MEDASE Cocktails, a Black-owned premium zero-proof beverage brand, has expanded its retail footprint to all Erewhon locations throughout Southern California. Founded by Howard University sorority sisters Monica Cornitcher and the late Inga Dyer, MEDASE offers six ready-to-drink zero-proof cocktails inspired by classic favorites, including mojitos, lemon drops, margaritas, and old fashioneds. The lineup uses organic juices, organic agave, and premium ingredients to deliver lower-calorie options for alcohol-free drinking.
Recognition and Funding Cornitcher, co-founder and CEO, was named to Inc.'s 2026 Female Founders 500 list this year.
The brand has also secured a strategic investment that positions it to support more than $20 million in annual sales—a milestone that underscores progress against the documented funding barriers faced by Black women entrepreneurs.
Market Context
The zero-proof cocktail category has grown steadily as consumers seek sophisticated alcohol-free alternatives. MEDASE's expansion into Erewhon, a premium natural-foods grocer with significant West Coast presence, signals retailer confidence in the brand's positioning and appeal.
Why It Matters
For operators and retailers, MEDASE's growth reflects broader consumer demand for premium non-alcoholic beverages and the economic viability of Black-owned food and beverage brands when they access adequate capital. The Erewhon placement offers a template for how specialty retailers can stock emerging brands with cultural significance and product merit.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
