Welcome to the Startup CPG podcast.

I'm your host, Jennifer Yepaz-Blindel.

I have a story to tell you about today's guest.

When I first met Toonle, co-founder of Vervet, it was a virtual fireside chat I was hosting.

The topic was how brands, regardless of

size, need to show up for diversity, equity, and inclusion. I could immediately fill

Tewan's passion for the topic, and we'll get into that today. The conversation was going so well,

but what did I do? I inadvertently muted his mic, moved him to the audience, and never brought him back on stage.

It was a rookie mistake and I was mortified, so I found him on LinkedIn.

I sent him an apology note and he so graciously accepted.

And now, at least in my mind, we're internet friends.

And I'm excited to chat with him to hear about his ready to drink sparkling cocktails

and how he's

harnessing the cultural wealth of California.

Well, hi, Tew, and how are you?

I'm doing good.

Thank you, Jennifer.

So happy to be here.

Yeah, thank you for joining.

You have a very impressive resume, right?

Before starting, Rivette, you were in the visual creative art space, photography space.

Where did that idea of Vervet start? You know, I've always been really attracted to storytelling,

...