Microwave-ready pepperpot, flavoured plantain chips among products to get US$30,000 support

Local agro-processors have added their own flair to Guyanese foods and food products, making packaged pepperpot that needs just three minutes in the microwave before eating and cheese-flavoured plantain chips.

And to help these producers expand production and satisfy both local and foreign markets, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a five- year Economic Development Accelerator programme that provides local agro-processors with year-long training.

The first round of the programme was completed this year with 30 participants benefitting from the training. A final five got US $30,000 (or GY $6.2 million) each to expand their business.

Among the products created by the final five are microwave-ready pepperpot created by Asdel Foods, dehydrated split peas cook-up created by Taz Foods, vanilla extract created by blue ribbon manufacturing, flavoured plantain chips created by Country Style Foods and meat seasoning created by Pleasurable flavors.

“The idea is to encourage agro-processors to scale and in scaling and exporting, we hope to contribute to them gaining more revenue.
“… that way, they can employ more people and contribute to food security in Guyana,” the programme’s manager Shaundell Brotherson told the News Room.

To participate in the programme, agro-processors must be in business for at least two years. During the programme, those participants benefit from training in several key areas including marketing, manufacturing and finance.

Brotherson also highlighted that the USAID is currently accepting applications for the next cohort of participants. Applications close on June 30, 2022 and training will commence in September.