Market Watch: CBD-Infused Drinks Begin Appearing On Shelves Of Beverage Alcohol Retailers
November 24, 2020CBD-infused beverages—especially non-alcoholic ones—are increasingly appearing on the shelves of some beverage alcohol retailers across the U.S., with mixed results amid escalating Covid-19 challenges. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound from cannabis that doesn’t get users high, but is noted for its possible medicinal and therapeutic benefits.
New Jersey-based Gary’s Wine & Marketplace is seeing success with Kalo Hemp Infused Seltzer ($5 a 12-ounce can). Gary’s carries four different flavors of the offering: raspberry lime, pomegranate peach, lemon lavender, and strawberry lemon. “Non-alcoholic CBD beverages is a growing category, so the long-term potential is there,” says Gary’s director of innovation Mike Fisch.
In Massachusetts, where recreational marijuana is legal, Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits stocks Otto’s non-alcoholic CBD Cider ($5 an 11.2-ounce bottle). Kappy’s carries three of Otto’s flavor variants—Hopped Apple, Pear Rhubarb, and Pineapple Passion—and each bottle contains 30-mg. of CBD. Paul Lynott, general manager of the chain’s Norwell location, says CBD ciders have generated interest, although the pandemic has impacted the development of the category in recent months.
Smoke Wallin, CEO of Vertical Wellness, the CBD arm of cannabis operator Vertical Cos., sees a bright future for CBD drinks. Wallin has developed a line of yet-to-be-launched CBD-infused non-alcoholic beverages, and is also working on creating CBD-infused bitters and mixers for beverage alcohol. Wallin suggests that CBD will have its day once the Covid-19 pandemic comes to a halt.
“Cocktail bars and mixologists are experimenting with cocktails infused with CBD,” Wallin says. “Once we have nationwide re-opening of the bar sector, you’ll see a lot of experimentation at the cocktail level, whether CBD is already in the beverage or added in at the bar.” Market Watch has more on the future of the CBD-infused drinks category.—Kevin Barry
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