Proudly local: Innovative minds shine at Berbice Expo

…as entrepreneurs turn ideas into big opportunities

Innovation took centre stage at this year’s Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, where a new generation of creative entrepreneurs showcased the power of local talent and resourcefulness. The annual event, held at the Welfare Ground in East Canje, Berbice, continues to be a fertile ground for visionary thinkers like Abigail John of Propa Local Wines and Propa Local Teas; and Alyssa Crandon of Exotic Bites. Both women represent a growing movement of Guyanese entrepreneurs who are not only transforming traditional products into modern, market-ready brands but also redefining what “Made in Guyana” truly means. Their creativity and business acumen align perfectly with this year’s Expo theme: “Harnessing New Wealth — Modernising Traditional Sectors for Sustainable Economic Development.”

From t-shirts to teas: Abigail John’s “Propa Local” revolution
For Abigail John, entrepreneurship is a story of adaptation, creativity and a deep love for her country’s natural resources. The founder of Propa Local Wines and Propa Local Teas began her business journey quite unexpectedly. “In 2018, I graduated from a Course in Marketing and Business Management. “I had a T-shirt printing business, but when COVID hit in 2019, people stopped ordering. My uncle, who makes ‘GT Wines’, told me, ‘Market this thing; it’s going to sell.’ So I tried it. I started selling wine, and I fell in love with the business.” That experience became her launchpad. She soon developed her own brand using Guyanese fruits to create distinctive blends that quickly gained popularity. When she first participated in the Berbice Expo, the public’s reaction opened her eyes to a new market opportunity.
“The response was great,” John recalled.
“But many people said they don’t drink alcohol and asked if I had something else. That’s how Propa Local Teas was born — to give everyone a chance to experience the benefits of our local herbs in a healthy way,” she explained.
Her new line of herbal teas has become a sensation.
“We brought Total Propa Local Teas this year, and the response has been phenomenal. People are becoming more health-conscious, and they love that our products are all-natural, local, and authentic.” Among her most talked-about products is ‘Goodwood’, a tea blend made from a mix of traditional herbs known to support men’s health.
“Goodwood helps regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, and circulation,” John explained with a laugh. “It’s not that something’s wrong with you fellas; it is to help you stay right.” For women, her best-selling blend is ‘Pretty Kitty’, made from local herbs designed to cleanse the womb and regulate menstrual cycles. “We also have teas that help you sleep, teas that purge, and teas that energise you. All of our blends are made from real Guyanese herbs, no shortcuts, no gimmicks,” she said proudly. “This isn’t a fly-by-night setup at home; it is a genuine Guyanese herbal brand that can compete anywhere. It is the perfect gift; a proper local tea straight out of the box.”
As she served samples to a steady stream of Expo visitors, John’s passion for her craft was undeniable. “Every time someone tries a cup and smiles, I know we’re on the right track,” she said. “We are taking traditional knowledge, things our grandparents used, and turning them into something sustainable and marketable for today’s world.”

Flavours of innovation: Alyssa Crandon’s ‘Exotic Bites’
Across the exhibition site, Alyssa Crandon, founder of Exotic Bites, was also drawing attention with her range of creative agro-processed products. Her booth was filled with colour: jars of peach powder, chamomile spread, purple tea bags, and an assortment of homemade ice creams that attracted a constant crowd. “I like to experiment with local ingredients that people often overlook. We do things like peach powder, which can be used in smoothies or pastries; and our chamomile spread, it is soothing, floral, and completely unique. It is not something you find every day,” Crandon explained.
Her innovative approach is grounded in practicality. “We want to make products that are healthy, affordable, and shelf-stable. Everything we do uses ingredients grown right here in Guyana. It’s about creating value from what we already have.”
Crandon said she took the initiative to contact the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to participate in this year’s Expo. “I reached out to them because I really wanted to showcase what we’re doing. They were supportive and encouraged me to take part. For small businesses like mine, events like this mean everything. You get exposure, you meet customers, and you learn from others.”
Her products are currently available in Georgetown and along the East Coast corridor, but she hopes to expand further. “I want to see Exotic Bites in supermarkets across Guyana and, eventually, on regional shelves,” she said confidently.
“When people pick up my product, I want them to think: this looks professional, this tastes amazing, and this was made right here.”
Like John, Crandon believes innovation and presentation are key to growing local industries. “It’s not just about making something, it is about making it stand out. If we can elevate the look and quality of local products, we can compete with anyone.”

A platform for innovation and growth
The success of innovators like John and Crandon highlights the growing importance of entrepreneurship in Guyana’s regional development. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, has been a strong advocate for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through targeted Government initiatives.
During her address at the opening of the Expo, Minister Rodrigues reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The Berbice Expo continues to be an important platform for showcasing the creativity, skill, and resilience of our people. We have always believed that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They drive innovation, create jobs, and build communities,” she said. Minister Rodrigues also noted that the Government’s investment in training, access to financing, and market linkages is yielding results.
“Through the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and other programmes, we are ensuring that entrepreneurs across Guyana, especially women and youth have the tools they need to grow. When we talk about modernisation, it’s not only about large-scale industries. It’s also about empowering our small producers, our craft makers, and our agro-processors to innovate and expand.” The Minister further pointed out that the tourism sector’s growth complements local enterprise.
“Last month alone, 24,655 visitors arrived in Guyana, and over 6,300 travelled to Berbice. That means more eyes, more interest, and more opportunity for local businesses. The more we grow tourism, the more we grow our local economy,” the Minister mentioned. Her remarks echoed through the exhibition halls as visitors sampled locally produced wines, teas, sauces, and condiments, and admired the ingenuity behind every product. “What we are witnessing here is not just commerce, it is creativity. It is the spirit of Guyanese innovation at work,” Rodrigues said.

Innovation rooted in tradition
As evening descended on the Welfare Ground, the hum of conversation and the aroma of local food filled the air. Both John and Crandon continued greeting customers, their stories resonating with visitors who saw in them the very essence of the Expo’s theme.
“I’m proud to be part of something that represents growth,” John said as she poured a steaming cup of Pretty Kitty tea for a visitor. “We’re not just selling products, we’re creating a culture of health, pride, and self-reliance.” Crandon smiled as she handed out samples of her chamomile spread. “Every Expo is a new beginning,” she said. “Every person who stops at my booth is a chance to inspire someone else to dream, to start small, and to build something real.” Meanwhile, after the first night it can be concluded that the 2025 Berbice Expo was not just a fair; it was a living testament to the spirit of Berbice – creative, determined, and proudly local.