We had the good fortune of connecting with Beverly Malbranche and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beverly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Caribbrew to make a difference in the lives of Haiti’s coffee and cacao growers. As 17 years old, as a freshman, living abroad for the first time, it dunned on me that I must help make a difference in Haiti. 4 years later when I graduated from business school. I realized that it must be long term and provide economic opportunities not just a one-time donation that creates more dependance. Caribbrew currently partners with about 1000 coffee growers and 3000 cacao growers in Haiti and employs 4 local NJ employees, 3 of them are women.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am excited about the families and communities we get to impact both in Haiti and in the U.S. Caribbrew is not only black owned at the “corporate level’ but throughout our supply chain. The farms we source our coffee are black owned and family owned. We started working with a few hundred farmers, no we work with over 3000 coffee and cacao farmers. There has been multiple challenges. We have boostrapped the business until now. We have applied for pitch competitions. grants. and contracts in order to raise some funds and pursue this dream. Also at the height of the pandemic, many trade shows and food festivals we relied on shut down. We had to reorganize and put all our efforts towards our online marketing. I want the world to know that it is possible to make a difference by making small steps like purchasing your coffee from a minority owned, social impact focused brand. Caribbrew offers more than coffee or chocolate, we offer a blueprint for poverty alleviation!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots many black owned spots in Harlem. I would take them to BLVD Bistor for dinner then Minton’s Playhouse for live Jazz and drinks. During the day, a nice walk around riverside park and visiting local cafes would be great.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definetely. First and foremost, I thank God for the health and blessings that have been given to pursue this passion. I thank my family for their continous support. I have used their home as the first “unoficial” warehouse for Caribbrew. From storing coffee to helping me with pick up and financing

Also important, I have been part of multiple accelerator programs that have tremendously impacted my business. I want to think Harlem Local Vendor Program, New Voices, DigitalUndivided, and 1863 Ventures.

Image Credits
Caribbrew

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