Testimonial

In the heart of Guyana’s food industry, a remarkable success story has been quietly unfolding over the decades. Wardy’s Agro Processing EST., a  business deeply rooted in tradition and innovation has transformed the landscape of local produce.

In the early 80s, when this micro-size business venture was founded, Guyana faced a shortage of essential commodities like flour, prompting a need for self-reliance and ingenuity. Leveraging the abundance of corn production within the country, the visionary behind Wardy’s Agro Processing EST., Mr. Mitford Ward stepped into action. 

The businesses product lineup comprises ten products, including Corn Flour, Plantain Flour, Cassava Flour, Sweet Potato Flour, Eddo Flour, Barley Flour, Chickpea Flour, Moringa Powder, Rice Flour, and the recently added Super Five Porridge Mix. These products not only cater to local tastes but also meet the growing demand for gluten-free alternatives, providing a valuable option for health-conscious consumers.

While the creation of these products did provide this small business with a competitive advantage, the path to success was not without its challenges. The process of producing these innovative flours required precise drying techniques. Facing the limitations of outdoor drying due to inconsistency in quality, the business took a bold step toward innovation. Mr. Ward with the assistance of welders and machinists within the New Amsterdam Region No. 6 area developed his own drying system, an ingenuity-driven solution that allowed them to control the drying process, to some degree. This innovation, however, brought its own set of hurdles, particularly in maintaining consistent temperature. Nevertheless, Mr. Ward’s commitment to quality never wavered.

In the initial stages of production, the business utilized a small self-built hammer mill that was reliant on an engine from a garden tiller to run. Fast forward to 2023, Wardy’s Agro Processing EST. boasts two professionally built mills with quadruple capacity of his first hammer mill, a journey that has been one of relentless dedication. 

Mr. Ward’s small business received a boost when a pivotal partnership with the Small Business Bureau (SBB) provided much-needed assistance. A grant from SBB aided Mr. Ward in overcoming financial challenges as it assisted in the procurement of raw materials. Additionally, through the support of SBB, Mr. Ward has access to an industrial dehydrator, which drastically reduces drying time from three days to one day while preserving the quality and nutritional value of his products.

Furthermore, Mr. Ward cited “the increase in productivity level” as the most significant improvement in his business. “Before using the Incubator Centre, it would take me three days to do one batch of production,” Mr. Ward says, “but now I can do three times that amount in the same time.”

With a clear vision for the future, Wardy Agro Processing EST. aims to extend its reach beyond local borders. The aspiration is to make these wholesome, gluten-free products available throughout Guyana, eventually setting sights on regional and international markets.

Pictures of Mr. Ward’s Products:

           

Services Explored by Mr. Ward:

• Grant
• Sponsorship to attend expositions/ tradeshows
• Access to facilities available at the Berbice Business Incubator Center