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.
Pricklee Superfruit Water is a line of still flavored water beverages that are enhanced with electrolytes and antioxidants. Lightly sweetened with agave nectar, each 12 oz. can of Pricklee contains only 35 calories.
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.
A new class of beverage startups will be introduced to the industry at BevNET Live Winter 2019. New Beverage Showdown 18, presented by Coca Cola’s Venturing & Emerging Brands, returns to Santa Monica, Calif. this December 9th and 10th, providing a stage for emerging brands to share their story with industry gatekeepers and peers.
Small Barrel Shrub utilizes a base of carbonated water, fruit flavored balsamic drinking vinegar, and coconut water to create a unique take on craft soda. The products have no added sugar and use the sugars in the balsamic vinegar and added coconut water to sweeten the drinks.
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.
Jeff Chu is the co-founder and CEO of Joy Tea, a brand focused on delivering simple and transparent CBD teas to millennial and older Gen Z consumers. Using clean ingredients and emotion-based branding, the company aims to inspire a feeling, not just deliver a great product.
