Massy Stores, Agriculture Ministry strengthen partnership with launch of locally-produced Vannamei Shrimp

Massy Stores (Guyana) Inc., in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, has officially launched the sale of locally produced Vannamei shrimp from the Onverwagt Prawns Project in Region Five.

The product is now available at all Massy Stores locations nationwide, marking a significant milestone in connecting a flagship government-supported aquaculture initiative directly to the retail market and Guyanese consumers.

The Onverwagt Prawns Project, an agricultural and aquaculture initiative under the Government of Guyana, is projected to produce approximately 360 tons of shrimp annually. The project forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s broader food security strategy and is designed to expand Guyana’s shrimp industry, reduce seafood imports, create income opportunities for farmers, and position the country for future regional export growth while strengthening long-term food security.

Assistant Vice-President and General Manager of Massy Stores (Guyana) Inc., Mr. Christpen Bobb-Semple, underscored the significance of the partnership:

“Our partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture demonstrates how public policy and private sector collaboration can translate vision into tangible outcomes. By supporting initiatives such as the Onverwagt Vannamei Shrimp Project, we are contributing to Guyana’s non-oil economic diversification while strengthening local value chains. Importantly, this partnership helps connect domestic production to the market, supports local producers, and ensures Guyanese consumers have greater access to high-quality, locally sourced food.”

The Onverwagt initiative is among a suite of transformative investments conceptualised by President Irfaan Ali, aimed at expanding aquaculture, modernising agriculture, and building a more resilient, self-sustaining national food system.

The launch of Vannamei shrimp aligns with Massy Stores’ broader commitment to advancing Brand Guyana and supporting local enterprise development. Massy Stores has actively contributed to the Brand Guyana initiative through dedicated retail space at Massy Stores Providence and Massy Stores Mega, showcasing export-ready Guyanese products. The company has also partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture on key initiatives, including the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), by facilitating market access for locally produced items such as pepper jelly and selected leafy vegetables across its supermarket network.

Through continued collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Massy Stores remains committed to advancing initiatives that strengthen local production, enhance food security, and expand opportunities for Guyanese entrepreneurs and producers.