On the occasion of the 200th Anniversary of the House of Angostura, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry recognised the tremendous history and legacy of the company and congratulated its founders, executives and staff, past and present, for their unwavering dedication and commitment.
The Minister, in delivering the Feature Address at the 200th Anniversary Gala and on Saturday (September 15) said, “The celebration of Angostura’s bicentennial anniversary is not an ordinary achievement. It represents two centuries of flavour, heritage, and excellence transcending from the days of handwritten letters and an agricultural based economy dominated by the primary production of sugarcane and cocoa to a modern world of smartphones, TikTok and an economy with diversified manufacturing and services energy and non-energy sectors.”
The Minister said Angostura continues to play a pivotal role in the transformation and growth of Trinidad and Tobago, contributing significantly to the social, economic and cultural landscape and employment within the manufacturing sector.
Reflecting specifically on the profound impact and significant achievements of Angostura on the growth of the food and beverage sector in Trinidad and Tobago, Gopee-Scoon explained, “This sub sector continues to grow with Aromatic Bitters consistently within T&T’s the top ten export commodities. Over the period 2019-2023 bitters accounted for 8 percent of exports under food and beverage.”
The success of Angostura on the global stage has helped put T&T on the map, enhancing the country’s international reputation as a producer of high-quality spirits and bitters in the beverage industry.
The Minister said, “Angostura’s products automatically markets and promotes our twin-island state in every corner of the world to over 170 countries such as the United States, Netherlands, South Africa, China and Korea. The recent distribution agreement with China will only strengthen this.”
The gala’s programme included an exclusive charity auction, the proceeds of which supported charities for at risk youth.
“We are deeply encouraged by the company’s four pillars of corporate social responsibility: social, local content, wellness, and partnerships, that have been central in the implementation of a wide range of interventions in the areas of youth empowerment, culture, education, sports and the environment. This evening’s charity auction is emblematic of Angostura’s unwavering support for these initiatives,” the Minister said.
Also speaking at the event was Chairman of Angostura Holdings Ltd. Mr. Terrence Bharath S. C. and Mr. Gordon Siegert, Great, Great Grandson of the inventor of Angostura aromatic bitters, via pre-record video.
