New items, old favourites in Guyana Shop’s ‘Christmas basket’

The Guyana Shop has started its Christmas basket promotion featuring new local products while retaining some that were already consumer favourites at its Robb Street location.

The popular promotion, which has been held annually over the past 10 years, is usually a boon to local agro-processors.

The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) which manages the Guyana Shop, selects items from among its over 700 products for baskets that are sought after by individuals, families and companies alike over the festive season.

GMC Public Relations Officer, Ms. Shevon Nedd said, “Our Christmas basket promotion is one way to further promote our local agro-processed products. We have a wide variety of great local products with awesome packaging and we want Guyanese to support local agro-processors by purchasing local products, not only during the Christmas period, but throughout the year.”

Several producers told DPI that the initiaive is always welcome, but particularly so this year amid the Covid pandemic.

Ms. Michelle Reidward, Office Administrator at Umami Incorporated said any initiative by the GMC is one which benefits small businessss.

“GMC is the organisation that usually push for local business and if they are using this period to push further, it is a welcomed idea.”

During the Christmas season, she added, Umami usually gets more orders from the GMC for the promotion.

Mr. Michael Sinclair, owner of M&I Business Enterprise, said the initiative helps to  increase sales and expand the market reach of the products, which will help businesses, especailly those that are struggling this year.

Other beneficiaries includuing  Ms. Marcia Kwong, propreitor of Marcia’s Products, and Ms. Rodiekah Defreitas of Diekah’s Spices said the ‘Christmas basket’ initiative helps to expand their markets.

This year, the baskets costs $12,000, $8000 and $5000. Customers also have the option of customsing their own baskets.

Ms. Nedd said the GMC has received several orders for baskets. Further, every year, new items are offered in the baskets and are added to the product line in the Guyana Shop.

The promotion started on November 19 and will run until month-end. The public can order baskets on telephone numbers 227-1630 ext 219 or 205 or they can visit the Guyana Shop at its Robb and Alexander Streets location.