Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses

Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a powerful day of remembrance, celebration, and reflection on the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice.

At the Davis Food Co-op, we are proud to support Black entrepreneurs who are reshaping the food world with bold flavors, community-centered missions, and a vision for a more just and joyful future.

From pantry staples to indulgent treats, these brands are more than just delicious. They are a testament to Black excellence, innovation, and legacy. This Juneteenth, let’s shop with purpose and celebrate the brilliance behind the Black-owned brands we love at the Co-op!

Partake Foods

Founded by Denise Woodard, Partake Foods is revolutionizing inclusivity in snacking. Born from a mother’s mission to ensure her daughter—and all families—could enjoy safe, allergy-friendly treats, Partake’s offerings are vegan, gluten-free, and free from the top 9 allergens. Beyond the kitchen, they’re tackling food insecurity and championing equity through initiatives like partnerships with No Kid Hungry and their Black Futures in Food & Beverage fellowship, empowering HBCU students to lead the future of food. This Juneteenth, we celebrate Partake’s bold commitment to nourishment, representation, and opportunity.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Born from the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green—the first known African American master distiller—Uncle Nearest honors a trailblazing craftsman whose whiskey-making genius shaped an entire industry. A formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of Tennessee Whiskey, Nearest pioneered the sugar maple charcoal filtering process still used today. Co-founded by Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest not only reclaims and uplifts this long-overlooked story, but has become the most-awarded bourbon and Tennessee whiskey brand for six years running. With Nearest’s own descendant, Victoria Eady Butler, now serving as master distiller, the brand’s impact is generational.

A Dozen Cousins

Rooted in tradition and built for today’s table, A Dozen Cousins brings the rich, authentic flavors of Black and Latino cooking to the forefront with wholesome, ready-to-eat meals. Founded by Ibraheem Basir and named after his daughter and her cousins, the brand honors generational recipes while promoting health and accessibility. Beyond the kitchen, A Dozen Cousins supports underserved communities through annual grants and wellness education.

Alaffia

Founded in Davis by UC Davis graduate and Togolese native Olowo-n’djo Tchala, Alaffia blends ancient West African beauty traditions with modern-day ethical entrepreneurship. With fair trade, handcrafted ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil at its core, Alaffia creates clean, natural products while uplifting the communities that inspire them. Through its women-led cooperatives and the Alaffia Foundation, the brand has funded maternal care, education, and environmental sustainability projects across Togo and beyond.

Hazel’s BBQ Sauce

A four-generation family tradition, Hazel’s BBQ Sauce began out of love and necessity when Hazel Brown crafted her own sauce using fresh produce for her ten children. What started in a family kitchen has grown into a locally cherished brand — proudly made with organic ingredients from neighborhood growers and crafted with care by her son Carl and grandson Cornelius. Now is the time to celebrate heritage, resilience, and community — the very values Hazel’s BBQ Sauce was built on.