Interview with Mr. Robin Cumberbatch, General Manager, CARIB Brewery Limited

Robin Cumberbatch CARIB Brewery

CARIB Brewery has grown from a Trinidad and Tobago brewery into an international beverage company with products available in more than 30 countries. As General Manager for International Sales, what has been the key strategy behind CARIB’s global expansion, and what role do innovation and market diversification play in sustaining this growth?

Our mission is simple: to refresh and uplift the world with our distinctive beverages. At the heart of that is CARIB Beer, an authentic Caribbean lager with a brand purpose to Unleash Caribbean Fun. Those two ideas guide every decision we make, whether we’re entering a new market or developing new products. 

Our international growth has really been built on three things: strong brands, the right strategic partnerships and thoughtful market diversification. 

We’ve been very deliberate about where we expand. We look for markets where the CARIB brand has a natural fit, whether that’s through Caribbean diaspora communities, tourism-driven economies or consumers looking for a premium international beer with a unique story. Just as importantly, we’ve partnered with companies that understand their local markets and share our long-term vision for building the brand. That combination has allowed us to grow sustainably while continuing to invest in our products and our brands. 

As we’ve expanded, diversification has also strengthened the business. Today, our breweries in Trinidad & Tobago, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada and Florida produce more than 15 million cases annually, serving both our home markets and international demand. We’ve complemented that production through carefully selected licensing and joint venture arrangements, allowing us to scale efficiently while maintaining the quality and consistency consumers expect from CARIB.

Innovation underpins all of this. The beverage industry never stands still, and neither can we. While consumers often see innovation through new flavours or packaging, for us it’s much broader. It’s about continuously finding better ways to operate, improving efficiencies across the business and staying ahead of
changing consumer expectations. That mindset helps ensure CARIB remains relevant, competitive and positioned for long-term growth.

The launch of CARIB Premium Strong Beer in India through the Globus ANSA Private Limited venture marks a significant milestone in CARIB Brewery’s international journey. What factors influenced the decision to enter the Indian market, and why was local manufacturing through Globus considered the most effective strategy for long-term success?

India presents an exciting opportunity for us. It’s one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing beer markets, with consumers who are increasingly interested in premium international brands. For CARIB Brewery, entering India was a natural next step in our international growth journey. 

Of course, success in a market like India depends on having the right partner. From the beginning, the team at Globus Spirits shared our ambition for the CARIB brand and our belief in its long-term potential. We were also aligned on the work required to succeed in what is a highly competitive market with  a complex regulatory environment. That shared commitment has been a real strength of the partnership. 

Local manufacturing was also the right strategic choice. It allows us to meet regulatory requirements while ensuring consumers enjoy a fresh, high-quality product. In equal measure, it also gives us the flexibility to respond quickly as the business evolves and consumer preferences change. 

What has been especially encouraging is how collaborative the relationship has become. We’re learning from each other, adapting together and building the business with a long-term perspective. That gives us great confidence about the future of CARIB in India.

India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing beer markets, with diverse consumer preferences and intense competition. How does CARIB plan to position its brand, particularly CARIB Premium Strong Beer, to appeal to Indian consumers while retaining its authentic Caribbean identity?

That balance has been central to our approach from day one. CARIB stands for vibrancy, celebration and bringing people together. We wanted to create a beer that reflects local consumer preferences while staying true to what makes CARIB distinctive. 

CARIB Premium Strong Beer was developed specifically for the Indian market, with a taste profile designed to appeal to local consumers while preserving the authenticity and heritage of the CARIB brand. Combined with our bold visual identity and vibrant packaging, it gives us a product that feels relevant without losing its Caribbean character. 

We’re also fortunate that cricket provides a natural cultural connection between the Caribbean and India. It’s a sport that’s deeply woven into both regions, and through our longstanding association with cricket (as well as brand ambassadors Dwayne Bravo and Nicholas Pooran) we’re able to connect with consumers in a way that feels genuine. 

Ultimately, what we’re introducing is more than just another beer. We’re bringing a brand with an authentic international heritage and a distinctly Caribbean personality. 

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