Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 7th, 2021 (ZIZ News) The Fahies Agricultural Women Co-operative Society has partnered with Dollar Stretcher Supermarket in Sandy Point to make their locally made Fruit Lollies available for sale to the public.
The Fruit Lollies were first introduced to the public at the Department of Co-operatives Agro-Strip promotional event in November 2020.
Member of the Co-operative and crop farmer, Denise Gillard explained that the idea to manufacture Fruit Lollies stemmed from a need to offer a healthier alternative.
“They have these ice lolly inside the supermarket and they’re not nutritious because it’s just coloured water and sugar so we said why not do a fruit based lolly and put it into the supermarket which is much more nutritious because all that we add is like fruits, water and sugar.”
She also explained how the partnership with the Dollar Stretcher Supermarket came about.
“We went and we talked to the gentleman of the supermarket and then he told us okay I would try three flavours – 25 each, so we did that carry it and the feedback was very positive so he increased the quantity so at least we know that it’s a good thing to do.”
Gillard said that the Co-operative has plans to expand to other supermarkets.
“We are thinking of expanding but in the mean time because of where we do our agro-processing we don’t want to spread ourselves. We’re trying to get own building so at least we could do more. So at the moment we probably might look at two more supermarkets if all the members agree to that.”
In a press release The Department of Co-operatives commended the Fahie’s Women Co-operative for this initiative and “the quest to forge ahead despite the current challenges with the economy”.