6 Black-Owned Beverage Companies -- Stirring Up Wines, Teas, and Energy Drinks
6 Black-Owned Beverage Companies -- Stirring Up Wines, Teas, and Energy Drinks
African American entrepreneurs are widening out and starting companies in all kinds of industries. They are no longer just owners of barbershops, hair salons, and restaurants. Nowadays, they are investing in bigger more global ideas like tech companies, investing firms, and global food and drink distribution.
When it comes to beverages, the most popular brands are Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Snapple, and Lipton, but there are also some brands that were created by African American business owners.
Here are 6 Black-owned beverage companies that you can find online and in local grocery stores:
#1 - SoRen Tea: a luxury lifestyle brand with a gourmet selection of blended, loose teas. Established in 2011 by African American sisters Sonnia Shields and Rena Williams, SoRen Tea is one of the first fashion-forward lines of loose leaf teas. The brand has received a tremendous amount of local and national press. In its first year of business, SoRen Tea was invested in by Oscar nominated actress Taraji P. Henson.
#2 - Ellis Island Tea: an all-natural, antioxidant-rich hibiscus tea founded in 2008 by Nailah Ellis-Brown. She got the recipe from her late great grandfather, who told her, "This recipe is to be sold, not told. Ellis Island Tea is a smooth, flavorful Jamaican blend, steeped in family tradition, brewed and bottled in Detroit, Michigan.
#3 - Jin+Ja: a revitalizing, anti-inflammatory and metabolism boosting tea brand that was started in the summer of 2009 by entrepreneur Reuben Canada (pictured above). He initially made the drinks for himself and for friends, but then realized that he had something bigger on his hands. After doing a test at a local retailer, the product kept selling out every 3 days for first three months and the rest is history!
#4 - MoFaya Energy Drinks: As the first 100% black owned beverage company in South Africa, these energy drinks use high quality ingredients to create an energizing & stimulating effect, which enhances endurance and boosts performance. They also have a product formulated for extreme hydration that contains electrolytes, minerals, and carbohydrates to promote optimal fluid replacement.
Thanks for posting this. I don't consume alcohol so I'm glad there are teas and lemonades on here.