Finance Minister invites Grace Kennedy to set up manufacturing operation in Guyana

Regional food giant, Grace Kennedy has been invited to establish a manufacturing presence in Guyana by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.

The Finance Minister speaking during the fourth Jamaican export and investment mission to Guyana, acknowledged the company’s strong global brand amid Guyana’s growing agro-processing potential.

“Grace Kennedy has a huge global footprint, you go into mainstream supermarkets in the US and you see Grace Kennedy products on the shelves.

“We would be delighted for you to come to Guyana to set up a manufacturing presence in Guyana,” an enthusiastic Dr. Singh said in response a representative from the company who inquired about the potential investment in Guyana.

Highlighting Guyana’s agricultural potential, the Finance Minister stated that the country is well-positioned to supply produce such as coconuts to Grace Kennedy products.

“We have a huge coconut industry.

“The truth is, Grace Kennedy coconut water should have in the fine print – Product of Guyana. Your coconuts shouldn’t come from Thailand, your coconuts should come from Guyana,” the minister said.

He went on highlight Guyana’s agro-processing potential with an abundance of fruits and vegetables now been cultivated here. Singh said these products can easily be transformed into value-added goods under the Grace Kennedy brand.

“Agro-processing is extremely important, all those crops we grow could easily be packaged and branded as Grace products,” Singh said.

The minister made it abundantly clear that the government is open to partner with Grace Kennedy.

However, should Grace Kennedy opt to invest directly or to license a local manufacturer, he said, Guyana is ready to support.

“It can be a Guyanese manufacturer, and you work out with them your standards, branding and labelling, that is also a possibility.”