Our 49 Year History
1970's
Georges Greaux Sr incorporated Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco as a wholesale and retail entity on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin on August 27th, 1976 after getting out of the airline business (WINAIR) of which he was a co-founder and pilot.
Georges Greaux Sr and his wife also incorporated Antillean Liquors in December 8th, 1977. It was created as a Duty Free Retail Operation at Princess Juliana airport.
Caribbean Liquors was originally located at the Princess Juliana Airport warehouse complex as well but within 3 brief years as a result of rapid growth, CLT relocated in 1979 to the city center of Philipsburg, opening its doors on the historical #2 Voges Street.
1980's
In 1982, Georges Greaux Sr’s father, Emilien Greaux, who was recently retired established SEGECO as a family enterprise on the island of St Barths. Caribbean Liquors and SEGECO have since then enjoyed a long-term familial relationship.
In 1984, after five successful years, CLT took advantage of an opportunity to relocate the company to 8 W.G Buncamper Road which was ideally located in the center of the island’s commercial growth district.
1990's
In 1995, Hurricane Luis pummeled St Maarten. CLT sustained major structural damage and a devastating loss of inventory. In 1996 Georges Greaux Jr was appointed managing director. As a test of his resilience, another natural disaster, Hurricane Lenny hit. Later that year Michael Kew was invited onboard as Operations Manager and the adored slogan, Always in Good Spirits, was born.
Additionally, Antillean Liquors was activated as wholesale distribution company back in the 90s after Hurricane Luis. The two companies separate companies were established to diffuse any conflicts of interest in brand portfolio.
2000's
In 2005, CLT allowed for a $2million investment towards new warehousing, retail renovation and improved office space to accommodate CLT’s undeviating growth by purchasing the adjacent lot.
2010's
On September 6th, 2017, the island took a direct hit from a major Category 5 Hurricane devastating 90% of the island. Caribbean Liquors sustained structural damages to one section of its warehouse which caused temporary flooding and water damage to inventory. After assessing the damages caused by Hurricane Irma, Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco opened its doors to the public on September 14, to purchase nonalcoholic beverages. CLT who has since been in recovery mode and working to get the company back to a stable position.
2020's
In 2020, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. It forced many, including CLT, to think of innovative ways to keep the company alive when the island went under a complete lockdown from mid-March through the beginning of May. This greatly affected CLT who was still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Irma. Out of COVID-19 came something positive: our e-commerce website for customers and businesses alike.
(E-Commerce Store is currently undergoing maintenance as of 08/2025)