Döhler and Vertosa join forces for cannabis and hemp-infused beverage innovation

14 Mar 2024 --- Two industry leaders, Döhler and Vertosa, have announced a strategic research and development partnership to drive innovation in the food, beverage and nutrition sectors with cannabis and hemp-infused offerings. The partnership will leverage cutting-edge infusion technology for cannabis and hemp products in order to usher in a new era of innovative life science beverages.

Döhler, known for its natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, says that it brings its extensive experience in developing natural flavors, colors, juices, botanical extracts and sweetening solutions to the table. Vertosa, on the other hand, is recognized as a market-leading infusion technology company, particularly in the cannabis and hemp sectors.

Together, the companies say their respective strengths can help create groundbreaking beverage formulations that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

“Teaming up with Vertosa is a game-changer, propelling the market trend to new heights,” says Paul Graham, the CEO of Döhler North America. “By combining our expertise in natural ingredients with Vertosa’s infusion technology, we’re not just innovating, we’re leading the way together.”

Creating functional beverages
Under the terms of the partnership, Döhler will focus on developing complementary natural ingredients and ingredient blends to enhance Vertosa’s hemp and cannabis infusion offerings.

Döhler says the blends will encompass a wide range of components, from natural flavors and colors to botanical extracts, providing an array of options for creating unique and appealing beverage formulations to unlock new possibilities in the beverage market.

Moreover, the company says that by tapping into Döhler’s vast product portfolio and technologies, Vertosa will be able to co-develop innovative beverage formulations and proprietary infusion technologies tailored to meet the demands of today’s consumers.

This partnership is expected to drive product development forward, leading to the creation of sensory-rich beverages that offer unique and memorable experiences.According to the two companies, the partnership will pave the way for hemp and cannabis-infused beverage innovations.

“Through Döhler’s partnership, we’re not only gaining a treasury of knowledge but also the capabilities to co-create intellectual property that brings success for customers with a new range of life science beverages,” explains Vertosa’s CEO, Benjamin Larson. “This union is about more than innovation — it’s about setting the gold standard for what cannabis beverages can and should be.”

Starting out strong
The partnership also includes an investment from Döhler Ventures, the company’s entrepreneurial investor focused on start-ups within the global nutrition and technology ecosystem.

By providing financial backing and strategic support, Döhler Ventures says it will help to accelerate the development and commercialization of pioneering hemp and cannabis-infused beverage solutions in collaboration with Vertosa.

Additionally, the two companies state the partnership will drive the rapid expansion of cannabis and hemp ingredients in the beverage industry, offering consumers a wide range of innovative and appealing beverage options.

“The investment reflects the long-term commitment to both the relationship and product categories, being driven by Vertosa’s professional management, thought leadership and market momentum,” stresses Dr. Sebastian Dreher from Döhler Ventures.

Edited by William Bradford Nichols