First shipment of Guyanese agro-processed products to hit Caribbean shelves soon

Guyana’s agro-processors are set to benefit from a major new regional export opportunity as the Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), has partnered with ANSA McAL to supply locally produced, value-added agro-processed commodities across the Caribbean.

The initiative, which was conceptualised under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to expand market access for local producers and strengthen Guyana’s position as a leading regional supplier of high-quality agro-products.

During a recent engagement with agro-processors, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced that the partnership is now moving from planning to execution, with the first shipment of two containers of Guyanese agro-processed products scheduled for export to ANSA McAL’s distribution network across the Caribbean.

“You have been saying for some time that you need markets for your products. I want to make it very clear that, based on the initiative of His Excellency, the President, we are now able to export our produce directly to Caribbean countries,” Minister Mustapha said.

He explained that the partnership originated during the groundbreaking of ANSA McAL’s new commercial mall on the East Coast of Demerara, where President Ali engaged the company on incorporating Guyanese agro-products into its supermarket chains throughout the region.

“When the sod was turned for the construction of the ANSA McAL mall, the President spoke with them about ensuring that their supermarkets around the Caribbean are selling Guyanese products, especially our agro-processed commodities. I’m pleased to report that we are now on the verge of making that a reality,” Minister Mustapha stated.
The Minister further disclosed that most of the agro-processors present at the engagement have already supplied products for the first two containers, which will soon be shipped to ANSA McAL.

“This will be a monthly exercise. If you were not able to supply products for this shipment, you will be contacted by the Guyana Marketing Corporation in the coming weeks. We expect to supply a minimum of two containers per month to ANSA McAL,” Minister Mustapha said.

In addition to ANSA McAL, the government is also collaborating with Massy Stores, creating further opportunities for local products to reach supermarket shelves across multiple Caribbean destinations.

Minister Mustapha encouraged agro-processors to scale up their production and adopt a mindset geared toward export readiness, stressing that the government is committed to providing continued guidance and technical support.

“We must now start producing on a larger scale. I know that some of our agro-processors produce mainly for local markets, but we have to change our mindset. This door, which was opened by President Ali, augurs well for all of us. We will guide you, we will communicate with you, and we will ensure that your products find their way onto overseas shelves,” he affirmed.

The Minister emphasised that the initiative represents another clear example of President Ali’s visionary leadership in advancing agriculture and agro-industrial development, noting that agro-processing is now being positioned as a key industry within Guyana’s non-oil economic diversification agenda.

“Our government, through President Ali, has been creating opportunities for every category of producer. The President is very passionate about agriculture and about adding value to our raw products. Through initiatives like this, we are transforming agro-processing into a vibrant and profitable industry,” Minister Mustapha said.

This new export arrangement will not only help generate foreign exchange earnings but also stimulate job creation, rural development, and economic growth within Guyana’s expanding agro-processing sector. [Ministry of Agriculture Press Release]