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Beverly Malbranche is founder and CEO of Haitian coffee company Caribbrew.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? I work to make a difference in the lives of Haiti's coffee and cacao growers. We partner directly with small-scale farmers through cooperatives in Haiti to pay above the fair-trade minimum per pound. This helps to create sustainable income for Haitians and also for everyone in our supply chain. Today, we supply our premium products to coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, subscription boxes, and sell directly from our website. On a day-to-day basis, I focus on partnerships with suppliers, retailers, and other stakeholders to grow the brand.
One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? One thing you wouldn’t know by just looking at my LinkedIn profile is that I love the innovation process. I have a huge passion for creating new products for our brand. I am constantly experimenting with new ideas, flavors, and packaging. I am even involved in creative processes like photo shoots. I’m always thinking about where we can take it next. For example, we’re about to open the doors of our first Caribbrew Café in New Jersey. This jump into having our flagship location invites our community to immerse in a moment of pure bliss with Caribbrew. We’ll offer specialty Haitian coffee, expertly crafted chocolate drinks, tropical teas, and even pastries. I’m very excited about this next frontier.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? My favorite project that I’ve worked on is Caribbrew itself. I am proud of the work we do to support small-scale farmers in Haiti and create sustainable jobs through fair-trade partnerships. I am also proud of the impact we have made in the coffee industry and the positive feedback we have received from our customers.
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Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about right now, and why? I am most excited about the growing interest in fair-trade and sustainable products. I believe that consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment and on the people who produce them.
What’s your go-to coffee order? Lately, my go-to is our Caribbrew Spiced Cold Brew. It is just so smooth and aromatic. And since it’s ready to drink, I can take it on the go on busy mornings.
Worst piece of advice you’ve received? Early on, a few people advised me to give up on my dream of starting a business and go with something more secure. While they said they were looking out for my best interest, they doubted that I could be a successful venture. I truly believed in my vision and worked hard to make it a reality. Looking back, I am so happy I didn’t listen to them and I encourage other entrepreneurs to shoot for the stars.
What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? When I was 15, my favorite retail product was probably Kokiyol, our Haitian “donuts,” if you will. I had a huge sweet tooth at that age. Now, my favorite retail product is Caribbrew’s gift box, which is a collection of our top beverages.