged Guyanese to support the local agriculture sector and subsequently the growth of the country’s economy.

The Guyana Shop currently has more than 400 varied local items for sale to the public. It will make market information and contact more accessible to guide clients on current market trends and demand at the global level. Market agents will provide guidance for possible linkages between farmers and prospective buyers/exporters. “This Guyana Shop initiative aims to promote only products made and grown in Guyana, and will also conduct retail sales as secondary focus. Officers will do whatever is necessary to promote export and the facility will provide information to curtail market failures,” Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said at the shop’s launching in March. GMC plays an instrumental role in the export of non-traditional produce to Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia. The corporation is currently working to develop a similar link with Trinidad and Tobago. It was through the GMC that market linkages were formed with buyers from the United States for peppers, plantain and corn flour.