Guyana's food and beverage products are attracting attention in Miami, with the World Trade Center Miami (WTC Miami) identifying opportunities for local businesses to expand into the United States and other international markets.

Participants sampling El Dorado rum

Speaking with Ignite News during the Food and Beverage Show and Conference of the Americas in Miami this week, World Trade Center Miami Chief Executive Officer Ivan Barrios said Guyana's participation in the exhibition is providing an important platform for small and medium-sized businesses to connect with potential international buyers.
"Our food show here in Miami is dedicated to helping small and medium-sized companies find their global export partner. World Trade Centre Guyana has been here before, and this year Wesley Brian Kirton is here promoting products from Guyana," Barrios said.

Guyana's beverages drew considerable attention from visitors

He noted that Miami's multicultural population creates a receptive market for Caribbean and South American products. "It's so funny because in Miami we do have a different culture than the rest of the United States. We're very multicultural here, and people are always looking for products from the Caribbean and South America. And these are very unique products that we have here being exhibited today at the Americas Food and Beverage Show from Guyana," he added.

World Trade Center Miami Chief Executive Officer Ivan Barrios

Barrios acknowledged that tariffs remain a challenge for companies entering the US market but explained that the organisation is prepared to assist businesses in addressing their impact. "We know that tariffs have been a very difficult situation right now. But if you call the World Trade Center Miami, we can always help you see how we can minimise the impact of tariffs right now. And we are willing to help," he continued.
He shared hopes that Guyana's presence at the exhibition will expand next year. "We encourage all these companies to do their research and find the buyers that they want to meet. And in turn, World Trade Center Miami gives them 15 free passes to invite those buyers to come to the show and set up their meetings," Barrios related.
He was particularly impressed with products from Demerara Distillers Limited, describing the El Dorado 15-year-old and 21-year-old rums as "smooth."