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.

Recognizing the diverse range of delicious food, rich history and culture that Black-owned restaurants contribute to the American experience, Pepsi, a brand in Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, introduced Dig In. The consumer-facing, multi-year platform is a rallying call for people to double down on supporting Black-owned restaurants.

In the spirit of Umoja (unity) and the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the New Harlem Coffee Co., New York, has released the aromatic Kwanzaa Blend of gourmet coffee. It is blended from multi-origin coffee beans, mainly Costa Rica and Central America. This special blend is roasted in small batches to create this specially spiced flavor, the company says.

Brough Brothers Distillery, Louisville, Ky., the first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky, opened its doors for business.

The National Urban League and PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., joined forces to create the Black Restaurant Accelerator, which will boost approximately 500 Black-owned businesses over the next five years. 

Co-creator of Seagram's Escapes Peach Bellini, reality TV star and entrepreneur Cynthia Bailey is teaming up with the brand on its newest program — Seagram's Escapes Holiday Marketplace: Featuring Black-Owned Businesses — to help support these small businesses and drive sales during the important holiday shopping season, it says.