In the chill-zone: CBD emerges in new product formats, blazes on in new markets

29 Jul 2020 --- Busy lifestyles and stress induced by the COVID-19 pandemic have boosted demand for hemp and cannabis-based cannabidiol (CBD), which is consumed for its relaxant effect. As mental well-being and overall balance remain top priorities, NutritionInsight spotlights breaking developments in this burgeoning yet dynamic space. Among notable highlights are newly launched CBD-infused hot cocoas, gummies, women’s health supplements and expansion of the segment in South American markets.

CBD in NPD
Delivery formats for CBD are wide and ranged, just like its potential ingredient synergies. Serenity Mountain Foods has unveiled new mixes infused with the relaxing compound. The company’s CBD Hot Cocoa Mixes come in three flavors: Classic Blend, Madagascar Vanilla and Spicy Aztec. Each box contains five individual serving pouches with 40 mg CBD per serving and no psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Drita Haziraj, Co-Founder of Serenity Mountain Foods, notes that “by using odorless and tasteless CBD Isolate in our CBD Hot Cocoa Mixes, we were able to maintain the rich flavor of the cocoa as well as provide a price point that would make them an ideal entry level product for the new CBD user.”

Serenity Mountain Foods has unveiled new hot cocoa mixes infused with CBD.Papa & Barkley, a US-based wellness company in California selling CBD topicals and tinctures, has launched its Releaf Gummies, a line of sugar-free, gluten-free, keto-friendly, zero-calorie, full spectrum and solventless edibles. They come in four flavors: Tart Apple and Berry Burst, which are vegan, and Juicy Orange and Wild Strawberry.

Also in the US market, Renewsha has been unveiled as a CBD product that supports immune system health. Taken orally with a taste-free dissolvable tablet, Renewsha’s patent-pending formula is absorbed through the bloodstream to boost immune health by supporting inflammation relief. Unlike diluted oil-based CBD products that require droppers, each Renewsha tablet contains exactly 30 mg of CBD to ensure that every dose is identical. 

Being Hemp, maker of THC-free CBD products formulated doctors to specifically address women’s unique health, wellness and beauty needs, has launched a line of products designed to deliver “pure, powerful” results for female consumers – an anti-aging skin care system, five condition-specific tinctures, and the first-ever apple cider vinegar gummies featuring high-absorption Nano CBD.

Also in this sector, Naturefine+, launched by East Coast manufacturing company, has released a new retail display for their CBD products. The sleek, acrylic display includes a sleeve (6 ct.) of each of their products. They offer a wide range of low manufacturer's suggested retail price ingestible and topical products. The company’s products are further backed by levels of testing for potency, heavy metals, pesticides, foreign matter, mold and residual solvents. 

Expanding into South America
As demand for CBD grows in the functional foods genre, many players are forming partnerships to boost their reach. Megalabs has announced its partnership with Medterra to bring their well-known CBD products to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. With consumers in these countries exhibiting an increased interest in high-quality CBD products, Megalabs will leverage its distribution network across Latin America as part of Medterra’s global expansion ambition.

Papa & Barkley launched Releaf Gummies, a line of sugar-free, gluten-free, keto-friendly, zero-calorie edibles.“Over this last year we have been working with the Megalabs team to plan this entrance into the Latin America markets,” says Jay Hartenbach, CEO of Medterra. “To bring high-quality CBD to those that need it has been our singular goal since Medterra’'s inception and this marks a significant step in reaching that goal.

“With this agreement, Megalabs is strengthening its wide ranging portfolio and entering a new therapeutic field with CBD in areas like pain and anxiety,” adds Gianclaudio Broggi, CEO of Megalabs. “This cooperation unites Megalabs and Medterra in the pursuit of innovation, the quest for growth and the possibility of delivering to patients alternative treatment options.”

PAO Group acquires Puration’s cannabis cultivation
US-based Puration and PAO Group (PAOG) have announced that the two companies expect to close the sale of Puration’s cannabis cultivation operation to PAOG. A prompt announcement following the closing will be forthcoming. 

PAOG is acquiring Puration’s cannabis cultivation operation in exchange for PAOG common stock. The PAOG stock issued to Puration is to be issued to Puration shareholders in a dividend distribution. The target dividend ratio is for each PURA shareholder to receive one share of PAOG stock for each share of Puration held. 

PAOG also intends to acquire NCM Biotech from Kali-Extracts. NCM Biotech is focused on medical research and the development of treatments derived from its patented cannabis extraction process.  

NCM Biotech has a patented cannabis extraction operation that is focused on medical research and the development of treatments derived from its patented cannabis extraction process. Puration’s cannabis cultivation operation has revenue and has recently purchased and relocated to a new property from its former leased property. 

Texas lawmakers have recently implemented hemp-friendly farming regulations and in so doing, universities within the state have initiated hemp farming research programs. Puration’s cannabis cultivation spinoff has initiated a number of joint research applications with Texas universities.  

By Benjamin Ferrer