ACADO Guyana unveils multimillion-dollar distribution centre at Rome 

ACADO Guyana Inc. on Friday unveiled its multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art distribution facility at Rome along the Heroes Highway, marking another chapter in the company’s evolution.

Acado is a major consumer goods distribution and marketing company that provides an array of trusted international and regional brands across food and beverage, home care, beauty and personal care, and pharmaceuticals.

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alicia DeAbreu reflected on the company’s humble beginnings, noting that her parents started the business in a small garage beneath their home before it quickly expanded into the family’s living space.

She said her parents established the business with the intention of becoming a leading distributor in Guyana, despite having limited financial resources.

“[My parents] started the business in a small garage under our home, which then quickly grew into our home. My parents started the business with the intention of becoming a leading distributor in Guyana. They started very small and humble, with very little financials. But also, [where] they were short on cash, they made up for it in integrity and honesty. And these values were their biggest collateral, worth more than any land or building, and it’s attributed and paid to me for our success.”

DeAbreu noted that the company has undergone several transitions over the years, some difficult and others more rewarding. She also reflected on her father’s journey and expressed gratitude to those who stood by her and continue to support her.

She recalled that 14 years ago, she assumed responsibility as CEO, not by choice, but as a result of a difficult transition following her father’s accident. DeAbreu said that experience marked the beginning of her own transition into leadership of the company.

ACADO was established in 1992 by Frank DeAbreu and Deomattie DeAbreu as a small, family-owned business.

Frank DeAbreu, a life insurance salesman, pooled the limited resources available to him and pursued trading in small quantities, a practice known as “suitcase trading”. The items traded at the time included cricket balls, Jamaican Ambi and Lander products.

In January 2015, ACADO partnered with Caribbean Distribution Partners (CDP), a joint venture between Goddard Enterprises and Agostini Limited.

The development has been described as a significant achievement, with further expansion plans already being discussed. The company has also established a growing presence within Guyana’s business community.

Although the business was established more than 30 years ago, it has steadily expanded, particularly under the leadership of its current CEO and team.

Also speaking at the event, Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues highlighted what she described as a highly significant aspect of the company’s development – its contribution to employment for the Guyanese population.

“I want to recognise the company’s contribution to employment. ACADO currently employs approximately 170 Guyanese professionals and is preparing to expand its workforce to 200 employees. Beyond the numbers, the provision of pension and medical benefits demonstrates an understanding that sustainable businesses must also invest in their people. And clearly, this family is doing it right because they’ve been able.”

She added that the Government welcomes and encourages this approach to retaining employees for decades.

“Our responsibility is to continue creating an environment in which businesses can invest, innovate, expand, and create opportunities.”

Rodrigues further noted that while businesses have a responsibility to operate with integrity, maintain high standards, and contribute to the communities in which they operate, the partnership between ACADO and the Agostini Group represents another important dimension of the company’s story.

“Strong regional partnerships allow Guyanese companies to access knowledge, networks, markets, and capabilities that can strengthen our domestic economy, while positioning Guyana as an increasingly important centre for commerce and investment in the Caribbean and wider region. This is particularly relevant to the work of my Ministry.”

Meanwhile, Rodrigues described the occasion as a significant milestone, noting that it represents more than the growth of a company but also more than three decades of enterprise resilience, partnership, and confidence in Guyana.

The 35-year journey was described as a reflection of what can be achieved when integrity, hard work, sound relationships, and a willingness to adapt are placed at the centre of business.