OhHi boasts only 5 grams of sugar and no artificial ingredients or GMOs. There are four OhHi flavors to choose from – Lemon Lime, Grapefruit, Pomegranate, and Ginger Basil Limeade.

OhHi Lemon Lime

OhHi Lemon Lime has lightly sweet citrus notes with just a hint of a botanical aftertaste. Accompanied by an intense level of zesty carbonation, OhHi Lemon is a refreshing and invigorating beverage experience.

OhHi Ginger Basil Limeade

The warm, spicy ginger flavor comes through first, followed by a touch of earthy basil and citrus. The combination and juxtaposition of the sweet, spicy, and tart make for a delightfully dynamic beverage.

OhHi Grapefruit

The fresh citrus flavor of OhHi Grapefruit is refreshing and energizing. With just enough sweetness to balance the tart notes, OhHi Grapefruit is an enjoyable treat that is perfect for sipping any time of the day.

OhHi Pomegranate

OhHi Pomegranate blends the tangy tartness of pomegranate with the soft botanical notes of the hemp and the zest of the carbonation for a fun, flavorful drink. The subtle sweetness and light texture of OhHi Pomegranate make for a satisfying and highly sippable beverage.

Summary: If you’re looking for a new CBD-enhanced beverage experience without extra artificial fillers or sugar, OhHi Sparkling CBD Seltzers are a perfect match. OhHi Sparkling CBD Seltzers provide a refreshing and convenient way to unwind with a daily dose of CBD.

For more information visit OhHi’s website.

Let’s start at the very beginning. How did the whole story of Weller begin? Who inspired you to launch Weller?

Weller is built on the mission for delivering the positive benefits of functional ingredients through delicious, trusted and ready-when-you-are products that aid consumers in actively pursuing their best lives. In 2017, we launched the brand with our functional and flavorful broad-spectrum CBD Coconut Bites. Our focus was to create a snack with simple, high-quality ingredients that didn’t just taste good but made our consumers feel good too. In 2019, we used those same superior standards to introduce our CBD Sparkling Water line and CBD Drink Mix. Our latest product addition is our first non-CBD product, Sparkling Immunity, which is the only sparkling elderberry product to deliver essential vitamins and minerals with refreshing flavor while providing core, daily immunity support for people on the go.

We were inspired by our immediate community and peers here in Boulder to create Weller. There’s an incredible amount of passion and natural resources to create anything you can dream of in this little town.

Weller is a sparkling water infused with CBD. The line consists of three different flavors. Can you tell us more about each? Which one is your favorite?

Weller’s new Sparkling Immunity line doesn’t have any CBD. It is our first non-CBD product that we offer. When we designed the flavor profiles of each variety, we wanted to create a beverage that’s refreshing and pairs well with elderberry because that is the star of this drink. The secondary fruit flavors of peach, strawberry, and lemon-lime round out the palate with multi-dimensional, crave-able flavors that will pique the interest of existing sparkling water consumers. The simple, all-natural ingredient list offers a core nutrient profile of vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, and magnesium for an immune boost in every sip.

John’s favorite is Lemon-Lime, Matt’s is Strawberry.

Besides RTD line, there are CBD Drink Mix and Stick Pack options. Can you tell us more about them? How consumers can choose between RTD and other lines?

Both the CBD Drink Mix and Stick Pack have 10mg Broad Spectrum CBD per serving. The main difference is that the CBD Drink Mix is not pre-portioned for individual use. Just take ¼ teaspoon of the powdered mix and stir it into any liquid. The Stick Pack is convenient and great for those who may need an extra boost of mindfulness. The canisters have 14 sticks in each package.

Compared to our RTD line, the CBD Drink Mix and Stick Packs are ideal for the consumers who are always moving and are interested in a variety of beverages to mix it into included smoothies, coffee, juices, kombuchas, etc.

It seems the CBD trend is here to stay. In your opinion, is there still fully space for new brands? What does it take to be successful in this category?

CBD is absolutely here to stay; however, it will be a reduced field of brands moving forward. There’s a shakeout taking place across the country as SKU assortments decrease, and consumers become loyal to existing brands. As a first-mover in the category, we’ve been able to capture trial, repeat purchase, and overall customer retention at a surprisingly high level.

What is the biggest achievement Weller has reached so far?

Our biggest achievement, as a team, has been adapting and thriving in this evolving market. We’ve taken a very tactical and regional approach to growing our brand. We’ve also achieved the #1 Best Selling CBD Carbonated Brand in SPINS for 2019, and continue to be #1 for 2020, YTD.

2020 is a very hard year for the whole industry. What measures have you taken to decrease the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak?

Weller provided PPE, free meals, and communicated with our audiences about staying home and getting groceries delivered. Weller donated beverages to frontline workers and organizations since the pandemic began. These partners include Community Food Share, Conscious Alliance, Frontline Friends, Metro Caring, North Colorado Medical Center, Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, UC Health Hospital in Colorado, and Waterfall Beverages.

Did you have any experience before starting a beverage company? What challenges have you faced so far?

(John) I spent 20 years in the beverage business as a first-time entrepreneur out of college, building a national chai brand, Third Street Chai, before chai was widely recognized.  Those years provided the experience needed to avoid the perils and missteps that are very common with beverages. It’s an extremely tough category.

One challenge that we’ve faced is that mainstream retailers are hesitant with selling CBD ingestible. While this is par for the course right now, we have anticipated that the launch of Sparkling Immunity, we will be able to get our foot in the door at new stores. We can sell non-CBD, Immunity line to retailers who have not, or cannot sell those ingredients.

What advice would you have given yourself before you started out in the beverage business?

Building a successful beverage brand is all about the brand, gross margin, and velocities. If one of those is deficient, go back to the drawing board;)

For more information visit Weller’s website.

JAMU No1 – Beauty Booster with Superpower

Jamu No1 is categorized as a beauty tonic. It contains ingredients like ginger, Curcuma, chokeberry, coriander, fennel, and turmeric, which are believed to potentially supplement hair and nail strength, increase skin moisture levels, stimulate collagen production, and eliminate free radicals.

JAMU No1 has a spicy aroma with hints of Curcuma and ginger. The first sip is sour with a hint of ginger, and the aftertaste is sweet and mild. Overall this flavor is a little weaker than we would have liked, with just a slight variation from plain sparkling water.

JAMU No2 – An OM’ With Every Sip

While we didn’t sample JAMU No2, this herbal mix is designed to increase relaxation and bring restful sleep. With ginseng, ginger, cinnamon, and Curcuma, the blend is believed to increase serotonin levels while lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. The drink is flavored with coriander, pineapple, and pumpkin extracts, as well as raw cane sugar.

JAMU No3 – Energizer with A Stimulating Effect

JAMU No3 contains ginger, ginseng, cardamom, and guarana, which makes it a natural energizer. It is believed that ginseng and ginger accelerate metabolism and increase the production of the serotonin while improving concentration and endurance. Guarana is thought to soothe the senses and is a stimulant, five times stronger than caffeine. Other ingredients include essential oils made from black pepper, nutmeg, and chili, as well as micronutrients, which are known to improve blood circulation and accelerate the heart rate. The drink is flavored with lemon, apple berry, and juniper extracts and contains raw cane sugar.

Upon opening JAMU No 3, we detected potent ginseng and ginger notes, reminiscent of ginger ale. The first sip is sour, and the aftertaste has a slight hint of cardamom and chili. Overall this drink reminded us of a slightly lighter, healthy take on ginger ale.

The second line of JAMU Sparkling Wellness Drinks has only one flavor, a Bio Cannabis Drink.

JAMU Bio Cannabis Drink with Ginger and Curcuma

JAMU Bio Cannabis Drink with Ginger and Curcuma contains 43% of uniquely processed German Cannabis Sativa extract from locally sourced, organically farmed plants. The full-spectrum Cannabis liquid contains all compounds naturally occurring in the plant, which work together to magnify the therapeutic benefits of each cannabinoid.

The aroma of JAMU Bio Cannabis Drink is a little off-putting and reminds us a bit of cut grass. There is also a hint of ginger. The taste is intense at first, with a sweet aftertaste following. The first sip is a little sour, but the overall taste is rich in exciting and unique flavor notes. There are strong Curcuma notes, but they are balanced well with the other flavors producing a pleasant, flavorful experience.

Summary: JAMU Sparkling Wellness Drinks bring an enjoyable wellness-focused drinking experience to a range of consumers looking for the benefits of various adaptogens and adaptogen blends. From enhancing external beauty to encouraging a deeper sense of calm and relaxation, JAMU Sparkling Wellness Drinks offers the opportunity to explore the power of traditional herbs and spices in a new and flavorful way.

 For more information visit JAMU’s website. 

Every variety comes in a clear glass bottle with a twist-off cap. The bottles are adorned with a colorful label that corresponds with the flavor inside. There are four Sweet Reason experiences to choose from, including Grapefruit, Cucumber Mint, Strawberry Lavender, and Lemon Rhubarb. With only carbonated water, CBD, and natural flavors, the products are simple, light, and refreshingly clean.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit was one of our favorite flavors. The light, crisp, refreshing grapefruit flavor works well with the pure effervescence of the water. The mouthfeel is slightly dry with a tart finish. Grapefruit Sweet Reason is a bright, citrus CBD treat.

Cucumber Mint

The combination of cooling mint and calming cucumber creates a spa-like beverage that is both relaxing and refreshing. We love the lightness and simplicity of this flavor. Sweet Reason Cucumber Mint would be the perfect companion during a break from an intense work week.

Strawberry Lavender

Strawberry lavender brings in a bit more sweetness than the other flavors. The strawberry essence has fruity notes that contrast with the unsweetened water and pair well with the light, flowery lavender. Sweet Reason Strawberry Lavender is a memorable summery treat.

Lemon Rhubarb

Like the other flavors, Sweet Reason Lemon Rhubarb has a clean and refreshing feel without a lot of complexity or sweetness. The hint of lemon balanced with the bitter notes of rhubarb is a subtle but pleasant addition to the simple sparkling water. Sweet Reason Lemon Rhubarb is a unique blend of summer flavors perfect for a rejuvenating sipping session.

Summary: Sweet Reason has a strong portfolio of unique and enjoyable CBD-infused sparkling waters. The well-crafted, subtle flavors are displayed on a clean canvas with little to no interference from other additives. The quality of the CBD and the simplicity of the ingredients make Sweet Reason’s products appealing to anyone looking for a refreshing, healthy way to unwind and refocus.

It’s been more than 9 months after our talk back in 2019. Can you tell us what major changes has Vertosa had ever since then?

Hard to imagine it has been 9 months already. We’ve grown and evolved tremendously as a company in no short part due to the COVID-19 crisis. Removing travel and going largely virtual the past four months have given us the opportunity to really focus on the essential parts of our business, streamline processes, build even greater transparency internally and externally, and really lean into product development and R&D. Most importantly, our company culture has really blossomed and morale seems to be better than ever.

Deemed an essential part of the supply chain, the business has also been strong, so we’ve continued to expand both in product offerings and geography. We’re proud to announce milestones such as new partnerships with top beverage brands such as Calexo and Caliva, as well as an expansion into Canada through a strategic partnership with VIVO Cannabis, a producer known for premium cannabis products and services that will enable Vertosa to act as a platform for hemp and cannabis brands to grow in other regions with the same great active ingredients.

I have heard about the initiative of collaborating with flavor houses in order to develop new options for CBD infused beverages. What are the most remarkable findings and creations?

How brands and product developers think about CBD, or more broadly hemp, as an ingredient is evolving quickly. In the past, there was a propensity for manufacturers to come to us almost as an afterthought; as in, we have this fully formulated product, please just add CBD to it without changing anything. While we’ve been successful in doing that, the conversation is often much different now. We’re engaging companies during the ideation stage – literally sometimes just a pitch deck in hand – helping our partners design products from the ground-up in a more holistic fashion.

Our customized approach really allows the product makers to stretch the bounds of their imagination and explore incorporating various aspects of the cannabis plant beyond CBD for a truly unique experience. Terpenes, for instance, can create unique flavors that nod to the origin of the active ingredient, and when treated with our emulsion technology, can also significantly impact the consumer’s experience. We’ve also recently developed two certified organic formulations that have a more floral appeal, which for a natural products manufacturer, acts more as a base ingredient to build around instead of being an afterthought.

So, it’s important to understand how cannabis will function within the beverage’s formulation from the very beginning. Therefore, Vertosa works closely with each of our partner brand’s flavor house to achieve the whole desired experience of the end product. It’s also important for us to consider that there are other ingredients that influence how consumers will absorb the infusion. We need to understand what’s in the product and how those other ingredients will influence the whole experience and effects of the cannabinoids. There’s that compatibility component, so we need to familiarize ourselves with the flavor house’s ingredient base and the different options. It’s a very symbiotic relationship.

Vertosa has been actively operating outside the United States as well. What major projects or initiatives have been launched in Canada and Europe? Tell us more about them.

As I mentioned, last month we announced an expansion into Canada through a partnership with VIVO Cannabis. Working with VIVO, we can help propel the next exciting phase of the cannabis movement in Canada by offering the same quality and consistent ingredients north of the border as we do in the States, effectively creating a platform for our brand partners to expand upon. Stay tuned for the forthcoming product launches.

In general, the vision of Vertosa’s business is to create a platform for which companies and products can expand. So even though regulators create barriers, we have a reliable active ingredient that can be created regionally as well as inactive ingredients that can be shipped to multiple legal markets. Our expansion into Canada is the first real step in achieving that vision and we plan to do even more of this.

Of course, Europe is on our radar, and being that we operate in both cannabis and hemp, there are different limiting regulations and barriers that we have to consider. But Vertosa has infused products on the market in Europe, such as VitoCoco’s Infused beverages, which are available in the UK. But overall, we are being deliberate and careful with how we enter every market.

The impact of COVID-19 has been huge to the beverage market worldwide. What actions has Vertosa taken to decrease the negative impact?

COVID-19 disrupted every industry and shook our entire world to its core. However, when it came down to it, the cannabis beverage market remained strong and made major strides through the pandemic. It was an encouraging silver lining in a trying time. The growth in the space is likely because infused beverages are typically designed for individual consumption and can be consumed discreetly, which is ideal during social distancing. They are also an approachable, familiar way to consume cannabis for less experienced users and those looking to avoid smoking during this time.

In stressful times like these, to have a healthful alternative to alcohol and other substances is game-changing for consumers, and it is showing in the positive growth of our business.

The health crisis has formed new trends in many markets. Have you noticed any new trends in the beverage market? Any specific changes in the CBD-infused beverage niche?

Have you heard of the Entourage Effect? The combination of various cannabinoids that creates a unique experience, and often more efficacious, than a single cannabinoid alone, like CBD. Well, the Entourage Effect goes well beyond the compounds in the plant. Because CBD reportedly has strong anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects, product makers are starting to pair these with other ingredients that can work alongside CBD to create incredibly efficacious experiences.

In times of immense stress, producers and brands are now thinking of CBD and other cannabinoids, such as CBN and CBG, as active ingredients that can work alongside ashwagandha or valerian root or other popular actives. Producers are also starting to understand CBD more and developing products tailored to specific demographics and uses instead of just broadly trying to put CBD in everything – or have CBD replace alcohol. The market is becoming more sophisticated, and consumers are becoming more sophisticated. Most importantly, the conversation is well beyond just CBD now and we’re often testing for detection of minor cannabinoids.

While we’re starting to see people think more creatively about their formulations, we’re also witnessing a greater creativity around engaging the consumer. Brands are thinking deeply about how to connect and speak with their customers and are often exploring direct-to-consumer sales channels. This is exciting because it allows the brand to think beyond a single product and design an entire customer journey through their brand.

I asked you this question 9 months ago, however I wonder if anything changed. In your opinion, CBD-infused beverages are the next big thing or just a short-term trend? Why?

CBD beverages, and beverages infused with other cannabinoids including THC and Delta-8, are most definitely here to stay. In fact, according to a report by Prohibition Partners, the global cannabis drinks market will be worth $1.82 billion by the end of the year.

In these extremely difficult times, infused beverages offer an appealing, approachable, and affordable alternative to alcoholic beverages. And thanks to Vertosa’s proprietary emulsion technology, there are also more sophisticated and high-end varieties of cannabis beverages than ever before, from wine to beer to cold brew coffee to fresh juice to sparkling water. We can also expect to see notable consumer brands from beer, spirits, coffee, energy drinks and more bring exciting new products to market.

However, when it comes to questioning if CBD will be an established, standalone industry, the answer is complicated. CBD is a single compound. As an active ingredient, CBD will be ubiquitous across many consumer-packaged goods and industries. At Vertosa, we consider the whole plant with hundreds of compounds at play and pride ourselves on providing the expertise to create a truly elevated cannabis experience.

For more information visit Vertosa’s website.

Vertosa has also begun partnerships with two well-known, accredited third-party analytical laboratories to maximize accuracy in testing results for their brand clients’ products: Anresco Laboratories and CW Analytical, both pioneers in the field specializing in comprehensive analytical testing in line with the California Bureau of Cannabis Control’s regulations.

The successful consummation of these new initiatives and collaborations also illustrates how the licensed cannabis industry is moving forward despite the multitude of challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our team at Vertosa has remained committed to development that results in a meaningful, positive impact on the licensed cannabis industry across all verticals, and the introduction of our advanced technology to Canada and new partners in testing reflect that goal,” said CEO Ben Larson. “Working with VIVO, we can help propel the next exciting phase of the cannabis movement in Canada by offering the same quality and consistent ingredients north of the border as we do in the States, effectively creating a platform for our brand partners to expand upon.”

“And our collaborative relationships with Anresco and CW Analytical will not only solidify client and consumer confidence, it also allows for crucial cannabis research initiatives that can further legitimize our evolving industry,” Larson added.

Additional details on Vertosa’s latest 2020 strategic partnerships include:

VIVO Cannabis – Vertosa has entered into an agreement with VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSX: VIVO, OTCQX:  VVCIF) (“VIVO”) that allows VIVO to bring Vertosa’s advanced cannabinoid infusion technology into Canada. VIVO plans to install new equipment in their Vanluven facility mid-year to provide Vertosa’s emulsion systems to product developers throughout Canada.

“VIVO continues to proactively search for partners in the cannabis industry who have a proven track record of integrity, unique and novel intellectual property and, perhaps the hardest to find, a successful operational history,” said Tim Hayden, VP of Global Corporate Development. “For this reason, we are delighted to partner with Vertosa and bring their technology to Canada.”

Anresco Laboratories – Anresco is California’s premier cannabis testing laboratory and a one-stop shop for comprehensive analytical services, whose ISO 17025 scope of accreditation covers all analyses required by the California Bureau of Cannabis Control but also much more.

Leveraging Anresco’s 75+ years of experience in food testing, this partnership aims to solve ubiquitous testing challenges experienced by many cannabis producers including inconsistent test results, accuracy of cannabinoid findings in low-dose beverages, and issues relating to shelf life stability. Vertosa will work directly with Anresco to develop methods to address these issues to ensure accurate product labeling and a consistent consumer experience for partner products.

CW Analytical – Vertosa and CW Analytical are collaborating to deliver state of the art technologies to the cannabis-infused beverage industry. Emulsion systems developed by Vertosa and validated by CW Analytical provide precise and accurate cannabinoid dosing. Founded in 2009, CW Analytical’s team of scientists and industry experts provide patients, cultivators, distributors, and manufacturers in California important information about the safety, quality, and science of cannabis products.

The company’s commitment to continuous innovation and technical development is shown in the dedication to building an excellent research team with the goal of analytically understanding the many different product matrixes in the cannabis space.

Source: Vertosa

Elderflower Mint is a light, sparkling drink containing 15mg of CBD as well as elderflower extract, ginseng, L-theanine, lemon balm, and rooibos. Packaged in a cleanly designed, light pink can, this beverage starts with a sweet and refreshing hint of mint, reminiscent of a mint chewing gum. The flavor is a perfect balance between sweet and sour with the elderflower, mind, and lemon notes coming through in each refreshing sip. This beverage would be a relaxing refresher to enjoy on a hot day and would also be a fun cocktail mixer.

Peach Ginger packs a bit of a more flavorful punch with the ginger coming on a little stronger than the peach. The effervescent bubbles, combined with the ginger’s zing, provide an energized yet smooth drinking experience. The natural flavors of peach, ginger, turmeric, lemon balm, and chamomile leave a lingering sweet calm in your mouth.

Cold Brew Coffee starts with an artfully brewed Guatemalan coffee, infused with 15mg of CBD. This sugar-free, dairy-free, vegan cold brew is potent, yet smooth. The sleek 250 ml can is a great grab-and-go for a busy morning when you need jitter-free energy for the day ahead.

Overall: Compared to other CBD beverages we’ve tried, TRIP seems to have mastered the art of CBD-infused flavors. Each TRIP beverage brings an artful blend of flavors and functions. TRIP’s focus on quality can be tasted and felt with each sip, delivering a uniquely relaxing beverage experience.

For more information visit TRIP’s website.

Endo Sport comes in a lightweight squeezable bottle with an easy-open sports cap that you can re-seal and save for later. The sleek and portable design makes it easy to throw in a gym bag or consume during a game or workout.

Both flavors, Orange and Berry and Tropical, contain 21.75 grams of sugar and 105.6 kcal.

Orange: Endo Sport Orange is slightly sweet with an artificial orange flavoring reminiscent of other orange soft drinks. It’s light and refreshing, not syrupy or heavy. We were pleasantly surprised that there was no gross aftertaste or mouthfeel.

Berry and Tropical: Blue in color, Endo Sport Berry and Tropical has a bright, fruity flavor that is sweet and mellow. The slightly effervescent liquid is smooth and easy to sip.

Overall: Endo Sport drinks are convenient, refreshing, and easy to drink. With a blend of ingredients designed to help with hydration, energy, and recovery, Endo Sport is an exciting new way for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to experience the potential enhancements of CBD before, during, and after their workouts.

For more information visit Endo Sport’s website.

1. Let’s start from the very beginning. What is the story behind Stonebush?

Our leadership team has broad experience in the beverage and consumer packaged goods industries – I myself was a key account manager with Coca-Cola for five years. So once responsible adult-use cannabis became legalized in California in 2016 and there was a growing need for innovative yet approachable products, making cannabis wine was a no-brainer for us. We got right to work to make the best dealcoholized, THC-infused wine possible and launched Stonebush in October 2019. The past several months have been very exciting and we’re looking forward to the future as our brand and the market as a whole continue to evolve.

2. THC infused beverage brands are a new category in the market. What are the biggest challenges Stonebush’s team has overcome during the development process?

The first challenges were making sure that our THC-infused wine tasted great and had a precise dosage of cannabis with a quick onset time. To achieve that, we partnered with infusion specialists Vertosa, who developed a custom cannabis emulsion system so our Stonebush Pink looks and tastes like rose and ensures that imbibers will feel the effects of the THC in just 10 to 15 minutes.

We use a blend of Lemon Skunk, Purple Trainwreck, and OG Kush from California’s Emerald Triangle to create the lovely euphoric and cerebral high that our customers enjoy. And each serving of Stonebush is 7.5 mg of THC, which is typically a manageable dose for consumers of all levels of cannabis experience.

The next challenge involved packaging. We wanted to use a classic, clear wine bottle, but California cannabis packaging laws prohibit see-through packaging. To solve that, Stonebush is still served in a clear bottle, but the bottle packaged within a colorful, branded, easy-to-transport box.

3. The beverage itself looks really fun and tasty. Can you tell us more about its qualities?

Absolutely! We really pride ourselves on the taste. Reminiscent of rosé, the flavor is pleasantly tart with notes of citrus. There is no “weed-like” taste to overwhelm the light, crisp wine. It’s also low in calories at just 18 calories per glass — a traditional rosé wine with alcohol has about 130 calories per glass.

For the wine-making process, we use traditional European fermentation techniques along with Californian grapes. The de-alcoholization process is done using equipment often referred to as spinning cones that produce a low-temperature vacuum distillation. This is the very best process to remove alcohol from wine, while maintaining the flavor and keeping aroma intact.

4. A clear marketing strategy is one of the keys of success. Who is Stonebush’s target market?

We have a fairly wide target market. Women gravitate towards the cannabis wine, but in general, new and moderate cannabis users have become fast fans of Stonebush. As a beverage, it’s familiar, yet exciting, and the controlled dosage makes it an ideal sipper for the canna-curious.

5. It looks that the very beginning for Stonebush was pretty great. What are the biggest goals set for 2020?

Making our product more accessible, including by being available in more stores and later this year and offering single-serving bottles. The cannabis beverage industry has a great deal of potential and we are just getting started!

6. Your experience in beverage industry is truly breathtaking. In your opinion, what are the biggest trends every beverage startup shouldn’t miss these days? Where the industry is heading?

As people continue to become more health-conscious there is a trend towards beverages with lower sugar/calorie content and a move away from beverages with artificial coloring and preservatives. You can also see a lot of new and unusual flavors available.

For more information visit Stonebush’s website.

1. Nutritional benefits

The wellness movement continues to remain trendy, with the majority of brands going back to basics in terms of health. Imbibe predicts how an emphasis on physical and emotional health means that brands will integrate essential nutrients into drinks, such as vitamins and minerals. In addition, Fizziology writes how Gen Z and millennials appreciate “cool” branding with a lower sugar content. Instead, superfruits, vegetables, and herbal-infused drinks will be all the rage.

Alcohol consumption is also on the way down, as members of the public are growing more aware of the dangers of alcoholism. As a result, more low-alcohol and zero-proof drinks are in the process of being developed. When it comes to your brand, ensuring that you gear your marketing towards these trends is key. Minimal designs with a focus on cleanliness and purity, as well as a written emphasis on the health benefits of certain ingredients, will go a long way towards projecting an image of wholesomeness.

2. Exotic flavors

In line with the reduction of overly sweetened drinks, brands are focusing on more high-quality offerings with unique ingredients. Botanical extracts will create novel flavor combinations, such as extracts from basil, cilantro, lavender, elderflower, and orange peel. In addition, bolder flavors from Latin America like guava, chili pepper, and cayenne are becoming more rampant.

This coming year, it’s a toss-up between subtle and sophisticated flavors and ones that are more power-packed in terms of flavor. If you choose to integrate exotic ingredients into your drinks, ensure that your packaging and marketing strategy reflects this. Go with bolder, brighter colors, and vibrant graphics that really pack a punch. Uniquely shaped bottles and cans can also attract more attention, as will ones that are made of eco-friendly ingredients. Also, it is important to avoid using single-use plastics.

3. CBD-infused drinks

According to an article on the cannabis industry by Forbes, “large beverage companies have been among the first movers in developing THC and CBD infused drinks”. Currently, CBD infused beverages include anything from flavored waters by Vybes, cider from Tarukino, tea from Green Roads, lemonade by Honeydrop, and coffee from Eximius Coffee.

However, the legal status of these products is still under debate by the FDA and might become more strictly regulated in the near future. Because of this, integrating these substances into your beverages may be a somewhat risky move, even though it’s certainly trending at the moment. When it comes to including these substances in your drinks, you should ensure that they are clearly labeled and strictly abide by the latest regulations.

Your packaging should also reflect these ingredients, perhaps depicting nature-inspired imagery to appeal to your target market. What’s interesting is that it isn’t just Millennials and Gen Z who seek mood-altering products, but also the elderly who are looking for ways to destress or relieve pain.

4. Functional ingredients

Functional ingredients are becoming even more popular due to recent developments in technology. Adding probiotics to yogurt drinks and fortifying juices with calcium doesn’t interfere with how they taste, even though they come with added benefits. A recent consumer study by Kerry found that 65% of consumers prioritized functional benefits from their food and drink, with the top five ingredients viewed to deliver benefits such as omega-3s, green tea, honey, coffee, and probiotics. Not only do customers prioritize good taste, smell, and packaging, but they care more about feeling good about themselves and preventing disease.

For instance, Jade Leaf Matcha based in Seattle is offering new formulations of the popular matcha latte drink. They have the “Balance” variety, which includes probiotics, prebiotics, and ginger root to support digestive and immune health as well as “Glow”, which contains collagen and biotin that lead to healthy skin, and stronger hair and nails. From this, making solid links between ingredients and their benefits will entice customers to purchase your beverages.

5. Alternative dairy products

Lastly, dairy has always been a popular standby in the beverage market. While alternative forms of dairy were initially popularized to meet diet or allergy issues, the market for this is now growing exceedingly fast. Oat, almond, hem, and soy milk are already extremely high in demand, and the development of alternative milk and yogurt products that have better nutritional properties is sure to become another priority throughout 2020.

Probiotics in particular act as a useful tool for cardiovascular health, weight management, blood sugar maintenance, and bone health. Drinkable yogurt products also contain less sugar and provide a tart flavor that is being more accepted due to globalization.

To stay competitive in the ever-developing beverage industry, it’s always a good idea to ensure that you’re constantly generating new ideas and responding to new trends in the market as soon as they appear. With good reason, 2020 seems to be a year dedicated to preserving and maintaining one’s health. Incorporating healthy ingredients, unique flavors, reducing sugar, and finding ways to cater to everyone’s needs is crucial if you want to stay competitive in this industry.

In line with this, being fully transparent with your marketing campaigns, nutrition information, and using eco-friendly packaging will also go a long way towards ensuring your brand’s longevity and success. Lastly, old trends such as ready-to-consume cold brews, lattes, and cold-pressed juices are still standbys in today’s industry, along with affordability in today’s volatile situation.