Local ghee producer sets eye on international market

Trinidad and Tobago is aiming to become the first CARICOM Member State to export Ghee or clarified butter, to several countries including Canada, thanks to the owner of Farm Fresh Dairy Products, Donny Rogers and his family.

Loop News spoke with Rogers at his booth at the Divali Nagar last Friday.

He explained to us that together with his wife and two daughters, he has seen his small business grow over the years from being a producer of ‘dahee’ or buttermilk to now developing other items such as turmeric and ginger-infused dahee, paneer and ghee.

Trinidad and Tobago usually imports ghee from New Zealand and other territories in a large scale around this time of year, however, Rogers explained that his product caught the eye of Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon recently and after several discussions, a decision was made to turn the tables.

He said with the support and funding from the government, he aims to have his products available overseas in the shortest possible time. The businessman also noted that discussions are in the final stages with the operators of Nova Farms (instant food producer) to develop another local, unique product to hit the markets.

Rogers has his very own dairy farm in Carlsen Field, a plus for him as he says all of his raw materials are sourced from the farm and other local vendors as in the case of the ginger and turmeric.

He said because of this, he’s able to keep his prices at an affordable rate for his customers.