“ By supporting these businesses , we celebrate the rich cultural diversity that enriches our society and encourages the development of products that reflect a wide range of experiences and tastes .”
– Sunshine Foss , founder and CEO of retailer Happy Cork
Gets Better , LYRIC , and VOICES .” It ’ s important to remember that helping minority individuals also helps the industry as a whole . The goal goes beyond assisting specific groups , as fostering diversity can have a greater positive impact .
“ Wine is a diverse beverage , including the diversity of people who create it ,” say Wolosz and Durham . “ A curiosity about the multifaceted histories and stories of the people who create individual wines supports the whole craft industry .”
Bringing in more consumers can only help the bottom lines for all businesses . For instance : Bacardi , in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation , recently announced the launch of the second annual Visión Verde grant . This $ 100,000 initiative is designed to empower Latinx / Hispanic entrepreneurs within the beverage alcohol service , sales and hospitality industries across the U . S .
“ The Hispanic Heritage Foundation ( HHF ) supports Latinx / Hispanic entrepreneurs through education , workforce development and leadership programs that foster social innovation and celebrate Latino culture ,” says Eddie Cutillas , vice prsident of community relations , Bacardi North America . “ As a company with Latin roots , Bacardi is proud to partner with an organization with a shared commitment of providing opportunities and resources that enable sustainable growth .”
Latinx / Hispanic entrepreneurs continue to make meaningful contributions locally and nationally , “ which is why Bacardi saw an opportunity to support them through the Visión Verde program with HHF ,” adds Cutillas . “ Entrepreneurship is the root of bold ideas , and we are excited to see how grant recipients make positive contributions to our industry and to the environment .”
Again , the benefits of such a program go beyond diversity and inclusion .
“ The [ grant ] program also drives a focus on sustainability which is top of mind for so many consumers ,” he adds . “ All recipients of the Visión Verde grant gain access to Coctelería Consciente , a Hispanic-owned sustainability consultancy specializing in the hospitality sector which provides valuable education sessions on Integrated Waste Management , Carbon and Water Footprint , Renewable Energies , and Energy Efficiency .”
It ' s a win-win mentality held by most if not all parties involved in this segment of the industry .
“ By supporting these businesses , we celebrate the rich cultural diversity that enriches our society and encourages the development of products that reflect a wide range of experiences and tastes ,” says Foss of Happy Cork . “ When we invest in Black and minority-owned brands , we are also investing in the communities they represent .”
“ These businesses often reinvest their profits locally , supporting community development , creating jobs and contributing to the overall well-being of their neighborhoods ,” Foss adds . “ In essence , supporting Black and minority-owned brands is about more than just making a purchase ; it ' s about making a difference . It ’ s about building a more inclusive , equitable , and vibrant economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive .”
INCREASED CONSUMER ATTENTION
Like any category within the beverage alcohol industry , these brands would not grow if consumers were not buying the
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