BEVERAGE INDUSTRY INCLUSION
Fierce & Kind Spirits is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion .
Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham , partners and owners of Gentleman Farmer , a boutique , gay-owned winery that specializes in Old World-inspired wines from sustainably farmed vineyard sites in Napa Valley .
CELEBRATE CULTURES , GROW BUSINESSES
Brands focused on diversity and inclusion often prioritize giving back to the cultures they represent . This strategy buoys both this subcategory of products and entrepreneurs as well as the broader alcohol industry .
Fierce & Kind Spirits , a San Diego-based spirits company , is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion . They recently launched limited-edition Pride bottles for the brand ’ s straight bourbon ( renamed Straight ( Gay ) Bourbon ), newly launched Single Barrel Cask Strength bourbon and American vodka .
“ It ’ s important to recognize that consumers are diverse and so the ecosystem of brands that supplies them must reflect that ,” say Cyndi Smith and Basem Harb , CEOs and cofounders . “ Fierce & Kind believes both in standing up for what is right and in strong allyship with diverse communities , not only because it ’ s right , but because , after all , they are our consumers — all of them .”
The company has launched The Fierce & Kind Equity Foundation , driving 25 % of the producer ’ s profits to support the economic growth of historically underserved and underrepresented communities .
“ Brands that are from and are allied with LGBQT + communities must be recognized and supported to create the sort of healthy environment that allows them to thrive , grow and come back to lend that support and recognition year after year ,” Smith and Harb say .
Also on the West Coast , Gentleman Farmer is a boutique , gay-owned winery that specializes in Old World-inspired wines from sustainably farmed vineyard sites in Napa Valley . The company donates a portion of proceeds to LGBTQ + causes .
“ We are visible ; we participate , we tell our story , we make wine that we are proud of , and we give back ,” explain Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham , partners and owners . “ 10 % of June sales went to three LGBTQ + youth organizations : It
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