FOR many Guyanese, the rich, mouthwatering aroma of Pepperpot is synonymous with Christmas morning—a tradition steeped in cultural pride and familial warmth. But for those far from home or unfamiliar with the intricacies of preparing this iconic dish, a local enterprise is bridging the gap between tradition and convenience.

Ashdel’s Enterprise, a business nestled in 7th Street Paradise, East Coast Demerara (ECD), has transformed the quintessential Guyanese Pepperpot into a modern, instant meal solution.
This year, the company achieved a significant milestone, earning certification under the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Permit to use the Made in Guyana Certification Mark. This recognition allows Ashdel’s to proudly feature the GNBS standards mark on its Instant Beef Pepperpot (100g), Instant Veggie Pepperpot (100g), and Instant Plantain Porridge products—a testament to their quality and authenticity.

The brainchild of proprietress Grace Parris, Ashdel’s Enterprise began in 2018 with a mission to create Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) that showcased Guyanese cuisine for soldiers deployed in remote hinterland regions. “We were shown what the foreign kits contained—a complete set of meals that didn’t require cooking,” Parris recalled. Inspired to localise the concept, she initially ventured into instant chicken stew but found success only after incorporating cassareep, the traditional cornerstone of Pepperpot.
Recognising cassareep’s potential for natural preservation and its cultural significance, Parris pivoted to creating Instant Beef Pepperpot. The product quickly gained traction, particularly during the festive season, as a convenient yet authentic alternative to the labour-intensive traditional dish.

Parris emphasised that the Instant Beef Pepperpot is made using the same methods and spices as its traditional counterpart. Packaged with separate packets for sauces and meat, the product retains its authentic taste while offering ease of preparation. “It’s pepperpot, just as we know it,” Parris affirmed.
To ensure quality and consumer trust, Parris invested in training and revamped her packaging after observing how customers handled the product. Today, Ashdel’s products are not only convenient but also meet high standards of safety and quality, with a shelf life of one year and no artificial preservatives.

Achieving the Made in Guyana Certification Mark has been a game-changer for Ashdel’s Enterprise. Parris highlighted how the certification boosted sales and solidified the product’s reputation as a premium, locally made good. “The Made in Guyana brand gave me a marketing tool for people to say it is Guyanese and made to a particular standard,” she explained.

The certification process, she noted, was smooth and empowering, equipping her to meet growing demand without compromising on quality. Parris encouraged other businesses to seek certification, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards for Guyanese products on both local and international markets.

Ashdel’s Instant Pepperpot and Plantain Porridge are now available at major retailers like Bounty Supermarkets, DSL, and the Guyana Shop. For Parris, this achievement is more than a business milestone—it’s a step toward making traditional Guyanese cuisine more accessible and recognisable worldwide.
“Let’s make the ‘Made in Guyana’ a standard we can be proud of,” she urged. “It’s a seal that guarantees quality and authenticity, showcasing our culture on a global stage.”
Ashdel’s Enterprise is not just preserving a beloved tradition but also modernising it, ensuring that pepperpot remains a cherished part of Guyanese culture for generations to come.