Industry experts Francisco Santana and Jorge Del Giudice unveil the strategies behind the rise of American craft beer in the Dominican Republic and share key tactics for extending this success across the Caribbean. From distribution optimization and meeting importer expectations, to navigating regulations and understanding consumer preferences, this seminar offers a concise roadmap for brewers looking to thrive in the region and gain practical insights to elevate your brewery’s presence in this dynamic and growing market.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the Caribbean beer market and local craft beer scene
- Discuss consumer trends in the region such as packaging and style preferences and craft beer drinker demographics
- Explore the elements of distribution, importation, and selling in the Caribbean, including regulatory requirements, pricing dynamics, approaches to storage and handling, shelf-life expectations, and the distribution structure for imports
- Gain insight into the the specific challenges and opportunities for American craft beer in the Caribbean market
- Walk away with a practical and concise roadmap for brewers looking to thrive in the Caribbean
About the Speakers
Jorge Del Giudice, CEO
Revolución Cervecera
Jorge del Giudice, a systems engineer, seamlessly merges his technical background with a fervent love for beer that began as a homebrewer in 2012. Holding titles like Doemens Biersommelier, Cicerone Certified Beer Server, and Certified Beer Expert by Brazil's Science of Beer Institute, he solidifies his expertise with a diploma in beer chemistry and other specialized courses. Alongside partner Francisco Santana, Jorge co-founded Revolución Cervecera, a beer distributor and importer that brings diverse local and international beer brands to enthusiasts. In 2020, Francisco and Jorge, recognizing the untapped potential in the market, strategically ventured into craft beer imports, becoming the number two importer of U.S. craft beers by 2021. A pioneer in the Dominican Republic's beer landscape, Jorge also served as founder, first president, and current vice president of the Dominican Republic's first craft brewers guild, helping the craft beer movement thrive in the country.
Francisco Santana, CFO
Revolución Cervecera
A dynamic force in craft brewing and international trade, Francisco Santana, an engineer-turned-beer-maven, embarked on his brewing journey by starting homebrewing in 2011. In 2018, he co-founded Cibao Brewing, responding to the challenge of limited distribution in the Dominican Republic by partnering with Jorge Del Giudice and implementing a successful self-distribution strategy that saturated the Dominican market. In 2020, Francisco and Jorge, recognizing the untapped potential in the market, strategically ventured into craft beer imports, becoming the number two importer of U.S. craft beers by 2021.
Francisco's accolades in the beer industry include being a Doemens Biersommelier, a certified Beer Judge Certification Program judge, a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, and a Certified Beer Expert by Science of Beer. Beyond his brewing prowess, Francisco holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, a master's in reliability engineering and risk, and an MBA in international business and trade management.
A pioneer in the Dominican Republic's beer landscape, his passion for beer and expertise in international trade make him a driving force in the global craft brewing scene.
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