– in latest ‘eat local’ drive

THE Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) recently commenced a series of promotional events as part of its ‘eat local’ initiative, the entity said in a release.
The first event, which was held at the Bourda Post Office, saw the agency inform patrons about a range of new and pre-established flours and porridge mixes that are available for purchase at the Guyana Shop.

GMC Marketing Officer, Ms Omalita Balgobin, said that the objective of the activity was to promote the use of locally manufactured porridge products among a targeted group of the populace.

“With these promotions, GMC is looking to increase the sale of porridge mixes for existing brands, and increase brand awareness for newer brands that are available in the Guyana Shop and in many of the leading supermarkets,” Balgobin said, adding: “I must also point out that this event was organised to specifically target senior citizens, as GMC hopes to create an increased interest in flour and porridge products. This is why the location and day of payment of senior citizens’ pensions were chosen.”

She further stated that the porridge samples were prepared with and without sugar, taking into account the possible health conditions of the target market.

The activity saw participation from a number of small and large-scale agro-processors, which gave pensioners the opportunity to sample and purchase a range of products.
Proprietor of South American Coco Company, Ms. Lois Rickford, used the opportunity to promote her Plantain, Eddo and Sweet Potato Flours, and Mr. Braithwaite of Braf’s Manufacturing, to showcase his various flavours of Instant Porridge Mix, among them Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate, and Plantain and Barley Flours.

The National Milling Company (NAMILCO), which is one of Guyana’s seasoned producers, also used the opportunity to promote their ‘Wheat-up’ porridge mix.
Over 100 pensioners were able to benefit from the day’s activity, and expressed delight at the quality of the products that were on display.

Company General Manager, Mrs. Ida Sealey-Adams, spoke of some of the additional marketing strategies to be rolled out by the corporation in 2018.
“GMC is all about building brand awareness of locally produced commodities,” she said. “Oftentimes we have a number of wonderful products on the market, but people are sceptical when it comes to making these products their brand of choice.
“They might not be sure of the taste or nutritional content. These promotions are GMC’s way of informing and educating persons about the great things Guyanese are doing as it relates to producing quality products.”
GMC will be hosting similar activities at other post offices in Region Four during the course of the year, thereby giving persons the opportunity to sample a number locally produced flour and porridge mixes. (DPI)