Debra Borchardt
Arkansas-based beer distributor Premium Brands of Northwest Arkansas is adding a hemp beverage to its lineup. Premium Brands currently have distribution agreements with MillerCoors (NYSE:TAP), Corona (NYSE:STZ), Yuengling, Pabst Brewing, Boston Beer, Mike’s, Seagram’s, and Heineken USA to name a few.
Good Hemp, Inc. (OTC: GHMP) makes Good Hemp Fizz and CannaHemp beverages, which is a line of naturally flavored waters infused with 10mg of THC-free hemp extract and prebiotic fiber. The company says that unlike other hemp-infused beverages that contain CBD, its products are made with hemp seed oil which is categorized as “GRAS” (under sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and therefore not subject to FDA review and approval).
“Hemp Infused beverages is a growing category, and we are excited to add a solid brand like Good Hemp Fizz and CannaHemp to our non-alcoholic portfolio,” said Heath Sutherlin, GM at Premium Brands. Sutherlin continued, “We look forward to working with the Good Hemp reps for a strong Labor Day rollout and building a long-term successful partnership in the territory.”
Premium Brands will distribute Good Hemp Fizz and CannaHemp throughout 11 counties in northwest Arkansas servicing approximately 900 C-stores, grocers, and liquor stores.
Beverage Market
Mazakali wrote a white paper on cannabis drinks and it stated, “Infused drinkables currently hold a market share of under 1% in the US, a figure that is far too low when compared with industry estimates for a $2.8 billion global cannabis beverage market by 2025. Advances in cannabis science along with the thirst for a healthier alternative to alcohol are but two factors behind this anticipated growth.”
The market is being flooded with hemp drinks of all sorts these days. The hemp-infused beverage market is expected to reach $2.8B by 2025 with a CAGR of 18%.
Constellation Brands had been expected to create its own line of cannabis drinks with its investment in Canopy Growth. Its current slate of drinks includes a Houseplant-branded Grapefruit beverage with 2.5 milligrams of THC, Tweed’s Bakerstreet & Ginger and Houndstooth & Soda drinks containing 2 milligrams THC as well as a high-potency Deep Space cola with 10 milligrams of THC, the maximum under Canadian regulations.
“We are excited to add Premium Brands to our distribution network,” said Rise’ Meguiar, VP Sales and Innovation at Good Hemp. “They are a well-established distributor in NW AR, and by adding them to our network, our products will now be widely available across the northern part of the state.”
