New Caribe Snackz aiming to supply local, regional markets

…to purchase plantains, cassava from farmers

Newly-introduced Caribe Snackz has been launched with intentions of supplying local and regional markets, and now provides another avenue for farmers to sell their produce.
Caribe Snackz was launched at the Guyana Manufacturing Corporation (GMC) Agro-Processing Facility at Parika, East Bank Essequibo on Friday.
Five varieties of plantain chips and cassava chips have been created by the new enterprise, with production slated to exceed 200,000 packs per week. As they penetrate new markets, this number is expected to grow. Currently, 25 persons are directly employed with over 100 indirectly employed.

Chief Executive Officer of Caribe Snackz, Chief Samsair said he took the leap to return to Guyana, having witnessed the commitment by Government in creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
“Since we took this project on, Government agencies have provided technical support in every step of the way and as a result, we’re able to launch a product…We will be supplying both domestic and regional markets and we also intend to distribute in North America and Europe in the future,” he said.
Samsair indicated that local farmers are supplying their manufacturing operations. He called for them to be assisted both technically and financially in providing these goods at competitive prices.
“We’re committed to supporting the local farmers by purchasing the products and produce for our operations…If the farmers are unable to produce at the competitive price, then companies like ours would be forced to find alternative suppliers.”
The CEO shared that lowering Caricom’s food bill by 25 per cent by 2025 is an opportunity to establish Guyana as a leading local producer and exporter of agricultural products.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong lauded this investment, “This is a great opportunity for our farmers to increase their income and for our country to showcase its agricultural potential…It is an achievement that should be celebrated and serve as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs to invest in the agriculture sector and contribute to the sustainable development of Guyana.”
In his feature remarks, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha zeroed in on what this means for the country, as he pointed to an increase in local production and exports.

“We normally produce primary products and there must be a time where we must add value to those products that we have been producing. For too long, we have been exporting primary products. When our oranges go to the Caribbean country, we have to buy the juices,” he explained.
Over the last two and a half years, Mustapha said a revolution has struck in the agricultural sector, where investments have been made to increase value-added goods. Some 13 agro-processing plants are earmarked for establishment this year across the country to support these goals.
“Over the next two years, I am very optimistic that Guyana and the rest of the Caricom will work hard, work assiduously to achieving the goal of reducing the food import bill.” (G12)