Diageo’s Pronghorn Invests in Black Women-Led Spirits, Diversifying Industry Leadership
Diageo’s incubator Pronghorn has championed diversity in the spirits industry by investing in three companies led by Black women, enhancing its portfolio of minority-led ventures.
Among these, Acquired Taste Cognac, hailing from New York, stands out. Pronghorn’s support extends to Acquired Taste Cognac, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, and Rally Gin, marking a significant step in their portfolio which now includes 20 emerging Black-owned brands. Notably, 36% of Pronghorn’s portfolio is led by women.
This inclusion aligns with the trends of female leadership in the spirits industry, as observed by Conley Fitzpatrick, Pronghorn’s head of trade marketing. She expressed pride in representing a company that actively supports minorities, especially as more women create brands tailored to modern preferences.
Acquired Taste Cognac, operated by Mingo Imports in New York, is a family-owned business emphasizing minority ownership and equity in the spirits sector.
New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, under the leadership of sisters Alisa Lawrence and Nilaja Young, along with their spouses, offers a diverse range of spirits including vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, moonshine, and cocktails.
Rally Gin originates from Missouri‘s Decoy Beverage Co, established in 2020 by friends Desmond Carr, Tim McCoy, and Alysha Daicy.
Pronghorn’s latest investments celebrate its first anniversary, following a significant milestone of raising US$200 million. This funding underscores their commitment to fostering Black entrepreneurship and executive talent in the spirits industry. Ten to One Rum, partly owned by singer Ciara, was the first of Pronghorn’s strategic investments, which aims to support 57 Black-owned spirits brands over the next decade.
Diageo’s incubator Pronghorn has championed diversity in the spirits industry by investing in three companies led by Black women, enhancing its portfolio of minority-led ventures.
Among these, Acquired Taste Cognac, hailing from New York, stands out. Pronghorn’s support extends to Acquired Taste Cognac, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, and Rally Gin, marking a significant step in their portfolio which now includes 20 emerging Black-owned brands. Notably, 36% of Pronghorn’s portfolio is led by women.
This inclusion aligns with the trends of female leadership in the spirits industry, as observed by Conley Fitzpatrick, Pronghorn’s head of trade marketing. She expressed pride in representing a company that actively supports minorities, especially as more women create brands tailored to modern preferences.
Acquired Taste Cognac, operated by Mingo Imports in New York, is a family-owned business emphasizing minority ownership and equity in the spirits sector.
New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, under the leadership of sisters Alisa Lawrence and Nilaja Young, along with their spouses, offers a diverse range of spirits including vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, moonshine, and cocktails.
Rally Gin originates from Missouri‘s Decoy Beverage Co, established in 2020 by friends Desmond Carr, Tim McCoy, and Alysha Daicy.
Pronghorn’s latest investments celebrate its first anniversary, following a significant milestone of raising US$200 million. This funding underscores their commitment to fostering Black entrepreneurship and executive talent in the spirits industry. Ten to One Rum, partly owned by singer Ciara, was the first of Pronghorn’s strategic investments, which aims to support 57 Black-owned spirits brands over the next decade.
