In honor of black history month, we are highlighting black, and minority-owned brands that we are so excited to be offering! Not only does each brand carry awesome innovative offerings, but they also promote and raise awareness to great causes throughout the community and strive to help others through the growth of their brands.
Partake
Partake is owned by an African & Asian American woman, Denise Woodard, who founded the company when her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. Partake partners with No Kid Hungry to provide food access to families in need. Denise also founded Black Futures in Food & Beverage – a fellowship program for HBCU students. All products under the Partake brand are GF, non-GMO, vegan, and free of the top 9 allergens and delicious!
Flavors currently available: Birthday Cake Cookies
Red Bay Coffee
Red Bay Coffee is a local, bay area founded fourth wave coffee company founded by an artist and entrepreneur, Keba Konte. Red Bay strives to hire and serve people of all backgrounds including people who may have previously been left out of the specialty coffee industry – people of color, formerly incarcerated, women, and people with disabilities.
Currently carrying: Slow Burn Espresso Beans – 5lb bag
Pipcorn
Pipcorn is a women-owned, minority-owned, family business that was founded because the owners realized how much better heirloom corn tastes than anything else. The brand has evolved overtime including receiving an investment from Barbara on Shark Tank but stayed a family business with a wide array of varieties of snacks.
Fun fact: Pipcorn was picked as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things!
Currently carrying: Pipcorn Cheddar Cheese Balls
Agua Bonita
Agua Bonita was founded by, Kayla Castaneda, who was raised in the Central Valley of California and whose family is from Mexico. When Kayla lost her job mid-pandemic, she decided to take something that was “reflective of my culture, my family, and my grandpa’s teachings of never letting food go to waste” and created Agua Bonita. A refreshing real fruit-based beverage. A portion of every purchase of Agua Bonita goes towards supporting migrant farm workers via non-profits.
Flavors currently available: Watermelon Chili, Mango Habanero
Article by Carly Corippo
Some of you may already know Carly Corippo as your account manager, but she also has a strong background in nutrition. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences from California State University Chico while working throughout the community in different nutrition and wellness focused internships. After college, Carly started working here at Associated and is your go-to gal for all wellness and nutrition related questions or tips!
