Joel Canada

"The results are in, the votes tallied, and we’re ready to announce who took home awards in 18 different states." Congrats to my colleagues at the Upstate Elevator Operators, and the Green State Dispensary. Vermont Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Vermont: Grape GMO A double hitter with Upstate Elevator Operators winning for best strain and best brand! The living soil efforts have certainly paid off here with a beautiful, chunky bud plant that has the smell of funky, fermenting grapes and heavy, musky GMO. If that sounds a little less than appetizing, it seems that just one whiff is enough to get smokers excited and reports say it doesn’t take much more to get you majorly stoned. UEO say the high here is a creative and relaxed experience that does have a strong onset. They’ve also taken this strain and crossed it to RS11 to create something they call Grape Nigel. It’s clear from the buds that Grape GMO is the result of an extensive pheno hunt UEO went through and it’s only fitting that they refer to this strain as a “terpene-laden, living soil masterpiece.” Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Vermont: Upstate Elevator Operators History is often important in cannabis and Upstate Elevator Operators have been a part of Vermont’s cannabis scene since 2015 when they started as a cultivation supply store. In 2017 they created Upstate Elevators to offer CBD wellness to their state and beyond. As 2022 came and Vermont legalized cannabis, UE was ready to begin offering living soil cannabis products to consumers as Upstate Elevator Operators. Their strain collection has some unique cultivars as well as some nation-wide favorites. It’s not often you see a brand that’s growing both Zoap AND Soap, alongside Triangle Kush and Larry OG. Not just flower, UEO also makes gummies, chocolates, capsules and live rosin vapes and all the product testing is easy to find on their comprehensive website. Being a budtender means offering background info to customers about the brand and the product, Upstate Elevator Operators make that easy to do and Budtender’s in Vermont have shown love in return.

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SAFE NOTES ARE NOW UNSAFE... OK so what is going to happen to the money that was poured into CPG Brands via these supposed SAFE Notes? Issue is that no priced round took place and now it is likely if it did happen it would be at a fraction of the valuation that was contemplated leading to massive dilution for the founder. Many have a cap...few have a floor. and unless they are converted it will be impossible to raise new money at any valuation. #cpg #safenotes #fundraising

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Launching canned beverages allows you to tap into a rapidly expanding market, diversify your product offerings, and meet the evolving demands of today's consumers. Here's some wild statistics 😲 - Cannabis canned beverage market is expected to grow to $117B by 2032 - Ready-to-drink Coffee surging towards a projected $64.78 billion by 2032 - Hard Seltzer market, valued at $16.5B in 2023, is expected to more than quadruple by 2033 Beverage production can be daunting, but knowing where to start and how to optimize your procedures is the first step to tap into the explosive growth of canned beverages. If you're considering launching a craft beverage, check out the complete guide to production and packaging here. https://lnkd.in/eRRDG72Z

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2023 saw, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits sales over $565M. That’s a 35% boost in dollar sales vs. the year before—but who’s buying these options? Gen Z is leading the trend in the sense that they are opting out of drinking alcohol. However, they are not the demographic purchasing off your NA menus. So, who is buying? Mostly women ages 34-55. They are looking for products that provide inclusivity. They want to participate in celebrations and feel included in social gatherings with their friends and loved ones. According to NIQ’s 2023 Consumer Outlook, 46% of consumers identified physical or mental wellness as one of their top priorities. And, with 47% of Americans having at least one of three risk factors that contribute to heart disease, it’s no surprise that consumers are increasingly seeking beverages that do more than just quench thirst. Healthy, low sugar options are being requested. Sober October is coming. My community and I want at least 15 solid locations to send our following/customers to for low sugar, crafted non-alcoholic beverage menus. Who's in? Email me to get your menu set, products in and offerings promoted. Andrew Schools Brian Neubauer Zaneta "Zee" Peragine William Harrison George Beattie Buddy Edwards George Beattie Tish Atkins Oatis Smith Priscilla Eich

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Instead of wine, let’s look at craft cannabis vs craft beer, which holds 24.7% of total US beer market share at retail! This means craft cannabis will be the same? Right? Not really… At wholesale, (where they actually make their money) craft brewers only hold 13.3% of sales. In some ways, yes, there are models in this category that could be feasible for cannabis companies to follow, (Tilray thinks so…) But that’s the point….TILRAY is the #6 ‘craft brewing’ company in the country… Simply put, ‘craft cannabis’ doesn’t equate to ‘craft beer’. “Craft Brewers” are defined by the Brewers Association as: SMALL Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to rules of alternating proprietorships. INDEPENDENT Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. So… you can own 3% of total national market share, and Anheuser Busch can own 25% of your company, and you’d still be considered a craft brewer. This includes companies like: Boston Beer Co. (2,793 employees), $2B in sales Sierra Nevada (1,050 employees), $320M in sales Tilray , (1,600 employees*), $152M in sales *includes cannabis employees One vital point being missed in the comparison between wine and beer and cannabis… we have to note that both wine and beer exist in complex supply chains, wher the grower of the grape very often may not bottle or brand (i.e.selling bulk), and where beer requires hops and barley, which are grown by farmers. So… who are the cultivators in this scenario? The brewers? Or are they barley farmers?

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-- Podcast Teaser Alert -- "If you want to lead the consumer, you need to be the consumer." - Eric Ryan At one point, Eric Ryan and I were "frienemies". Friends personally, competitors professionally. He was the co-founder and CEO of Method Products PBC, while I led Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day. ................ But in the real world, we were always on the same team. Our collective efforts, along with the team at 7th Generation, were revolutionizing the cleaning category. At Mrs. Meyer's, our mission was clear: 'Together, we dream of a world where the better way becomes THE way.' ................ Eric Ryan shares his insights on creating method products pbc, OLLY PBC, and Welly Bandages, along with his go-to-market approach. Stay tuned for the next drop of the CEO podcast. 🎙 You won't regret it. #cultureFIRSTleadership #ceoPodcast #ChiefEternalOptimist

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The cannabis companies that ‘WIN’ in 2025 and beyond will have these five things in common: 1) They understand the scale that they are trying to achieve and their entire operation is appropriately focused based on that scale. -Local companies need to market and connect locally (in an extremely authentic way) while focusing on profitable, sustainable revenue streams that are mostly consumer driven. -Statewide companies need to do the hard math and modeling to understand what realistic growth means for them. Set specific growth targets based on achieveable modeling. Too many statewide brands operate, market and spend like a national brand, and it will cost them in the end. -National brands must focus on lean profitability and maintain a highly targeted approach to their spending, despite a world that may seem like it has limitless customers. 2) They don’t try to do it all. Developing mastery and economies of scale in specific sectors, while building strong partnerships in the rest of the market, is the model for success in the years to come. The great companies from 2025-Federal Legalization will seek out expansion via truly strategic partnerships (and careful aquisitions) while the mediocre companies attempt to do it all themselves. The largest, best capitalized MSOs will be buying up statewide and regional businesse with lean, focused, positive-cashflow operations, which solve specific problems in their infrastructure. 3) They are building a business that is designed for the New World of Cannabis, and the Era of Commercialization. -We aren’t trappers anymore. -Hitting licks can only take you so far. -Weed is a CPG product. -THCA is sold openly online and in gas stations. -D9 Bevs and Gummies are sold in some of the deepest red states. -Weed by mail is probably here to stay. -Mushrooms are legal in various cities and states. -Consumer trust in a brand is the most valuable asset in the industry. No matter their scale, the companies that win in the next five years will integrate themselves into the new ways consumers interact with and purchase cannabis…. (Online, DTC, Low-Dose, Mixed Nootropic, Bev, Smoke Shop/Gas Station, Mass Market, Seshes, N.A. bars/lounges, add-on dispensary licenses) 4) They build continuous feedback loops with their customers. The great brands and companies that succeed into the 2030’s will have a deep, data-based understanding of their consumers at all levels. Brands must understand the buying criteria of the stores that carry them as well as the buying criteria of the consumers that drive sell-through. The very best will encourage a rewarding consumer engagement loop that directly influences operational decision making. 5) They just don’t quit. (In fact, they continue to innovate, pivot, and understand that at the end of the day, their business is change). A lot of cannabis operators will quit in the next five years. In all business, but especially in cannabis, sometimes it’s just about being there tomorrow.

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Looking for ways to mitigate those equipment fees in your beverage agreement? Here's one idea...

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Back on the stage at Benzinga, talking about the ONLY way I consume cannabis - beverages! And I'll be joined by industry leaders Aaron Nosbisch of BRĒZ, Brandon Harshbarger of Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Company, Drea Gunness-Groeschel of Better Than Booze, and Benjamin Meggs of Bayou City Hemp Company! Ch-ch-ch-changes...how has distribution of hemp-derived THC beverages evolved over the last couple years? Where did we start, where are we now, where are we going? What's working, what's not? Where is there room for improvement and who is going to help us get there? We'll tackle this topic on Tuesday, October 8th at 4:20pm CT #onbrand #drinkcannabis #benzinga Cannabis Beverage Association Hemp Beverage Alliance SōRSE Technology #distribution #beveragedistribution #beverageindustry #beverage #ecommerce #directtoconsumer #3tiersystem #alcoholdistro #millercoors #abinbev

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I think all the drinks manufacturers and canna-beverage hype is completely fake. I don't believe consumers prefer to drink Cannabinoids. The data doesn’t support that. I do believe cannabis-drinks are more costly to produce/deliver to a consumer, are more costly per inch of shelf space, ultimately for a lower dose/cannabinoid count per dollar spent, and therefore economics will inevitably maintain the drinks-category in 1-2% total marketshare territory.

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We discussed this on our latest episode of CPG Vibes, BIG BIG news from KeHE Distributors on 11/22, a new program dubbed 'AAP' (administrative allowance program). A flat 2 % off-invoice allowance for specific fees including New item intros, extra performance fees, MCBs, new item set up fees, and lumping fees. My quick thoughts: This is a step in the right direction for sure. UNFI implemented SSI which is a similar program to help brands budget for costs and fees associated with doing business with large national distributors. With all that said, these categories are pretty large and encompassing, so for all the other fees associated with Kehe that can chop down a brand's margin, will this program truly cover it? Likely not, but at least it covers some. What are your thoughts?

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When developing new menu items for NFL stadiums, culinary teams focus on three key factors: Flavor and Appeal: New items must be visually appealing and shareable. Unique and creative combinations that look great on social media can generate buzz. Feasibility and Practicality: Items need to be easy to prepare quickly during busy game times. The item should be able to be prepared in current kitchen equipment and there should be little to no new training for the staff Cost and Relevance: Ingredients should be cost-effective to ensure profitability while providing good value to fans. Incorporating local ingredients and current food trends can enhance the appeal of the offerings. Each season, culinary teams strive to introduce successful and exciting new menu items that resonate with the fans.

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Tilray Brands, Inc., a cannabis company, is expanding into the U.S. craft beer industry, becoming the fifth-largest craft brewer by acquiring 18 brands, including Shock Top and Montauk. Tilray's CEO, Irwin D. Simon, aims to build relationships with beer distributors and eventually sell marijuana-infused drinks if they become federally legal in the U.S. Tilray hopes to achieve profit margins of 45% by cutting costs and sees potential in reviving overlooked beer brands. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/ejEtfdnW The Wall Street Journal Laura Cooper Branded Hospitality Ventures Hospitality Hangout Podcast #Beer #Hospitality #WallStreetJournal #Cannabis Carrie Shafir Simon Cascante James Gleaves Sam Garfinkel Shawn Carpenter

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Good morning California Cannabis Industry, Today, in the economic evolution of cannabinoids (both cannabis and help), there's one question remaining: WHO WON THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  

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In 2024, energy drink sales in convenience stores are expected to remain robust despite anticipated price hikes. Sales surged 10.8% in the past year, with smaller brands like CELSIUS Holdings, Inc. and GHOST leading growth. These brands are forecasted to continue expanding shelf space significantly. C-store operators are preparing for higher prices by focusing on variety, promotional deals, and flexible sizing to maintain customer interest. Brands emphasizing functional and low-sugar claims are particularly popular, catering to consumer demand for health-focused beverages. Overall, while inflation poses challenges, the energy drink market in c-stores is poised for continued growth through strategic marketing and product innovation. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/e84H9Bbn C-Store Dive Branded Hospitality Ventures Sally Lyons Wyatt #hospitality #beverage #foodandbeverage #technology #innovation Joe Sobolewski Paul Storey John Fieldly Giancarlo Morena Jarrod Langhans Toby David Mark Magnesen Ryan Hughes

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Constellation Brands Inc. saw its stock climb during premarket trading on Thursday following an upward revision of its adjusted fiscal 2025 profit forecast, surpassing analyst predictions. The company also reported a robust fourth-quarter profit, driven by the stronger-than-anticipated performance of its beer division. CEO Bill Newlands highlighted the beer business's consistent volume growth over 56 quarters, coupled with impressive margins, although wine and spirits sales experienced a decline. https://lnkd.in/ggNU_G9r Constellation Brands Bill Newlands Branded Hospitality Ventures #Technology #Business #Innovation #AI #investing #venturecapital MarketWatch

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Retail is education and entertainment In the world of restaurants, this is why bartenders are so great. A mix of creating an entertaining environment and education about what is possible. In Cannabis retail... Entertainment gets your customers in the doors. Experiences are made memorable with excitement and a sense of urgency. Education isn't always about product knowledge; more importantly, it is about what is available in the store. It's your job to train teams to entertain customers. It needs to feel second nature but also sincere. Spending the afternoon in stores yesterday- one of the easiest places to start? 1. The music playing in the store entertains and creates energy. 2. Your team knows what is available in inventory. Flipping a screen to the e-commerce menu shouldn't be the first response.

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CELSIUS Holdings, Inc. reported earnings for Q3 with a drop of 30% in revenue an a 9% decrease in margins with a profit of $0.0/sh. This comes after they announced the purchase of a 170,000 sq ft coman earlier this month. There’s been ongoing issues with distribution and the relationship with PepsiCo that have impacted sales. It should be noted Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. owns a % of Celsius. I recently mentioned the decrease in revenue is partly due to consumer behavior change from c-store to bulk. The company confirmed that today noting that bulk stores like Sam’s saw an increase of 15% in revenue as consumers are being more frugal and buying in bulk vs c-store. How will Dr Pepper fix the relationship with Pepsi? https://lnkd.in/gbmNWChg

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One year ago today, we launched Shameless Foods into the grocery channel. Since that launch, we have: 💫 Launched into KeHE Distributors, UNFI, Nassau Candy Distributors, Inc., Muscle Foods USA, Europa Sports Partners, and more distributors- 💫 Launched into United Supermarkets, LLC 💫 Launched into Haggen, Inc. 💫 Launched into Yokes Foods 💫 Launched into Coborn's, Inc. 💫 Launched into Lowes Foods 💫 Launched into Giant Eagle, Inc. 💫 Launched into Gold's Gym 💫 Launched into Big Y World Class Market 💫 Launched into Gristedes/Red Apple Group 💫 Launched into Foodtown 💫 Launched into OTG Management 💫 Launched into Hy-Vee, Inc. 💫 Launched into Northwest Grocers 💫 Launching into Southeastern Grocers right now 💫 Launching into Super 1 Foods right now 💫 Launched into iHerb, LLC 💫 Launched into BariatricPal 💫 Launched into Town & Country Markets 💫 Launched into GreenAcres Market ⭐️ Launched into over 2,000 Sports nutrition stores, gyms, etc. & SO much more. We are currently in review with multiple accounts and are waiting for results. This has been like growing a baby; we could not be happier with this GROWTH process. Most brokering companies won't take on a company when it is day one for them in retail. We have turned down accounts that did not make sense for our 1st year of JSC or growth as well. It has been a year, and this has taken so much time, but we appreciate all of our buyers and the relationships we hold for Shameless Foods! We are so happy to sign them on for another year 🥂 Jade Street Consulting Inc. David Kugielsky Mike Ponzillo Giancarlo Maniaci #partnership #results #grocery #retail #growth #candy #betterforyou #cpg #cpgbrands #cpgindustry #food #snacks #innovation

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