Nestled in Berbice, Region Six, B&R Products has steadily built a reputation for producing high-quality, locally made agro-processed products, grounded in tradition. Central to its growth has been certification under the Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), which has helped to strengthen the company’s credibility, improve its systems and position its products as trusted, quality local delicacies.
The decision to pursue the certification was driven by a strong desire to demonstrate the authenticity and quality of B&R Products, while gaining greater recognition in an increasingly competitive market. Through this programme, the company not only achieved the use of the Made in Guyana mark but also benefited from guidance that enhanced its record-keeping, traceability and overall business operations.
B&R Products was established in 2020 by Budwatty Ramnarine after she was laid off from her job and needed to support her family. She initially sold clothing and food at the market but soon found her passion in agro-processing. Inspired by her father’s traditional methods of producing rice and corn flour, she began developing a multi-grain flour, Satwa, a product valued for its high protein content.
With a vision to transform locally available agricultural produce into nutritious, value-added goods, Ramnarine recognised the potential to both preserve traditional recipes and create sustainable income. Drawing on the abundance of fruits, spices, and crops in Berbice, she built a business focused on authenticity and quality.
Today, B&R Products offers a diverse range of products, including mango achar, pepper sauce, coconut oil, dried peppers, pickles, miracle tea and its signature product, Satwa (Seven Grains). This focus on traditional products reflects a commitment to preserving cultural flavours while meeting the growing demand for wholesome, locally made goods.
One of B&R’s standout offerings is Satwa, a nutritious blend of seven grains. This product is rich in fibre, vitamins and essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for consumers seeking a wholesome, energy-boosting product that can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Satwa is especially valued for its health benefits and versatility, as it can be enjoyed as a porridge or meal supplement.
Despite early challenges in achieving consistency and perfecting recipes, Ramnarine relied on feedback from family and friends to refine her products. This dedication to continuous improvement laid the foundation for the structured quality systems later strengthened through GNBS certification.
Since receiving certification in November 2024, Ramnarine explained that her business has experienced significant benefits. Internally, its processes have been strengthened to meet and maintain requirements. Externally, the certification has increased customer trust and opened new market opportunities, as consumers increasingly recognise and prefer certified local products.
She further explained, “I realised that achieving the Made in Guyana Mark would give my company more lift in the market…With the support of the GNBS staff, they explained how record-keeping would help me, especially in the traceability of sales.”
Ramnarine noted, “It (GNBS Certification) has really helped me in the way I run my business in terms of record keeping…I now have a system in place. Every month, I do updates on GNBS records…”
With quality being a top priority for B&R, the company ensures consistency through careful selection of various ingredients, adherence to proper processing techniques, and maintenance of hygienic production practices. Regular monitoring and standardised procedures help guarantee that each product meets expected quality levels.
“It’s like a light coming into my business because from the time the customers see the Made in Guyana Mark, they are buying my products because they know that it is quality and we have standards,” she shared.
Following their recent renewal of certification, the company continues to uphold the requirements by maintaining quality control systems, ensuring proper labelling, and adhering to GNBS standards. Continuous improvement and compliance remain central to their operations.
Ramnarine encourages other small manufacturers to pursue certification, noting that while the process requires effort and discipline, the rewards are worthwhile. She highlighted that certification not only enhances product credibility but also helps businesses improve their internal systems and competitiveness.
The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered mark that provides recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets and is a signature of quality for authentic local products.
Application form can be found via the GNBS website https: https://gnbsgy.org/forms-all/
For more information, contact our Certification Services Department on 219-0064-66 or email certifcation@gnbsgy.org (GNBS STAKEHOLDER FEATURE)
