Authentic yet innovative, with memorable flavour profiles – those are the characteristics of CARIB Brewery’s brands that please regional and global consumers alike. Now, the company that significantly contributes to the economic development of the Caribbean region is set to further expand its reach.

The brewery was founded in 1947 as the Caribbean Development Company (CDC) by Sir Gerald Wight who was determined to move Trinidad’s local industry away from its traditional sugar and oil-dependent economy. However, long before CDC, Trinidad resident Mr Walters had created the Trinidad Brewing Company, lifting the spirits of many during the worldwide depression that followed World War I with his dark porter brews: Royal Lion Ale, Royal Extra Stout and Black Velvet Stout.

In 1957, Mr Walters sold Trinidad Brewing Company to CDC, adding his brands to CDC’s growing portfolio. Further ownership changes followed until 1986 when the company was  acquired by the ANSA McAL Group, one of the Caribbean’s largest and most diversified companies. Since then, the business has been operating as CARIB Brewery.

“CARIB Brewery today operates four breweries located in Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Florida, and offers its world-renowned brands around the globe,” says Adrian Sabga, Managing Director International and Business Development for CARIB Brewery. “Our current portfolio is wide and varied with lagers, malts, stouts, ciders, seltzers, , ready-to-drink (RTDs) beverages as well as low and non-alcoholic beverages.”

He explains that ANSA today employs over 6,000 people worldwide and CARIB, with its nearly 1,300 employees across the Caribbean region and the United States, is one of its largest subsidiaries. “I’m very proud to say that a company born in the Caribbean has become a truly international business offering its products in well over 38 countries around the world and growing.”

But CARIB’s regional impact is much larger. The Brewery, a major employer in the Caribbean region, plays a significant role in the economies of the countries in which it operates, contributing to employment and economic development.

Distinctive local identity

CARIB Brewery has established a reputation for producing beverages of exceptional quality and consistency. The Brewery’s beverages are known for their distinctive and memorable flavour profiles. Whether it’s the crisp and refreshing taste of Carib Lager, the flagship product, or the rich complexity of Shandy Carib, each product offers a unique sensory experience that stands out in the market.

Innovation is part of the growth. “We have a highly robust innovation pipeline. We continually introduce new and innovative products to our portfolio, catering to our growing and diverse consumer preferences,” says Adrian.

“The variety of options allows customers to explore different flavours and find beverages that suit their individual tastes, making the brand a go-to choice for various occasions. This responsiveness to changing tastes and preferences ensures that CARIB Brewery remains relevant and appealing to a wide range of consumers.”

The company has recently entered the fast-growing hard seltzer market, with the launch of its latest product offering – Eagle Ray Hard Seltzer, a gluten-free ready-to-drink beverage that comes in three all-natural fruit flavours, with no added sugar. This launch signifies that the ‘beyond beer’ category at CARIB is continuously expanding, following another unique product introduced in 2022 – Rockstone Tonic Wine.

This ready-to-drink fortified alcoholic beverage, loaded with vitamins that can be drunk as a revitaliser, was the result of two and a half years development, says Adrian. “We don’t take any shortcuts with our R&D – we spend significant money on any innovation to ensure that the liquid is right, the packaging is right, the consumer testing and consumer acceptance are perfect.”

Still, it is not just innovation but also the Brewery’s connection to the Caribbean region and its rich cultural heritage that resonates with customers. Many consumers appreciate the local identity embedded in CARIB Brewery’s products, fostering a sense of pride and loyalty among Caribbean people both at home and abroad as well as others who identify with good Caribbean vibes.

Leadership excellence

The efforts that the company has put into its brand’s enhancement have been widely recognised. At the end of last year, CARIB Brewery proudly announce its latest accolade, the “Internationally Known TT Owned Company of the Year” award, presented by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Adrian says: “Being recognised at this level was a phenomenal honour for us and a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the entire CARIB Brewery team, a reflection of 70 years of emphasis on quality products. We consistently strive to produce beverages that not only meet but exceed international standards, making us a brand that is recognised and celebrated globally.

Adrian himself has been a driving force behind CARIB’s recent growth and international expansion. “I’ve always been extremely excited by the manufacturing sector. I see Trinidad as one of the best manufacturers within the region, with the ability to stand up against some of the biggest global players,” he says.

With a sound track record in the beverage industry, Adrian has been working in the beverage and manufacturing space for 12+ years.. “My journey at CARIB Brewery has been both rewarding and challenging. Since completing my Master’s degree in the UK, I have had the privilege of being part of the Brewery’s growth story. Over the years, I have been involved in various roles that have allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the beverage industry, the dynamics of different markets, and the complexities of international business.”

This insight has been well used for CARIB Brewery’s international development. “The commitment to excellence and innovation has provided me with a platform to contribute to the company’s success while furthering my professional development. As a leader in the organisation, I am committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative culture and to encouraging a culture of learning and adaptability, to help my team develop and grow.”

For the region and its people

CARIB Brewery has also made significant strides in embracing sustainability and adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. These are multi-faceted, encompassing environmental responsibility, community support and transparency.

“Our breweries provide employment opportunities within the local community, contributing to economic growth and stability. Creating a skilled and diverse workforce helps build a strong foundation for the communities surrounding the brewery,” he says.

Sustainability is embedded in CARIB’s business strategy and planning. One of the primary platforms for sustainability at CARIB Brewery is its returnable bottle and crate system. This is in operation across all its breweries in the Caribbean and the model ensures that bottles are collected and returned for reuse or recycling. Over 95% of CARIB Brewery’s packaging is returned and recycled.  This helps reduce the consumption of raw material and the energy used to produce them, leading to a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

“The future of sustainable alternatives in our brewing process is high on the agenda for all our breweries. We aim to design economically-sound processes throughout the value chain, working to reduce waste and engineer better outcomes for our business and more value for our customers.”

He further notes that CARIB Brewery collaborates with suppliers who share a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. By working closely with its supply chain partners, the brewery ensures that sustainability is embedded throughout the entire value chain. “These enduring partnerships are built on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to excellence. Our suppliers become integral parts of our extended CARIB Brewery family, and we appreciate the stability and reliability that come with long-standing collaborations.”

Fostering sustainable growth

Recognising the ever-evolving nature of technology, CARIB Brewery is committed to ongoing investments in this critical area, says Adrian, listing the upcoming priorities: “Over the next 18 months, we plan to further enhance our technological infrastructure, exploring innovations that can optimize our supply chain, improve production capabilities, and strengthen our digital presence. This investment aligns with our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the beverage industry.”

As the Managing Director International and Business Development for CARIB Brewery, Adrian Sabga is set to expand the company’s global presence, fostering sustainable growth, and continuously elevating its brand in the competitive beverage industry.

In concluding, he affirms that the company wishes to continue to be the premium and preferred beverage supplier of the best quality products that are available. “I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for CARIB Brewery, and I remain dedicated to leading our international and business development efforts with a focus on sustainable growth and market leadership.”