“Super water”: Flow Alkaline Spring Water launches CBD infused beverages

18 Dec 2018 --- Flow Alkaline Spring Water, a Canadian brand of spring water, has launched a line of Cannabidiol (CBD) infused beverages called Flow Glow, that are touted by the company as having antioxidant properties. According to a survey conducted by the company, 67 percent of Canadians are interested in consuming CBD at some point in the future.

Flow Glow is an “ultra-hydrating, mineral-rich superfood” line of beverages, the company says, adding that CBD can offer powerful antioxidants and naturally occurring minerals that promote hydration.

“This super-charged, super-water is designed to help our five million plus consumers across North America achieve their daily wellness goals more easily,” says Nicholas Reichenbach, Founder & CEO of Flow Alkaline Spring Water. 

Flow alkaline water is sourced from a family-owned spring in South Bruce County, Ontario, Canada, and is touted as being rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium that give the water an alkaline pH of 8.1 to keep the body's acid levels and electrolytes in check for optimal hydration. 

According to the company, they fortify the beverage with added botanical extracts and antioxidants, as well as adding CBD to the concentrated 330ml format. This is only possible in select countries and states, where CBD products are available.

Flow has conducted consumer research which showed that 63 percent of Canadians are familiar with CBD and 40 percent regularly consume it for either medical or recreational purposes. Sixty-seven percent of respondents are interested in consuming in the future, the survey found. 

In this space, Flow says it enlisted the help of industry leaders and experts to meet the growing demand for CBD products from consumers.

Last year the company launched its first organic, flavored alkaline water, which is available in a range of 100 percent certified organic flavors, like cucumber mint, lemon ginger and strawberry rose.

Flow Alkaline Spring Water comes in eco-friendly Tetra Pak, as the company says that sustainability is a practice they strongly support. The packaging aligns with the company’s mission to be a positive force in the world, with 100 percent recyclable materials and made with 70 percent renewable materials, according to Flow. 

North American markets are expected to see a rise in CBD product launches. Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Shelley King, the CEO of Natural Products Canada says: “The legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada will open up a whole new wave of innovation in cannabis-based foods and beverages.”

“Development and positioning are happening now with some of the major beverage companies, such as Molson Coors Canada, taking big stakes in cannabis companies. When edibles become legal – tentatively expected in the fall of 2019 – Canada will be the place to be for anyone looking to participate in this space,” she adds.

Last month, House of Saka launched a line of cannabis-infused, alcohol-removed wines from Napa Valley. The wines will be available in over 600 stores throughout California and Nevada starting mid-2019, before expanding nationwide and globally. 

While on the packaging front, founder of AssurPack, Nancy Gruskin Warner, entered the emerging, yet somewhat booming, cannabis industry. Consumers are demanding when it comes to packaging and there is no exception when it comes to the cannabis market. However, as Warner tells PackagingInsights, “this is an industry without precedent,” with suppliers facing challenges related to swiftly changing regulations. However, the growing market and consumer enthusiasm do present ample opportunity for packaging NPD.