Caribshopper and the Caribbean Development Bank: Connecting Caribbean Entrepreneurs to Global Markets
Gale Charles one of entrepreneurs and success stories forming part of the Caribshopper ecosystem
“We’re thrilled to offer over 6,000 Caribbean-made products to more than 40,000 subscribers. This isn’t just business—it’s a chance for our far-flung diaspora to reconnect with their culture, heritage, and more importantly with the place they call home,”
Caribshopper, is a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB, the Bank) supported e-commerce platform connecting Caribbean products to consumers in the diaspora. With over 90 million Caribbean migrants longing for a taste of home, the potential for entrepreneurs is infinite. Dubbed the number one Caribbean marketplace, persons longing to shop for all things West Indian from the world-famous blue mountain coffee and to steelpans from Panland and the latest LP from Sean Paul or Beres Hammond, shoppers can find it on Caribshopper.
Kadion’s vision has helped nearly 800 businesses from Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago connect with millions of customers in the United States and Canada. Now, with the support of CDB, national businesses and support organisations, he plans to expand into the United Kingdom and other markets. By the end of 2024, his team aims to onboard businesses from Barbados, Guyana, and Saint Kitts and Nevis onto the Caribshopper platform.
The benefits of Caribshopper’s reach to both entrepreneurs and economies are clear. One of the platform’s top performers is Gale Charles, of Charlo Farms Ltd in Trinidad and Tobago. From modest origins and a passion for home gardening, the startup is today a thriving family-run enterprise producing high-quality, all-natural seasonings.
“Caribshopper came to us during COVID when we needed it most. Their involvement gave us the boost we wanted to expand into international markets,”
Similarly, Sonya Dunstan, Creative Director of A Taste of the Caribbean Limited in Jamaica, has seen her business flourish through the platform. Her small team transforms authentic Jamaican produce into a range of products like jams, sauces, and seasonings for export.
“Our dry seasonings are performing exceptionally well. Thanks to our export-focused business model, we’ve been able to stabilise prices for consumers despite market shifts and climate challenges. Now, Caribbean flavours are available year-round to locals and the diaspora alike.”
Michel Thomas, Senior Operations Officer at CDB, emphasises the broader impact of supporting Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and private sector growth and development as demonstrated by Sonya and Gale’s companies.
“These successes are exactly what the Bank envisions for the MSME sector. Growing these businesses means growing our economies, bringing us closer to economic prosperity for all.”
Caribbean businesses are at a critical juncture, with the need for growth higher than ever. MSMEs are the backbone of the region, making up 60-70% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Understanding their crucial role, the Bank has partnered with Caribshopper to provide substantial support to these businesses. This collaboration aims to help them expand into global markets, boost revenue, and generate more opportunities for economic development.
