International spirits conglomerate Diageo announced today that it has acquired non-alcoholic distilled spirits maker Seedlip. The liquor company had been an investor in the brand through its venture capital arm, Distill Ventures.
In this month’s spirits gallery, we highlight a handful of the notable new releases from mid-summer, including a special collaboration between Remy Martin and French metalsmith Steaven Richard, a new limited edition single malt from Laphroaig and several new canned RTD cocktail products.
Speaking with BevNET, Dixie CEO Chuck Smith said the partnership -- which at the end of its term can be renewed two times for up to four years -- is likely to produce a variety of THC-infused products under the AriZona name, starting with vape pens and gummies.
Eugene Gross is the co-founder of Altru Brands, a company that delivers premium and functional flavored waters. The products contain a patent pending blend of antioxidants including glutathione, as well as electrolytes and vitamins.
As cannabis entrepreneurs, Willie Mack, co-founder and president of boutique cannabis brand Think BIG, and Rashaan Everett, CEO of vertically integrated cannabis startup Good Tree Holdings, have made addressing systemic issues a fundamental part of their respective business plans.
Spacestation, the brainchild of Blackeye Roasting Co. founder Matt McGinn, recently opened in northern California with the goal to help startup cannabis beverage brands with both the industry guidance and manufacturing muscle to find success in the nascent category.
One of the beverage industry’s best known and most respected insiders, Ken Sadowsky has long been an investor and advisor to a range of category-leading brands. In this episode, he discussed how he assesses opportunities to align with and invest in early stage brands, offered his perspective on leadership and shared his thoughts on notable categories and emerging trends.
The growth of video game culture has opened the doors for beverage brands able to supply the demand for functional drinks that appeal to the specific needs of gamers. A handful of smaller, innovative energy drink brands have seized on the space to offer authentic, better-for-you options tailored for long, intensive gaming sessions.
Speaking at Cannabis Forum 2019, held on June 14 in New York City, attorney Larry Sandell of Mei & Mark LLP discussed how emerging cannabis brands can avoid the mistakes and pitfalls involved with protecting intellectual property.
Speaking at Cannabis Forum 2019, held on June 14 in New York City, the co-founders of 99th Floor -- Doug Cohen and chef Miguel Trinidad -- explained how they are using food as a vehicle to build consumers’ appreciation and understanding for cannabis, in addition to smashing some of the lingering stigma around recreational marijuana use.
Ray DeRosa, the founder of dandelion-based tea brand Lion Tea, understands the struggles of consumer education. In this episode, he explained how he’s tackled this issue by using a simple, yet powerful and efficient method to create brand loyalists. He also spoke about why “finding the partners that are going to provide you extraordinary support in the early days ultimately make you successful.”
Citing U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) guidance prohibiting the sale of CBD-infused food and beverage products, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) last week issued cease and desist notices to CBD beverage manufacturers and has embargoed sales for at least one beverage company.
Plant-based venture firm PowerPlant Ventures announced yesterday the close of its second fund. At over three times the size of its predecessor, Fund II, which closed at $165 million, will allow the company to further refine its deal structure, according to co-founder and partner Mark Rampolla.
Keeping your books in order is a good practice for brands of all kinds, but for companies looking to gain a foothold in the cannabis space, it’s a particularly critical component of running a healthy business.
