Donae Burston, founder and CEO of La Fête Wine Co., Miami, announced that Chris Paul (CP3), Phoenix Suns point guard and 11-time NBA all-star, has joined the La Fête Wine Co. family as an equity partner. Founded in 2019 as a fresh, modern and inclusive wine brand geared toward drinkers of all backgrounds, Paul joins the company at a time of extraordinary growth, the company says.

Prebiotic soda brand Poppi, Dallas, announced a round of investment from some of pop culture’s most notable personalities. 

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., has acquired a minority stake in Dos Hombres, an artisanal and handcrafted mezcal brand created by “Breaking Bad” co-stars Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston. The investment was made through Constellation’s venture capital group, and Dos Hombres remains independently owned and will continue to manage, market and produce its award-winning mezcals. 

When looking across various industries, representation among minority-owned brands remains low. Although this underrepresentation also affects the beverage industry, more companies are making an effort to reduce this gap through capital investments.

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., has acquired a minority stake in the fast-rising rosé label, La Fête du Rosé ― a brand created to cater to diverse drinkers who share common interests across travel, food, experiences and wine. The investment was made through Constellation’s venture capital group and represents the first company to receive investment dollars as part of Constellation’s Focus on Minority Founders initiative, which plans to invest $100 million in Black, Latinx, and minority-owned businesses by 2030, it says.

Ramsey, N.J.-based Cascadia Managing Brands announced that it has taken an equity position in minority-owned KRISP DRINKS. KRISP DRINKS was founded by black entrepreneur Sean Banks, and is a Certified Minority Owned Co. by the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council.

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., announced the 10 emerging food and beverage brands that will join its second annual North America Greenhouse program. Each of the participating startups will receive $20,000 in grant funding and participate in a six-month business program designed to accelerate their growth through personalized mentorship. 

Molson Coors, Chicago, and L.A. Libations, El Segundo, Calif., announced a multiyear partnership that includes a significant minority equity investment by Molson Coors in L.A. Libations as well as category-exclusive access to the company's services. Molson Coors also will hold two seats on the L.A. Libations board.

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., acquired a minority stake in the parent company of Mezcal El Silencio, a specially crafted, Los Angeles-based mezcal label and leader in the category.