Our Mission

To seek out the highest quality products from the most innovative creators and producers of Health & Beauty Aids.

To bring these products to the people of the Caribbean as economically as possible in order to enrich the quality of their lives.

To provide a first rate customer-driven operation, by providing the finest service in all aspects of our business.

To continue to keep overhead expenses low enough to offer affordable prices while maintaining our high quality of service and being responsive to the markets we serve.

To provide the companies we represent with a professional sales force, a sales force second to none in achieving market supremacy in the countries of
the Caribbean basin.
 

About Us

Cariba International Corporation was formed in 1978 by Stephen Hopwood. Stephen is a Jamaican by birth. He has been involved with consumer product distribution since the early 1960's. In 1974 he migrated to Florida where he set up as a broker writing orders for direct shipment of U.S. manufactured products to customers in the Caribbean.

By 1978 he saw Cariba could better serve the manufacturers he represented and the customers he served by buying in and consolidating the shipment of goods to the market.

Cariba's efforts have produced real savings for the Caribbean region by a direct and immediate reduction in freight and forwarding charges.

This has resulted in lower duties and ultimately, much lower prices for the consumers. The manufacturer also benefits greatly by reducing the number of shipments and number of accounts serviced.

In 1983, Brian J. Ladell a CPA who had been involved with Cariba since its inception, joined Stephen as a partner in what has become a fast growing enterprise. Brian's career switch brought a welcome asset to the business.

As a result of Mr. Ladell's financial expertise, Cariba expanded to build its own warehouse and office complex at its present location in Safety Harbor Florida. Like Stephen, Brian is thoroughly versed in the business and cultural customs of the Caribbean.

Brian Dayes a new partner has added to the growth of the company since joining Cariba in 1992. Brian brings his accountant expertise folio and oversees the  accounting and office management of the company. Brian is a graduate of Florida State University.

Joann Ard started with the company in February 1992 as
Manager of Office Services.

She specializes in customer relations, office procedures & export documentation. Joann has a long line of management experience in the insurance industry.

Willard Baker has been with the company since September 1986 and is the Warehouse Manager. He is responsible for directing shipping and receiving.

Cariba believes in a very high rate of activity in the marketplace. The company staff travels to the Caribbean Islands, along with frequent visits to neighboring Central and South America countries quite often. These frequent visits produce positive results, which has contributed to several products becoming brand leaders.