Empowering the Next Generation of Beverage Alcohol Innovators
Diverse Powered Brands was proud to present, in partnership with Women of the Vine & Spirits, the first-ever BCB Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition at Bar Convent Brooklyn 2025 – a groundbreaking platform designed to spotlight emerging beverage alcohol brands and connect them with industry leaders, strategic partners, and growth opportunities.
This high-energy live pitch event brought together a curated group of early-stage and growth-stage brand founders who took the stage to present their business to a panel of expert judges representing distribution, retail, marketing/PR, and industry trade.
Congratulations to Our Winner
Hailing from Italy and rooted in authenticity and craftsmanship, Amaretto ADRIATICO wowed the judges with its compelling brand story, premium positioning, and innovative vision. As the competition winner, the brand received a powerful Prize Package – a 360-degree approach to growth.
The Prize Package
Developed and delivered by Women of the Vine & Spirits in collaboration with their network of dedicated Corporate Members and Diverse Powered Brands, this unparalleled package includes access to expert consulting, legal support, distribution and import support, PR, design services, and industry memberships from some of the top organizations in the beverage alcohol space.
 |  |  |
| BCB Brooklyn Credit toward participation in the 2026 BCB Brooklyn show. | BevAssets Sales and Distribution 3-month consulting retainer focused on Sales and Distribution strategy (domestic & international). | Distilled Spirits Council Complimentary Craft Membership. |
 |  |  |
| Diverse Powered Brands One-on-one strategy session and expert insights on brand positioning, marketing, and go-to-market strategy. | Double Forte PR Services to include one brand messaging audit with 1 round of edits, an outlined media launch strategy, 1 trade press release supported by 1 round of industry trade media outreach. | Greenspoon Marder, LLP Three (3) hours of legal counsel focused on regulatory and compliance issues, including federal, state, and e-commerce guidance. |
 |  |  |
| MHW Credit toward importation, distribution, or brand development services. | Spearhead Global Design and sourcing audit of current packaging, 1-2 packaging evolution concepts. | Women of the Vine & Spirits Complimentary Associate Corporate Membership to global membership organization. |
“My partner Sam and I founded BevAssets with a commitment to supporting small to midsize, family-owned beverage companies. We were excited to join the BCB Pitch Competition prize package because it aligns with our mission – helping emerging brands like Amaretto ADRIATICO navigate their go-to-market strategy and access the tools they need to grow.”
– Alicia Vargo, Managing Partner, BevAssets, LLC
Thank You to Our Esteemed Judges!
We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible panel of judges who lent their time, expertise, and industry insight to the 2025 BCB Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition. Your thoughtful evaluations and commitment to uplifting emerging brands made this year’s competition truly exceptional. Thank you for helping us champion the next generation of beverage industry innovators!
“What an incredible honor for Double Forte to be a part of this year’s panel of judges for the 2025 BCB Incubator competition. Hearing the finalists’ stories and seeing the incredible work put in to get to this point was inspiring and made the judges’ decision a challenge. We’re looking forward to working with winner Amaretto Adriatico and congratulate them on their win.”
– Maggie Zeman, SVP & GM, New York of Double Forte.
Why It Matters
At Diverse Powered Brands, we believe in creating pathways – not just platforms – for underrepresented, independent, and emerging founders. The Pitch Competition is a key part of our mission to break down barriers, open doors, and ensure that brands led by diverse perspectives can thrive in today’s complex beverage alcohol landscape.
Through events like this, we help brands move from introduction to acceleration – with real tools, real people, and real impact.
What’s Next
The BCB Pitch Competition was just the beginning. We’re already planning future opportunities to spotlight diverse-led innovation in beverage alcohol – our very own Exchange360 Events – and we want to hear from you.
Subscribe to our newsletter below in the footer to stay in the loop.