Indena achieves another milestone: it’s the first global API manufacturer with European CEP certification for its CBD extract, which the company produces for clinical and commercial use.
The European Pharmacopoeia Certificate of Eligibility (CEP) is a document issued by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM). It certifies the compliance of an active substance with the quality and safety specifications established by the European Pharmacopoeia.
This CEP certification underscores the high quality of Indena’s CBD and the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of customers worldwide seeking a quality- and safety- certified ingredient. Furthermore, Indena stands alone globally, as the only API manufacturer to have received this certification.
Indena previously received two key authorisations in 2021. The Italian Ministry of Health granted permission for the manufacture of cannabinoid-based cannabis extracts, while AIFA authorised the production of cannabidiol (CBD) for pharmaceutical use. Indena’s CBD is derived from the flowers and aerial parts of Cannabis sativa L. through extraction and isolation. The raw material is grown and processed in Italy. The company controls, certifies, and fully traces the supply chain, ensuring compliance with stringent Italian regulations. Indena’s rigorous management of the production chain was instrumental in securing authorisations from both Italian and European authorities.
Indena uses registered varieties of hemp with a THC level of less than 0.2 % in accordance with European standards. It also guarantees a residual THC content of less than 0.02 %, well below the limits defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and by DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). This approach enabled Indena to promptly submit the DMF (Drug Master File) for this product to the FDA.
Cecilia Nastro, Regulatory Affairs Department, says: “This CEP certification represents a significant step forward for Indena. The extensive analytical work undertaken by our team, who meticulously examined our API and processes to meet the demanding standards of this European certification, demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable pharmaceutical ingredients. This achievement positions us well to meet the growing global demand for rigorously certified CBD products”.
Indena processes its hemp biomass in a pharmaceutical-grade facility authorised by AIFA and inspected by leading international regulatory agencies, including the FDA, KFDA, and PMDA. All production adheres to pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), reflecting Indena’s longstanding commitment to the highest quality standards, recognised by the international scientific community.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in products approved for treating seizures associated with rare childhood epilepsy syndromes, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. CBD is also undergoing clinical development for other forms of epilepsy and is being studied for its therapeutic potential in schizophrenia, other psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, and autoimmune/inflammatory conditions1.
1C. Michael White, PharmD, A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol’s (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential, J Clin Pharmacol 2019, 59(7), 923-934.
Hydro One Premium Beverages, maker of natural functional beverages, announced that its line of US Patent Pending CANABIX® beverages, has been shown to reduce the glycemic indicators, increase insulin production, improve the microbiome and alleviate the symptoms of a pre-clinical model of type 2 diabetes.
CANABIX® is the first and only natural beverage containing a combined formulation of cannabidiol (CBD) and probiotics developed by Hydro One Premium Beverages in 2020. In a study done by researchers at Augusta University, drinking CANABIX instead of water was able to lower Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, known as A1c) significantly from 9 % to 5 % in mice with diabetes type 2 (db/db mice). Further, CANABIX increased insulin production in pancreatic cells and altered microbiome towards a protective profile by reducing inflammatory indices. These novel findings were reported as preprint on June 4th 2024 (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.04.597375v2) and currently is under peer review for publication.
Diabetes is a complex disease involving multiple organs in the body. Therefore, its treatment is challenging because of multi-target tissues, medication complexity, patient adherence to the therapy, and cost, says Dr. Phillip Wang the lead scientist of the research team. Despite significant advances in the treatment of symptoms, the underlying causes of diabetes remain intractable. There have been several studies showing the effects of dietary food and beverage supplements on diabetes. However, to the best of our knowledge this is the first study to report a comprehensive beneficial effect on several major aspects of diabetes by a natural beverage, particularly, lowering HbA1c (from 9 % to 5 %) as well as altering microbiome says corresponding author of the study, Dr. Phillip Wang.
“The gut microbiota plays a central role in immune balance and influences the metabolic processes, crucial factors in the development as well as treatment of type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Babak Baban, Professor of Immunology at Augusta University and co-author of the study. “Altering the profile of microbiome and the significant reduction in A1c in a few weeks only through a beverage are very significant and exciting cutting-edge achievements that warrant further research and clinical trials,” added Baban.
“We’re thrilled to learn that our CANABIX beverage could potentially have profound beneficial health effects. Since CANABIX is THC free, we have many athletes and doctors who already use it and have no issues with blood or urine tests,” says Sammy Nasrollahi, the CEO of Hydro One Beverages, “These are very promising outcomes resulting from pre-clinical studies conducted by a scientific team at Augusta University. As the central core of our mission, we are committed to continue working with the scientific community to promote a higher quality healthier lifestyle by expanding our effective and affordable solutions to those managing prediabetes and diabetes.”
CANABIX comes in three flavours: lemon cucumber, dragon fruit and peach tea. CANABIX the first and only beverage containing 30 mg of CBD and probiotics. A limited number of CANABIX samples are currently available for purchase through Hydro One Beverages by contacting Sammy Nasrollahi at snasrollahi@hydroonebeverages.com.
Disclosure: Dr. Babak Baban is affiliated with Hydro One beverages.
As per this latest study by Fact.MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, the global nitro cocktails market is expected to garner USD 102.7 million by 2033, expanding at a high-value CAGR of 16.7 % from 2023 to 2033.
Nitrogen gas is added to beverages to give them a distinctive texture and flavour. Under high pressure, nitrogen gas is added to a beverage during this procedure, resulting in small bubbles that give the beverage a silky and creamy texture.
Market expansion is being driven by the fast-rising demand for beverages that are ready to drink. In addition, the demand for healthy and low-sugar beverages is growing as a result of consumers’ growing health awareness. Additionally, adoption of convenience-oriented lifestyles has been encouraged by rapid urbanisation, rising middle-class population, and growing number of youths in developing economies, which has increased the demand for ready-to-drink beverages with nitro infusions.
As the demand for unique and visually appealing cocktails continues to grow, the market for nitro cocktails is expected to continue expanding rapidly. However, it is worth noting that the use of nitrogen gas can be potentially dangerous if not handled properly; so it is important for bartenders and establishments to take proper safety precautions when preparing and serving nitro cocktails.
Key takeaways from market study:
- The global nitro cocktails market is valued at USD 21.9 million in 2023.
- Worldwide demand for nitro cocktails is projected to increase at a CAGR of 16.7 % from 2023 to 2033.
- The global market is estimated to touch USD 102.7 million by the end of 2033.
- The market in China is projected to surge ahead at a CAGR of 21.6 % during the forecasted time frame (2023 to 2033).
- The market in the United Kingdom is forecasted to expand at 14.9 % CAGR through 2033.
“Consumer demand for new products is rising, along with continuously changing drinking habits and consumer behaviour, which is fueling the consumption of nitro cocktails,” says a Fact.MR analyst.
Market competition
The market for nitro cocktails is still relatively small but is growing rapidly. More and more bars and restaurants across the world are adding nitro cocktails to their menus, and some companies are even producing pre-made nitro cocktails that can be purchased in stores. In addition, there are now specialised nitro cocktail machines that bars and restaurants can use to create their own unique nitro cocktail creations.
- Cruise Beverages announced the debut of a new range of Nitro-infused CBD Craft drinks in February 2021. These really useful drinks provide a substitute for alcoholic beverages. They are designed to improve focus and aid individuals in managing stress and anxiety without causing a spike in sugar levels or hangover-like symptoms.
Growth of the functional beverage market is driven by its adaptability to diverse consumer preferences and dietary needs, catering to various proiles, including plant-based, low-sugar, caffeine-free, and customised nutritional demands
The functional beverage market size is projected to surpass USD 164,058 million in 2023 and is likely to attain a valuation of USD 277,744 million by 2033. The functional beverage market share is expected to rise at a CAGR of 5.4 % from 2023 to 2033.
Functional drinks have firmly established themselves in the sports and fitness market, providing great performance enhancers, post-workout recovery aids, and pre-activity nourishment. These items have become essential components of fitness programs, effortlessly harmonising with the desire for optimum physical performance and adequate nutritional consumption.
The functional beverage industry is benefiting from increased public awareness of health issues. These beverages address a wide range of conditions, including stress management, anxiety, inflammation, and digestive health. As consumers seek solutions to these problems, the market seizes the chance to solve real-world health issues with focused, practical solutions.
Effective marketing and branding initiatives significantly impact the growth of the functional beverage sector. Engaging narrative, eye-catching packaging, and targeted endorsements all captivate customers’ attention and allegiance. Branding is critical for establishing long-term consumer relationships and differentiating items in this crowded industry.
The advent of e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer sales channels is substantially propelling the functional beverage market’s expansion. These channels enable manufacturers to reach a larger audience while incurring fewer distribution expenses and providing consumers with quick access to a bigger range of product selections.
Personalisation is emerging as an increasingly important motivator. Customisation possibilities are available from functional beverage providers, allowing customers to customise their beverages to specific health requirements or flavour preferences. This increases brand loyalty and customer engagement.
CBD (cannabidiol) and hemp-based compounds have been gaining popularity in the functional beverage industry. These substances are linked to possible health benefits and relaxing effects, attracting a niche audience interested in holistic well-being.
“The functional beverage market is undergoing a substantial shift, which is being driven by innovation, scalability, strategic alliances, and a greater emphasis on sustainability. This shifting landscape confronts organisations with both problems and possibilities, forcing them to adapt to changing customer demands and regulatory needs while promoting development and resilience in a highly competitive market”, – Nandini Roy Choudhury, Client Partner at Future Market Insights (fmi)
The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry’s novel foods applications (RP126 and RP127) have been validated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The ACI received formal notification from the FSA that both its applications for the authorisation of CBD isolate and distillate ‘fall within the scope of the novel foods regime’ as set out in Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (as retained) and fulfil the requirements set out in Article 10(2) of that Regulation.
These applications are now regarded as valid, and will now move on to the risk assessment stage to be assessed further.
ACI member applications account for 30 % of the products currently permitted to remain on the market under the novel foods authorisation process.
These applications relate to 320 brands on sale in Britain.
In 2022, the ACI submitted a complete toxicological package and related bioavailability data to the FSA to support the consortium of member applications.
This included the dose range finding study and the OECD408 rodent toxicity study to determine a No Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL), to cover the safety implications of not only CBD, but also the minor cannabinoids and other plant matrices present in these plant-derived products.
Two years on from the novel food application submission deadline, this week’s FSA update comes a year after the food safety body published its first public list of ingestible CBD products deemed temporarily compliant, pending the submission of toxicology data, its risk assessment and acceptance to progress to the validation stage.
Steve Moore, ACI co-founder and strategic counsel, said: “This is a key milestone for the sector and the ACI. The new consumer cannabinoid sector has been set as an important regulatory challenge. Today’s outcome suggests that by collaborating, they are both progressing towards market authorisation for thousands of products but also delivering the safety data the authorities have been crying out for.”
Paul Birch, ACI co-founder, said: “This outcome was only achievable due to the expertise of our regulatory and scientific team led by Dr Parveen Bhatarah and Dr Paul Duffy who have provided exemplary insight and advice throughout this process.”
Happi Glow and Happi Nightcap boast minor cannabinoids paired with functional mushrooms
Cannabis-infused seltzer brand Happi is pioneering a new path in the cannabis beverage space with Happi Glow and Happi Nightcap. These groundbreaking functional beverages are perfect for day and night, respectively. Created with a unique blend of minor cannabinoids and non-psychedelic lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms, these formulas are the first of their kind, with Happi filing a patent application covering the formulation for the products.
Happi Glow is available in a citrusy, bright Blood Orange Ginger flavour. Each can has 5 mg of THC, 5 mg of CBD, 3 mg of CBG, and 2 mg of CBN. Perfect for daytime, Happi Glow boasts the benefit of lion’s mane mushroom, which can help promote calm and focus to keep you clear-headed.
Happi Nightcap is available in Turkish Apple Tea, featuring notes of crisp apple and warm spices. Each can has 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBN. Ideal for evening, Happi Nightcap brings together soothing reishi mushrooms with a blend of minor cannabinoids to help you settle into a peaceful slumber so you wake up refreshed.
Each formula is vegan, gluten-free, and made with simple, all-natural ingredients. In addition to Glow and Nightcap, the brand also features two original flavours: Lemon Elderflower and Raspberry Honeysuckle.
- Happi Glow: 30 calories, 5mg THC, 5mg CBD, 3mg CBG, 2mg CBN, Carbonated Water, Organic Orange Juice, Organic Agave Nectar, Organic Blood Orange Juice, Natural Flavors, Hemp Extract, Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract, Vitamin C, Potassium Sorbate
- Happi Nightcap: 30 calories, 5 mg THC, 5 mg CBN, Carbonated Water, Organic Apple Juice, Organic Orange Juice, Organic Honey, Natural Flavours, Hemp Extract, Vitamin C, Organic Reishi Mushroom Extract, Potassium Sorbate
Happi Glow and Nightcap are now available at select retailers in Minnesota (US) and online.
The global market for CBD drinks accounted for USD 5527.13 Million in 2022. The market is anticipated to cross a valuation of USD 62748.24 Million by 2032. The market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 27.5 % in the forecast period.
CBD beverages have gained popularity as cannabis products were legalised by the Farm bill (Agricultural Improvement Act) in the US in 2014. The rising awareness of the health benefits of CBD products has elevated the growth of the CBD beverages market globally. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive molecule found in cannabis, which is extracted from leaves, resin, and flowers of marijuana or hemp.
There is rising awareness about the health benefits of adding cannabis-infused drinks to the diet are impelling factors of growth in the market. These cannabis drinks made their earlier appearance in the industry in commodities such as brownies and gummy bears which are often treated as unhealthy options. The drinks have become the most preferred way for consuming THC is likely to heighten the growth of CBD drinks arcade.
What are the drivers of the CBD beverage market?
“Rising awareness of the health benefits of CBD beverages”
CBD beverages are considered a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. CBD-infused beverages are believed to treat varieties of health conditions including pain, anxiety, central nervous system disease, epilepsy, and many more.
Rising awareness of consumers on the wellness of the products and a growing number of health-conscious consumers is driving the growth of the CBD beverage market. Also, consumers’ preference for natural products over pharmaceutical products will also boost the CBD beverage market. Moreover, potential customers of BVD beverages are more willing to spend on legal CBD products, especially by baby boomers.
Competitive Landscape
The industry players are focused on the growth of the business by investing heavily in product research. These players are tapping into dynamic and competitive market structures likely to propel them in future years. This market is showing extensive opportunities for new companies.
Mergers and partnerships are opted for by many companies to excel and maintain market position in the forecast period. In 2020, BevCanna and Mota Ventures have announced a joint venture which likely to open novel distribution ways for both firms. The partnership is expected to bring benefits for each other out of the partners’ expertise.
Get to know more: https://www.factmr.com/report/3388/cbd-beverages-market
Nano Shot is launching their collection of CBD-infused beverages made with real fruit juice, no artificial flavours, zero calories/sugars and no THC. The product line, with its proprietary Nano emulsification technology, allows adult consumers to experience a near instant calm and relaxing sensation unlike most of the other options in the marketplace.
With stress, anxiety, and mental health issues on the rise in the post pandemic era, Nano Shot is launching their collection of CBD-infused beverages made with real fruit juice, no artificial flavours, zero calories/sugars and no THC. The product line, with its proprietary Nano emulsification technology, allows adult consumers to experience a near instant calm and relaxing sensation unlike most of the other options in the marketplace. Nano Shot is the contemporary solution for today’s health and wellness conscious consumer seeking real functionality and is currently available on-line (https://nano-shot.com) and in select markets throughout the US.
The collection is available in ready-to-drink 2oz. bottles and includes four flavours: Blueberry-Pomegranate, Pineapple-Coconut, Mango-Hot Chili, and Citrus.
Larry Harmon, Creator and Founder of Nano Shot developed the brand from a very personal space: “My mother was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and I knew that a 100 % natural CBD formulation, if created with a strict focus on the most scientifically advanced nano-emulsification process, could provide a product that assists with enhancing the quality of her daily life. I am very proud of our science and our team and can’t wait to spread the Nano Shot benefit to consumers across the country and the world.”
The non-alcoholic drinks sector recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.9 %* between 2015 and 2020. Producers have seen a challenging landscape in recent years, battling rising costs, sugar taxes, packaging legislations and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in global efforts to reduce calorie and sugar content in product ranges, as well as develop ‘novel’ flavors, to attract consumer attention, writes GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Holly Inglis, Beverages Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Beverage flavors are arguably the most important factor in determining consumer purchasing decisions, with 29 %** of global consumers stating they would happily try a new drink flavor out of simple curiosity. This highlights huge incentive for producers such as Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Unilever and PepsiCo to launch new product developments – and reinforces soft drinks as a fast paced, innovative industry.”
Inglis highlights the top five flavor launches in 2021 so far that are shaping the global soft drinks landscape:
Going ‘green’ with hemp and CBD
“Hemp and CBD infused drinks are continuing to garner interest, with products such as Trader Joe’s non-dairy hemp beverage in the US and Sonnenstar hemp juice shot in Austria. While hemp and CBD are positively received by a third and fifth of global consumers respectively, GlobalData’s survey indicates that a considerable portion are still unfamiliar with the ingredients – producers must address this to ensure the longevity of their hemp- or CBD-infused launches.”
Mango, let’s go
“Mango flavored drinks have emerged in Romania and Singapore, though a flurry of innovations with flavor combinations that incorporate mango have been observed in the US, UK and France. In the US, PepsiCo’s Bubly Bounce product tags no calories or sweeteners and is a carbonated water brand combining grapefruit, mango orange and passionfruit aromas.”
Isn’t that just peachy
“Peach-based products such as Lipton’s peach tea with honey, and Badoit’s peach flavored sparkling flavored water in France both tag either low calorie or low sugar bases, reinforcing positive brand connotations, and favorable views on peach as a flavor base.”
Ginger spice and everything nice
“Ginger, on the other hand, has been integrated across parts of the globe such as Nigeria, South Korea and Peru, in line with consumers opting for products that promote digestive health and wellness claims. In fact, 78 %** of global consumers believe that ginger has a positive impact on their health, reinforcing those links to health/wellness, and promoting manufacturer opportunity to innovate in line with consumer trends.”
It’s ‘grape’ to be back
“Interestingly, grape-based products have also made an appearance in 2021, which is fighting off current stereotypes of grape flavored beverages being high in sugar and bad for health, especially in parts of West Europe where they have less-than-favorable links to low quality. A notable launch in Brazil from EBBA tackles this narrative via its grape nectar, which is claimed to have no added sugar.”
Inglis concludes: “What can be seen in the soft drinks landscape is the development of several unique flavor launches, all of which apply to varying consumer trends across the globe. Health and wellness attributes are meeting experimental flavors, which then crosses with exotic launches, appealing to a wide array of consumers. These launches will set the tone for the future of the soft drinks market, as one that is highly innovative and prospering.
“Although only five ingredient developments have been highlighted, the future is expected to see a number of developments from flavors such as aloe and berry; we will also see more flavor combinations hit the shelves, combining non-fruit and herbal notes, with unique fruit bases.”
* GlobalData’s Annual Soft Market Analyser – Global
** GlobalData’s Q2-21 Consumer Survey Results – Global
The long-established trend towards proactively managing our health and well-being has been brought into sharper focus by COVID-19. Research by Innova Market Insights reveals a new wave of opportunity for functional nutrition product launches for 2021 and beyond.
Even prior to COVID-19, consumers were taking a more holistic approach to health, focusing on positive nutrition to boost the body’s resilience and improve physical, mental and emotional well-being. The impact of the pandemic brought health needs even more to the fore, with the growing desire to maintain physical and mental fitness developing alongside the more immediate focus on personal health security and hygiene. This included choosing functional food and beverages, as well as maintaining or increasing exercise, protecting the body from health threats and utilizing more self-care products at home as access to shops and services was restricted.
Consumers across the globe are placing increased emphasis on positive nutrition rather than the more traditional reductionist methods of diet control. An average 71 % of respondents in Innova’s 2020 Health & Nutrition Survey agreed that it was important or very important to choose food and drink products that positively boost nutrition or benefit how the body functions.
Consumers from different generations and different parts of the world are invested in their own personalized nutrition, with varying needs, motivations and behavior driving interest in specific functional benefits. The under 35s tend to focus more on physical appearance and performance, for example, while the older groups, particularly the Boomers (56+ years), are more interested in targeted or age-specific health benefits.
Gut feeling
According to Innova Market Insights, future directions for NPD will be influenced by consumers continuing to seek foods and beverages that actively improve physical and mental health, with growing opportunities for products carrying multiple health claims, such as gut health, immunity and mood.
The additional benefits of a healthy gut, beyond the more established areas of digestion and immunity, continue to be explored. For example, there is rising evidence about the gut-skin axis and how reducing sugary and fatty diets can help tackle skin and joint inflammation. Similarly, there is a growing understanding of how good bacteria in the gut can prompt improvements in mental health.
The need to boost the body’s resilience has driven a greater focus on the emotional aspects of mental health, enabling improvements in mood and happiness by reducing stress and fatigue, as well as optimizing relaxation and sleep patterns. Consumers have become more interested in the way that food and beverages can contribute to their mood and mental state. This has seen rising use of mood-related claims for new products, particularly those highlighting brain function, focus and concentration, often linked to the inclusion of adaptogens such as CBD.
Leading botanical extracts company to produce pharmaceutical grade CBD for the international market, using Italian biomass
Indena, a leading Italian company in international markets, has been authorised by the Italian Ministry of Health and Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) to produce cannabinoid-based cannabis extracts. Indena will produce pharmaceutical grade cannabidiol (CBD) for the global market for clinical and commercial use.
Indena is the first company in Italy to receive authorisation from the Ministry of Health to manufacture cannabinoid-based cannabis extracts. The approval process continued and Indena has also received authorisation from the AIFA, making it one of the few companies in the world able to produce cannabidiol (CBD) for the pharmaceutical market. CBD is an active ingredient obtained by extraction and isolation from the inflorescences and aerial parts of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).
With its 100 years of experience in the production of high-end botanical extracts, Indena is well placed to produce high purity CBD. The raw material will be grown and processed in Italy. The supply chain, which complies with the strict criteria set out in the Italian regulations, is controlled, certified and fully traced by the company. Indena’s traditional rigour in managing the production chain was a key factor in obtaining authorisation.
Indena uses registered varieties of hemp with a THC level of less than 0.2 % in accordance with European standards. It also guarantees a residual THC content of less than 0.02 %, well below the limits defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and by DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). This approach enabled Indena to promptly submit the DMF (Drug Master File) for this product to the FDA.
“We have been working a long time for this outcome. It is the result of an intense and fruitful collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the AIFA, for the construction of a rigorous approval process to guarantee the safety and control of production, both of the raw material and of the active principle”, says Stefano Togni, Corporate Director for Business Development and Licensing of Indena SpA. “We are aiming at the international pharmaceutical markets. As an Italian company, we are proud to be able to make this totally Italian product of the highest quality available globally, an ingredient expected all over the world for its beneficial effects on a number of pathologies”.
The hemp biomass used by Indena is processed in a pharmaceutical plant that is regularly authorised by AIFA and inspected by the main international regulatory agencies (FDA, KFDA, PMDA and others). All production is carried out in compliance with pharmaceutical GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), in line with the highest quality standards that the company has always applied which have been recognised by the international scientific community and consolidated over 100 years of business.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active pharmaceutical ingredient whose use is approved for seizures associated with some rare forms of childhood epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaud syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex), and in clinical development for other forms of epilepsy. Furthermore CBD is under clinical investigation for schizophrenia, and for its therapeutic potential in other psychiatric disorders, neurological or autoimmune/inflammatory based diseases1.
Once again, Indena’s focus on quality, scientific rigour and innovation has enabled it to receive recognition from Italy’s top pharmaceutical regulatory institutions. This will enable the company to produce an active principle for which there has been market demand for some time.
1C. Michael White, PharmD, A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol’s (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential, J Clin Pharmacol 2019, 59(7), 923-934.
Introduces Má CBD+ natural botanicals functional iced teas exclusively in over 500 The Vitamin Shoppe stores
Sh’nnong Beverage Company is launching new Má Functional Iced Teas with CBD+ natural botanicals with a national roll-out to over 500 The Vitamin Shoppe stores in the USA. Má ready-to-drink teas might be new to The Vitamin Shoppe customers but their roots date back to 2737 BC when Emperor Shennong of China discovered tea and combined it with organic hemp and botanicals to make his original Má brews. Sh’nnong Beverage Company’s next-generation plant-based beverages start with the finest Green, Oolong or Bai Mudan Teas blended with CBD+ natural botanicals to detox, focus or relax.
Jill Beraud, CEO and Co-founder of Sh’nnong Beverages Company, is no stranger to the iced tea beverage category, having previously served as President of Starbucks & Lipton Joint Ventures at PepsiCo, where she oversaw the largest global tea portfolio and the reinvention of Pure Leaf Teas.
“When my business partner Charlie Herbstreith and I originally discussed this idea, it reminded me of my time at PepsiCo when kombucha and coconut water were just emerging. However, given the far-reaching benefits of CBD, this is a much bigger white space,” stated Beraud. “The Vitamin Shoppe is the perfect launch partner for us. They are establishing themselves as CBD Central across multiple categories and have tremendous in-store expertise in health, wellness and nutrition.”
Sh’nnong Beverage Company is raising the bar with next generation, plant-based beverages by infusing each Má Iced Tea with CBD+ natural botanicals. CBD+ not only harnesses the functional benefits of zero-THC Hemp CBD but elevates those benefits by combining it with nearly 20 different herbs and spices inspired by the original Má brews of Emperor Shennong. Shennong used his brews to treat a variety of conditions and later became known as the Father of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
All Má Functional Iced Teas with CBD+ Natural Botanicals ($4.99) are naturally sweetened, contain no sugar and are less than 10 calories. Available exclusively at The Vitamin Shoppe, Má Iced Teas are carefully curated into three distinct blends including:
- FOCUS: Oolong Peach Spark will help you feel more focused with CBD + brain-stimulating adaptogens of ginkgo biloba, gotu kola and Rhodiola Rosea. With 40mg of natural caffeine added, it is just the right spark you need to help promote cognitive brain activity.
- RELAX: Lavender Berry Chill features blueberry-infused, caffeine-free Bai Mudan Tea blended with CBD, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, elderflower and passionflower to impart calm and help reduce stress and anxiety.
- DETOX: Emperor Spice Cleanse is a caffeine-free, detoxifying brew to help you purify the mind, body and soul with CBD + Green Tea, lemon, chamomile, schisandra berry and dandelion root to help remove toxins from the body.
Sh’nnong Beverage Company was founded to develop plant-based, functional beverages leveraging CBD + natural botanicals inspired by Emperor Shennong. The company was founded by Jill Beraud and Charlie Herbstreith, executives with over 25 years of business and marketing expertise.
About the Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.:
The Vitamin Shoppe® is an omni-channel specialty retailer and wellness lifestyle Company with the mission of providing customers with the most trusted products, guidance, and services to help them become their best selves, however they define it. Based in Secaucus, New Jersey, the Company offers a comprehensive assortment of nutritional solutions, including vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements, herbs, sports nutrition, homeopathic remedies, green living products, and natural beauty aids.
US sales of cannabis-based drinks jumped to EUR 86 million in 2018, according to the new 2019 US CBD Drinks Report from food and drink experts Zenith Global and US industry newsletter Beverage Digest. The market is expected to rapidly achieve mass market appeal, surging to over USD 1.4 billion in 2023, even with some regulatory restrictions remaining.
“Key growth drivers for CBD drinks include loosening regulatory implementation, investment by major brewers and innovation by numerous start-ups,” commented Zenith Global Chairman Richard Hall. “This has led to far greater awareness and availability.”
“A cultural shift in consumption also contributes. Consumers increasingly look for natural products with health benefits and are reducing their alcohol intake,” added Beverage Digest Executive Editor Duane Stanford. “CBD drinks are positioned as a potential aid for conditions from anxiety to muscle pain.”
The United States, in particular, has been a hot spot for CBD drink innovation. The category received a potential boost in December with passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which removed hemp from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act.
Cannabis has two main active constituents – CBD and THC. THC is the element that gives an emotional high and has not been licensed for consumer products. CBD, which is an abbreviation of cannabidiol, has some reported benefits and is in the process of gaining the necessary approvals for consumer products.
The quantity of CBD in beverages varies from 2 mg to 100 mg per litre. The 2019 US CBD Drinks Report profiles more than 20 brands which span numerous segments such as soda, tea, cold brew coffee, shots, energy drinks, water (still, sparkling and flavored) and beer.
This report also assesses opportunities for other CBD products, international prospects and developments in US legislation.
Following the news that medicinal cannabis products are to be legalized, Aleksandrina Yotova, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view on the likely impact in the drinks market:
‘‘This change in legislation for medicinal cannabis will spur further growth in the Cannabidiol (CBD) market in drinks, an increasingly popular legal form of cannabis.
‘‘CBD is a marijuana extract, which is not considered a controlled substance in the UK, and is therefore 100 % legal – as opposed to the psychoactive chemical Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
‘‘CBD has recently started to gain traction in the UK market as a functional ingredient in drinks. As CBD is non-psychoactive and there is a widespread belief in its medical value, it will keep rising in popularity, especially among consumers wanting to relax while remaining sober.
‘‘Holland & Barrett has been selling CBD oil as a food supplement since the start of 2018. The retailer has recently reported stable and growing sales of the format. Consequently in June, Holland & Barrett launched Love Hemp Water, a functional spring water infused with CBD. We expect to see more brands moving into this space.
‘‘Cloud 9 Brewing, a craft beer producer in the UK has recently launched its High Flyer Session IPA with Cannabis Oil Extract, marketed as offering “blissfully elevated drinking experience” and containing 0 % THC. A 330 ml bottle contains 10 mg of CBD extract, obtained from organic Cannabis Sativa.’’
