By Indrawattie Natram

FIFTY- four-year-old Celine Webster of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara and formerly of Queenstown Village on the Essequibo Coast has introduced tasty seasonings made of natural herbs and spices into the market. Webster, who desires for her business to blossom in the near future, said that her plan is to enhance her packaging and marketing for her seasonings and to find an adequate market from which she can earn a profit.
Webster has been in the business for approximately five years and has been operating under the name “Food King”. At the moment, she grinds “Shake and Fry” seasonings making her own flavours for channa, fish, chicken and vegetarian meals.

Webster attended the Agro and Trade Fair held at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground on April 20 and 21 and organised by the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce. During an interview at that event, she said that she gets joy merging the various herbs and creating high fragrance seasonings. She currently supplies to her regular customers and also those from overseas who support her business.

Webster said all her local seasonings are gathered on the Essequibo Coast before she combines them into special flavours. The herbs are finely ground and blended into a powdered form, preservative free.

“My seasonings are a must to have. It has everything that needs to be in the pot so all you have to do is wash and fry. My seasonings are special, everything is organic and specially ground,” Webster said.

The local agro-processor said her only challenges are packaging and labelling and would welcome any help from any agency.
“I have the ability to make and produce any amount but I need better packaging and labelling for my business [to] flourish, but everything takes time,” the optimistic Webster said.

She said that her seasonings consist of fresh thyme, basil leaves, pepper and other locally produced natural herbs from farmers. When asked her what inspired her to venture into such a business, she said she is a true believer of Jesus Christ and it was a natural calling from the Almighty for her to earn an honest living. To date, those who have used her products have commended her efforts especially her “Shake and Fry” Channa seasoning which is a tasty combination. Those desirous of accessing the seasonings can contact Webster at 669-5195.