In the latest episode of Equity in Focus, hosted by Kevin E. Hooks, we dive deep into the story behind Blackleaf Organic Vodka—a brand that’s rapidly gaining recognition for its premium quality and commitment to sustainability. The visionary founders, Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, share their journey of disrupting the spirits industry while staying true to their core values of innovation, tradition, and equity.
Building a brand from the ground up
The conversation kicks off with an introduction to the dynamic duo behind Blackleaf Organic Vodka. Kevin Larkai, a Ghanaian American entrepreneur with a background in finance, and Monté Burrow, a seasoned veteran in the alcohol industry, have joined forces to create a brand that not only stands out for its quality but also for its dedication to making organic products desirable.
Larkai recalls the light bulb moment that occurred during a vacation in Cognac, France, where a chance meeting with a master craftsman set him on the path to creating something truly unique. “Our simple thing was, ‘How do we make organic sexy?'” Larkai explains. This question became the driving force behind Blackleaf Organic Vodka, a brand that seeks to redefine luxury and sustainability in the spirits industry.
Overcoming challenges as Black entrepreneurs
As Black entrepreneurs in a predominantly white industry, Larkai and Burrow have faced their share of challenges. From raising capital to securing shelf space, the journey has been anything but easy. Larkai notes, “Experience was a challenge, but over the years, I got more savvy. Partnering with Monté, who is an industry veteran, helped a lot.”
Burrow, who has worked with some of the top brands in the alcohol space, echoes this sentiment. He highlights the importance of creating awareness and advocacy for their brand, particularly in a crowded market where shelf space is at a premium. “It’s always about building awareness and creating advocacy for your brand,” Burrow says. “For us, a lot of it is about trial. Once people taste it, they’re pretty hooked.”
What sets Blackleaf Organic Vodka apart
Blackleaf Organic Vodka’s unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its premium quality and eco-conscious production blend. As the first French organic vodka on the market, Blackleaf has already made a name for itself in global spirits competitions, consistently winning double gold medals.
Larkai emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded market: “We are the first French organic vodka on the market. What we really hang our hat on is the liquid itself. We’ve done a lot of blind taste tests, and our product always shines.” This commitment to quality, combined with a beautifully packaged product at an approachable price point, is what sets Blackleaf Organic Vodka apart from its competitors.
The future of Blackleaf Organic Vodka
As the conversation draws to a close, Hooks asks the founders to share their vision for the future of Blackleaf Organic Vodka. Larkai confidently predicts that within five years, Blackleaf will be a major global brand: “The credibility and quality of our vodka go without saying, and within five years, the world will know about us.”
Burrow echoes this vision, adding that he wants Blackleaf to become the “call of choice” for vodka: “Just like when people want a tissue, they ask for a Kleenex—when you want a vodka, I want them to ask for Blackleaf.”
For those looking to follow the growth of Blackleaf Organic Vodka, Larkai encourages fans to visit their website, BlackLeafVodka.co, and follow them on social media at @BlackLeafVodka.
AI assisted in summarizing this episode of Equity in Focus.
