Over 130 businesses confirmed for UncappeD Marketplace 2023
GMSA’s Corporate Communications Specialist, Travis Bruce
Over 130 businesses will be on display at this year’s UncappeD Marketplace, which will be held at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara on March 25 and 26.
This Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) event aims to connect local businesses involved in agro-processing — of which about 75 per cent are small companies — with a new cohort of customers.
“When you look in supermarkets or what is customary, you will see larger [agro-processing] companies flourishing, because they have access to what smaller companies do not necessarily have,” GMSA Corporate Communications Specialist Travis Bruce told Guyana Times during a telephone interview.
“UncappeD Marketplace is pushing our small agro-processors to be better, and work on their packaging and marketing, inculcating those values and beliefs that [will award them] the opportunity to be competitive in the market,” Bruce stated.
With the agro-processing industry being largely male-dominated, the marketplace is offering a unique chance for female-owned businesses to gain access to resources and potential customers.
One of the booths at a previous UncappeD Marketplace
From Denise Gordon of Denise Institute of Catering to Dixie Jorden of Dixie Punch De Cream, about 80 per cent of the exhibitors will be women-led businesses.
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.
“Our title sponsors, one of which is CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, have recognized the role which GMSA is playing in the business community, as well as the role which these small agro-processors have in developing Guyana’s agriculture sector,” Bruce said.
“We are constantly trying to improve, and we want to encourage everyone to bring out their families,” Bruce said.
The free weekend event begins at 10:00am each day, offering a chance to view local agro-products alongside a selection of games, giveaways and other attractions.
