15 remarkable CPG brands to support this Black History Month & beyond
Get inspired by these 15 Black-owned CPG brands shaking up the industry with snackable, drinkable success!
Black History Month is more than a celebration—it's a reminder to recognize and support Black excellence every day of the year. In the CPG industry, Black-owned brands are leading the charge, shedding light on history, and redefining standards in food, beverage, charity, and wellness.
For brands and retailers ready to diversify their partnerships and inject fresh energy into their strategies, aligning with Black-owned CPG companies can make a significant impact. These trailblazers aren’t just creating standout products—they’re reshaping the market with bold ideas, cultural cuisines, and unmatched creativity.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Explore 15 dynamic Black-owned brands that are bringing innovation and inspiration to the table. Whether you’re looking for quality, originality, or fresh perspectives, these companies can help you elevate your growth strategy. Let’s dive in and build a more diverse, innovative future together.
Founded in 2021 by Jessica Taylor, Ezra Coffee celebrates Black culture through bold, flavorful blends. Each coffee is a nod to significant moments in Black history, like the Toasted Southern Pecan blend, inspired by the pecan’s roots in Louisiana and its cultivation by an enslaved horticulturist in the 1800s. Beyond the cup, Ezra Coffee gives back through the Ezra Scholarship, helping students overcome financial barriers to earning their degrees. Ready to taste history? Find them at Target and H-E-B.
Changing the snack game with their delicious, allergen-free cookies, Partake Foods is perfect for anyone looking for safe, tasty treats. Founded in 2016 by Denise Woodard after her daughter’s struggle with severe food allergies, Partake Foods specializes in cookies free from the top 8 allergens, including nuts, dairy, and gluten. With a variety of flavors to choose from, these snacks are perfect for kids, families, and anyone with dietary restrictions.
As a Black & Asian American woman, Denise is passionate about raising awareness of Black and female entrepreneurship and increasing opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the food and beverage industry. In 2020, she launched Black Futures in Food & Beverage, an annual fellowship program that mentors Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students and helps them secure internships and jobs. Beyond making safe and tasty cookies, Partake Foods is committed to social impact by supporting organizations like No Kid Hungry that fight food insecurity. If you’re searching for allergy-friendly snacks or vegan cookies, we urge you to Partake!
Pipcorn isn’t just a snack brand—it’s a natural food phenomenon. Launched in 2012 at Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg market, this women and Black-owned company has redefined smarter snacking. Starting with hand-stamped bags of miniature popcorn, Pipcorn has expanded to include heirloom cheese balls, snack crackers, and dippers—snacks so good they’ve made Oprah’s Favorite Things list four times. That’s not just approval; it’s a full endorsement.
But Pipcorn isn’t just about amazing snacks. The brand is a bold advocate for diversity and sustainability, setting new standards in an industry long overdue for change. Co-Founder Jen Martin, a queer Black woman, her brother Jeff, and Jeff’s wife Teresa Tsou are on a mission to amplify underrepresented voices in natural foods. This ambition shines through in every aspect of the company, from fostering an inclusive workplace to challenging the norm. Jen Martin has been recognized as a founder to watch, and the brand continues to inspire with their commitment to representation.
On the sustainability front, Pipcorn leads with purpose. By focusing on heirloom corn—non-GMO and biodiversity-friendly—the brand creates snacks that are as good for the planet as they are for you. Supporting traditional varieties cuts the need for modified crops and ensures bold flavor and integrity. From humble beginnings to securing Shark Tank investments from Barbara Corcoran, Pipcorn proves that passion, purpose, and innovation are the ultimate recipe for success. Ready to snack smarter? Pipcorn will lead the way.
Sorel Liqueur, created by Jackie Summers—the first licensed Black distiller in the US—is a toast to history and heritage. His brand has been frequently featured in the press, from publications by Food & Wine, Food Network, Martha Stewart, and Forbes. Sorel is versatile and vibrant—sip it neat, mix it with sparkling water or wine, or craft it into show-stopping cocktails. The brand makes history in a glass, bringing a 500-year-old recipe to life.
Inspired by sorrel, a spiced hibiscus drink with West African and Caribbean roots, this ruby red liqueur is the perfect blend of clove, ginger, and cultural legacy. Across the African diaspora, there is an ancestral memory of The Red Drink. It began in West Africa, where hibiscus was used for medicinal purposes. When the Transatlantic Trade began, these potent flowers and the knowledge of their healing powers journeyed with enslaved Africans, preserving a piece of their heritage. Summers weaves together these flavors and stories, paying homage to his Barbadian ancestry and the culinary traditions passed down through generations. Summers started the brand in Brooklyn, but since their 2021 relaunch, it’s now sold across the US.
McBride Sisters Wine Company is a force for good redefining the industry. Founded by Robin and Andréa McBride, the sisters turned their lifelong passion for wine into the largest African American-owned wine business in the United States. Their wines are more than just bottles; they signify sustainability, empowerment, and the unique stories that shaped their journey.
Here’s what sets them apart: After growing up on opposite sides of the world—Marlborough, New Zealand, and Monterey, California—the sisters reunited and bonded over a shared love for wine. This global perspective is reflected in their collections, like the New Zealand Sparkling Brut Rosé, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and the Central Coast California Red Blend.
But they didn’t stop there. Their Black Girl Magic collection—an inspired collection including California Riesling, California Rosé, and California Red Blend—honors resilience and artistry while championing representation. And for those who want convenience without compromise, the SHE CAN collection offers a bold selection of canned wines inspired by their mothers’ strength and perseverance. Looking for wines that combine artistry, sustainability, and impact? McBride Sisters Wine Collection is your answer. Explore their expanding lineup and discover how good intentions can taste even better.
With the tagline “Bold coffee, bigger impact,” BLK & Bold isn’t just about specialty coffee and tea—it’s about brewing change. Founded in 2018 by childhood friends Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, this Iowa-based company combines exceptional flavor with purpose. Here’s the bold difference: BLK & Bold pledges 5% of profits to support at-risk youth through programming, workforce development, and efforts to combat youth homelessness. That’s right—your morning cup can help change lives.
With a variety of expertly crafted coffee and tea blends to suit every palate, BLK & Bold ensures a rich, flavorful experience for every sip. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or tea enthusiast, this is your chance to make your mornings really matter. Start with BLK & Bold, available at a Target near you.
Honoring the legacy of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American distiller, Uncle Nearest Whiskey is a liquor brand rewriting history. With three premium whiskeys, including the 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey and the 1884 Small Batch Whiskey—both Gold Medal winners at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition—this brand is no stranger to excellence. They also give back through their Raise the Bar Mentorship Alliance, uplifting BIPOC community members looking to learn and grow.
Led by visionary CEO Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest is now a global powerhouse, available in all 50 states and 12 countries. Looking for award-winning whiskey that tells a deeper story? Uncle Nearest delivers, glass after glass.
Enter Sweetkiwi, a frozen treat with a mission to satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your health. Founded by Ehi Eigbe—a mother of two who overcame health challenges with fibroids—Sweetkiwi was born out of her journey to embrace holistic eating. During her search for better food choices, Ehi discovered the power of Greek yogurt: a high-protein, nutrient-packed option that also curbed her cravings. Inspired, she began crafting frozen desserts using this superfood as the foundation.
Sweetkiwi takes frozen desserts to the next level with their premium whipped Greek yogurt. Made with fresh milk that’s cultured, strained, and whipped to perfection, it’s a dessert experience you won’t forget. Think indulgent taste meets gut-friendly benefits—a win-win for your cravings and your health.
Not just another frozen dessert brand, Sweetkiwi is now a household name. Their products are available online and in over 2,000 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods and Walmart. Thanks to their growing popularity and commitment to delivering quality, nutritious desserts, Sweetkiwi surpassed seven figures in revenue in 2023. Find Sweetkiwi at your favorite retailer today—because dessert should be as good for you as it tastes.
It all started with two bee stings and a 1940s cookbook. At just 4 years old, Mikaila Ulmer turned her great-grandmother’s Flaxseed Lemonade recipe into something extraordinary. Nearly 14 years later, Mikaila’s lemonade, sweetened with sugar and honey, has grown into a nationally loved brand. Featuring flavors like Mint, Ginger, Iced Tea, Prickly Pear, and Classic, Me & the Bees Lemonade is now available at major grocery stores across the US, including Whole Foods Market, Kroger, and H-E-B. Bloomberg reported on her story about the brand’s impressive growth and plans to continue growing internationally.
Mikaila didn’t stop at lemonade—she also founded the Healthy Hive Foundation, a non-profit committed to saving honeybees through education, research, and protection. In fact, 10% of all Me & the Bees Lemonade sales go toward supporting this mission. What’s more refreshing than delicious lemonade with a purpose?
Paul Ryan Elliott and Harry Martin created Loft & Bear in 2012, California’s first Black-owned distillery. Their mission was to build a vodka brand rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and community impact. More than just a premium vodka, Loft & Bear gives back through its Distill.Drink.Donate program, donating 5% of profits to PATH, an organization working to end homelessness, and Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation program in the world. Smooth, sophisticated, and socially conscious, Loft & Bear is raising the bar for what a spirit brand can be. And yes, it sips smoothly.
A Dozen Cousins is here to redefine convenience and flavor with recipes inspired by Caribbean, Creole, and Latino traditions—the same dishes founder Ibraheem Basir grew up enjoying. Starting with their vegan, gluten-free microwavable bean pouches, the brand offers a quick and delicious solution for busy kitchens everywhere. But they didn’t stop there. Their lineup now includes bold entrée seasoning sauces like Mexican Pollo Asado, Jamaican Jerk, and Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa, as well as rice seasoning sauces for staples like Caribbean coconut rice and Puerto Rican pork rice.
The best part? A Dozen Cousins isn’t just about great food—it’s about impact. Through annual grants and volunteer support, the brand actively gives back to non-profits, turning every meal into an opportunity to nourish communities. Ready to shake up your pantry? Buy their flavorful solutions throughout America, available at Walmart, Meijer, Publix, Whole Foods, Target, and more.
Capital City Co. knows the secret to great flavor. Spoiler alert: It’s mambo sauce. When Arsha Jones moved to Maryland from DC, she couldn’t find the sweet, tangy condiment she grew up loving. So, she took matters into her own hands and started making it herself. Along with her husband, she turned that homemade recipe into Capital City Co., a brand delivering robust flavor in every bottle. Now, the brand has expanded throughout the United States, collaborating on a campaign with New Balance and establishing The Capital City Excellence Award in memory of her late husband and Co-Founder, Charles Jones.
Their mambo sauce is a versatile delight—ideal for wings but just as impressive as a go-to ingredient for any dish. Available in sleek, easy-to-use squeeze bottles or by the gallon, it combines convenience with exceptional flavor. Ready to get yours? You can find it at Costco, Wegmans, H Mart, Safeway, Harris Teeter, and more, as well as online at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Capital City Co. makes it easy to bring DC's iconic flavor to your table—no matter where you are.
Symphony Chips started as a spice blend and has grown into a brand dedicated to delivering a gourmet potato chip experience. Once retired Las Vegas Chef Andre’ Anderson’s spices were featured in a grocery store, he quickly learned how hard it is to sell spices people can’t taste first. So the family brand began in-store demonstrations, starting with raw vegetables and popcorn. However, it wasn't until they put the seasoning on homemade potato chips that people truly noticed its unique flavor. The feedback inspired the brand’s transformation: “The spices are good, but where can I get a bag of these chips?!” This business now crafts their gluten-free chips with all-natural ingredients like sea salt, ground mustard, hickory, parsley, paprika, and chopped onions, creating a perfectly balanced, flavorful bite every time.
Danica Dias reimagined hard seltzers with Grown Folks, the first Black and female-owned brand inspired by Black culinary traditions. Infusing each sip with soul food flavors like peach cobbler, ambrosia, and key lime, the line is made with real fruit juice and a sugar brew base. Since 2021, Dias has been infusing her family’s heritage into every can, creating a product that’s as meaningful as it is refreshing. Find Grown Folks Hard Seltzer across California at Whole Foods, Total Wine & More, or Sam’s Club, and raise a glass to flavor and tradition.
Tiger Life Gourmet brings the vibrant culture straight to your kitchen. Their seasoning blends are crafted from Brasmyne Holmes’ own secret family recipes, making it easy to whip up mouthwatering, soul-satisfying meals in no time. Chef Holmes honed her seasoning blend skills as a chef at State Farm Arena, creating flavors for Atlanta Hawks games. In 2020, she launched Tiger Life Gourmet, combining her culinary expertise with her sales and marketing experience.
Ready to spice things up? Try Southern Collards, Garlicky Steak, or the game-changer Bomb A$$ Grill Dust. Elevate your meals with Tiger Life pantry essentials—your go-to solution for unforgettable flavors. Explore their mouth-watering recipes here. Stock up today and turn every dish into a culinary masterpiece!
Supporting Black-owned CPG brands goes beyond February—it’s a commitment to fostering diversity and driving continuous equity in the industry. At Pear Commerce, we’re here to help brands like these scale and succeed by connecting them with retailers and simplifying the journey to retail growth. Our platform is built to streamline the process, giving emerging and established CPG brands the tools they need to thrive and make a lasting impact.
Join us in building more inclusive pantries everywhere. Ready to see how Pear Commerce can fuel your growth? Let’s work together to turn bold ideas into omnichannel success. Book your demo today →
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