The beverage industry in Trinidad & Tobago refers to the sector that produces drinks, particularly “ready to serve” alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. In the broadest terms, this industry consists of all companies that participate in the supply chain, and so contribute to bringing drinks to consumers across the country. These companies fall into five (5) categories:-
MANUFACTURERS
These are the companies that manufacture beverages, managing the processes such as freezing, blending, mixing, brewing, distilling and bottling. A few examples of manufacturers in Trinidad & Tobago include:-
DISTRIBUTORS & WHOLESALERS
These are the companies who connect to manufacturers & producers typically storing and distributing products across the nation. A few examples of distributors in Trinidad & Tobago include:-
- Almandoz Wholesale & Retail
- AMCO Ltd
- A.S. Bryden
- Hadco Ltd
- Massy Distribution
- Malabar Farms
- Vembev Ltd
VENDORS
These are companies where drinks are purchased and consumed on the premises (i.e. bars, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, etc.) A few examples of ON premise license businesses in Trinidad & Tobago include:-
- 5 Islands Waterpark
- Hyatt
- Island Beer Chill & Grill
- Rizzoni’s
- Tropikist Hotel
- Trotters
- Zanzibar
Other vendors include companies where drinks are purchased to be taken away to be consumed (i.e. Groceries, wine merchants, liquor marts, etc.) A few examples of OFF premise license businesses in Trinidad & Tobago include:-
- Bottle Stop
- Massy Stores
- Naughty Grape
- Singh’s Liquor Mart
- Solera Wines & Spirits
- Vintage Imports
PROMOTERS
These are instances where special licenses are granted to promoters and Carnival Bands for a specific period of time where drinks are purchased and consumed on location. A few examples of events & Carnival Bands in Trinidad & Tobago include:-
- Army Fete
- Fantasy Carnival
- Machel Monday
- Panorama Semi Finals
- Tribe/BLISS Carnival
- Yuma Carnival
SUPPLIERS & CONTRACTORS
Suppliers and Contractors – Companies that supply services to any of the above, for example, providing raw materials, machinery, equipment, freight services, marketing, consultancy, etc. A few examples of suppliers and contractors in Trinidad & Tobago include:-
- Bar Garden Ltd – Bar Services
- Diamond Motors Ltd – Trucks
- Eureka Communications Limited – Advertising & Publishing
- Mecalfab Ltd – Refrigeration & truck bodies
- RBC – Banking & Finance
- U-Pick Farms – Fresh produce
These five (5) categories make up the beverage industry in Trinidad & Tobago and every sector plays an important role in reaching consumers. It’s one of the most diverse industries where new companies and products are being launched daily all over the world, so let’s continue to lead the innovation in drinks across the Caribbean and recognize the efforts of all the companies that make up this lucrative industry.
