Over 100 agro-processing businesses confirmed for UncappeD Marketplace 2024

Over 100 argo-processing businesses will be on display at this year’s UncappeD Marketplace, which will be held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara between August 31 and September 1.
The eagerly anticipated UnCappeD event is organized by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and aims to connect local small businesses with a new cohort of customers.

In an interview with this newscast Communication Officer for GMSA, Nikesha Castello revealed that consumers can expect high-quality local products, which include spices, condiments, face creams, beverages, and sauces.
Notably, many of these businesses are owned and operated by women, underscoring the event’s commitment to gender inclusivity and empowerment.
“There are over 30 new businesses, new members of GMSA that are part of the exhibition. UnCappeD is a platform we have established for like-minded persons to come together in one setting to learn from each other. Whether it’s bettering their labelling, or their packaging, they need advice. If it’s support, they come together now and they can discuss that and learn from each other.”
While the event will see its usual companies involved in agricultural machinery, bottled products, craft, and financing, this year’s UncappeD promises to be far different, showcasing a wide range of products that were not available in the previous year, and launching several new and innovative ones.
Castello shared that a few new amenities such as a food festival were added to this year’s edition of the event.
“We’ve included a food festival to Uncapped Marketplace with over 20 food vendors specializing in Guyanese cuisine as well as regional and international cuisine. There will be a cultural show in the evening from 6 pm to 8 pm both nights…We also have corporate entities participating in Uncapped such as Republic Bank, IPED, Guyana School of Agriculture, and Guyana Marketing Corporation to offer advice whether it’s financing or finding courses that they can use to better themselves. We have corporate sponsors such as Sterling Products that can offer them advice on larger things that may interest them. It’s not just an expo that they can come and sell their products but also to learn from each other and take back something,” she added.
The free weekend event begins at 10:00h each day, offering a chance to view local agro-products alongside a selection of games, giveaways, and other attractions.
UnCappeD joined the Guyanese market in 2016 and has proven to be a supporting local entrepreneurial and economic development platform that helps small business owner expand their operations to export their products beyond Guyana’s borders.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali is actively working to expand Guyana’s food production sector through agro-processing and has signaled plans to package Guyanese products for sale in International Airports and Supermarkets.
This venture is being pursued in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).