After six weeks…
AL-AZIZ Splash Inc., a juice factory at Lot 13 L’Esperance, Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara, has developed a methodology for manufacturing healthy and delicious fruit juices and drinks to make it affordable for consumers and paying farmers more money.
The enterprise, which began production six weeks ago, has made its mark on the local market and recorded significant growth over the short period, the owner, Mr. Abdul Aziz said.
He said he intends to expand by making other products by year end.
The venture represents a commitment to Guyana by the Aziz family to create employment for many youths in the village and offering farmers the opportunity to produce more fruits.
Aziz migrated to Barbados 30 years ago but returned home to fulfill a dream his father had and built the factory in 2004 but contemplated whether to continue in Barbados or his homeland.
He said he received much encouragement to operate in Barbados but knew that Guyana, being his home, would present many opportunities to him and other Guyanese.
“So I returned home and the support here was even more. Everyone helped in whatever way they could. Go-Invest was backing me all the way, so I purchased my machines and got started. Today it’s a dream come true, not only for me but my entire family” Aziz related.
The establishment now produces 4,000 gallons of juices and drinks of various flavours every week, with modern machines that make it easy for employees to better produce quality products.
The process begins in a water treatment plant and continues in mixing tanks with sugar and flavouring and the correct ingredients for juice or drink added.
The final product passes through pasteuriser tanks and into holding tanks to be bottled and capped.
Aziz said, within a few months, more machines will be introduced to manufacture other merchandise, such as pasteurised milk and a blow moulder to make bottles.
“We are expanding our variety because of the response we received in the market. The products are selling and there has been no consumer complaints, so far,” he noted.
Aziz said the response from farmers has also assisted in making his business grow, as those in the village are selling their fruits to his factory instead of taking them to Georgetown.
The ‘Flavour Fresh’ brands offers a range of natural fruit juices and drinks, including pineapple, orange, mauby, grape, mango and distilled water.
Aziz said, by 2011, he will have at least 50 employees as his focus is on expansion.
He said the products are currently being sold locally to supermarkets and vendors but he has already been guaranteed an overseas market as soon as permission is received for export.