More consumers ‘buying local’- New GMC

Oct 17, 2011 News

Women’s Groups tapping into local market

The demand for local products, particularly agro-produce, is increasing but consumers are only willing to ‘buy local’ if the quality is better or comparable to the foreign produce.
This is according to Ida Sealy-Adams, Agriculture Business Development Officer, New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), who facilitated a Quality Control and Marketing workshop last Saturday.
The beneficiaries were members of the Mangroves Reserve Producers attached to the Mangroves Restoration Project. The workshop was held at the Mangroves Visitors Centre, Victoria, East Coast Demerara.
The women’s groups of the five mangrove reserves, Golden Grove to Belfield, Mahaicony, Profit/ Abary, Willington and Trafalgar, are currently agro-producers. Their products include pepper sauce, green seasonings, honey, wine, and candles.
However, similar products with popular brands are already available on the local market. As such, the workshop targeted several areas including hygiene, quality and labeling that could make their produce competitive.
Sealy-Adams stated that for the women’s groups to expand, it is essential that their produce is of high quality. A major part of that is labeling, which forms part of the packaging.
The labels must be visible, legible and informative. For instance, listing possible benefits of utilizing the products will appeal to consumers.
According to Annette Arjoon-Martins, Chairperson of the Mangrove Action Committee, individuals and business entities such as the Bounty Supermarket have already expressed interest in the products, even though they are now being enhanced. She challenged the members to provide their customers with quality products.
To market their products, the women will be hosting a Market/ Fun Day at Mangroves Visitors Centre on October 30. The focus of the event is to inform the public about their products and promote their Christmas package.
She stated that the event will be open to the public and admission is free. It will include breakfast and educational environmental games for children. Importantly, the women’s groups will have several booths displaying their products.
Arjoon-Martins added that another incentive that will be offered for persons to come out and support the women is free tours of the mangrove reserves. She added that this is a good offer as visitors to the centre are charged $3,000 for a two-hour tour.
It is expected that persons who would have toured the reserves will return with their relatives and friends.

Latest News

More consumers ‘buying local’- New GMC

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Allicock, Amsterdam named in GBA training squad 2025 Caribbean Boxing...

Interesting transfers, Clubs secure firepower...

North East beat Back Circle B; set up semi...

DCC executive laud Savory, Imlach for champion...

Dozens of young chess players participate in...

Shai Hope claims Green Belt and Dispatch of the...

Features/Columnists

Forward to the past

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Process, procedure, political people and public servants

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

More consumers ‘buying local’- New GMC

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]