Pronghorn backs Mocktail Club

Diageo-backed incubator Pronghorn has invested in Mocktail Club, a black woman-owned non-alcoholic drinks brand.

Mocktail Club offers non-alcoholic cocktails in cans, with flavours such as Manhattan Berry, Havana Twist, Capri Spritz and Bombay Fire in its lineup.

The flavours are inspired by founder Pauline Idogho’s international travels.

On receiving funding from Pronghorn, Idogho said the brand can “continue to scale up and become more accessible across the nation”.

She added: “When I launched this non-alcoholic, better-for-you company, my purpose was to ensure no one felt left out of the party and people had the option to moderate and enjoy the same rituals with sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails.”

Created in partnership with Diageo North America – as a 10-year initiative to drive diversity, equity and inclusion – Pronghorn has so far raised in excess of US$200 million towards its goal of supporting Black entrepreneurs and executives in the spirits sector, as well as nurturing the next generation.

Recently, the company teamed up with Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) and Diverse Powered Brands (DPB) to propel change in the industry.

Last year, it backed Taste Cognac, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery and Rally Gin – a trio of spirits companies led by Black women.

Over the next decade, it is aiming to make 57 investments in Black-owned spirits brands and generate US$2.4 billion in economic value for the Black community.

On choosing Mocktail Club, Dia Simms, co-founder of Pronghorn, said: “Pronghorn’s mission is simple – to create a template to diversify any industry.

“We recognise that the non-alcoholic sector is growing at an incredibly fast pace, which is why we are thrilled to support a Black woman-owned brand like Mocktail Club that is set to disrupt the non-alcoholic sector through its distinct flavours.”