Pronghorn invests in women-founded Doce Mezcal
Women-founded Doce Mezcal secured Pronghorn investment, the firm's first in mezcal, and partnered with Blueprint Distribution for NY expansion. Launched in 2022, Doce joins Pronghorn's portfolio supporting diverse leadership as mezcal growth continues at 11% CAGR through 2028.
Doce Mezcal Announces Strategic Investment from Pronghorn and Partnership with Blueprint Distribution
NEW YORK, March 6, 2025 – Doce Mezcal, the New York-based, women-founded mezcal label, entered the market in 2022 with the goal of elevating the drinking ritual through high-quality spirits. This year, the brand has reached new milestones, including a recent investment from Pronghorn and a New York distribution partnership with Blueprint Spirits/Union Beer.
Pronghorn Investment
Doce Mezcal marks Pronghorn's first investment in the mezcal category, a fast-growing segment projected to expand at an 11% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2028. "We're thrilled to welcome Doce Mezcal as our first investment in the category," said Jerry Petit-Frere, Director of Portfolio Management. "As a women- and Black-owned brand, Doce Mezcal stands out with its strong brand ethos and award-winning quality. Their innovative 'liquid-to-lips' strategy and focus on customer education provide an exciting new option for consumers. This partnership reflects our commitment to championing diverse leaders and adding disruptive brands to the Pronghorn portfolio."
Pronghorn was created to develop a framework for diversifying any industry, beginning with spirits and the Black community. As a hybrid accelerator and industry-wide change agent, it provides new opportunities for founders, entrepreneurs, and executives in the spirits industry.
Cofounder and Chief Brand Officer Gabriela Lawrence stated, "We are excited to enter the next phase of our business alongside Pronghorn. Their dedication to amplifying underrepresented brands makes them the perfect partner for this stage of growth, and we look forward to utilizing their expertise, services, and support to expand Doce Mezcal's market share."
Petit-Frere added, "Partnering with Gabriela and Mia, whose expertise in CPG, lifestyle, and hospitality makes them exceptional founders, is exciting for Pronghorn. We're confident they'll establish Doce Mezcal as a category leader. Together, we're ready to supercharge Doce's growth."
Blueprint Distribution Partnership
2025 also marks the beginning of Doce Mezcal's partnership with Blueprint, a distributor that is a proud division of Union Beer & The Sheehan Family Companies, with a distribution network spanning five generations.
Blueprint specializes in the sales and marketing of a curated selection of craft spirits brands, focusing on premium producers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. This partnership, combined with Blueprint's extensive experience in local markets, allows Doce Mezcal to collaborate with The Sheehan Family Companies to increase its distribution presence across New York State.
"Blueprint's commitment to expanding its agave division and its strategic support for emerging brands make them a natural fit for this next chapter. We're excited to kick off the year with a distribution team that understands our story, sees our potential, and is equally invested in our shared success," said Cofounder and CEO Mia Tonelli.
Doce Mezcal's Growth
Since its launch, Doce Mezcal has experienced impressive growth, significantly increasing revenue year-over-year, expanding points of sale through self-distribution, raising a lean capital round, and implementing a consumer-focused strategy. These investment and distribution milestones mark the brand's journey toward expanding its market share and building on its strong foundation and brand ethos. Doce Mezcal remains committed to crafting an exceptional spirit using diligent and time-honored techniques that uphold tradition and quality in every step of the process.
