Cannabis Products Insider recently spoke to Jake Bullock, CEO of Cann, about how the brand balances offering products with cannabis and hemp, the unique legal landscape in Minnesota and Cann’s performance in the North Star State.

"Alcohol marketing is evolving rapidly," said Patrick Egan, director of research & insights, DISQO. "With budget-constrained consumers who are increasingly focused on health, our insights suggest that marketers should be intentional in their messaging. Whether that's educating about differentiated offerings, touting unique production processes, emphasizing functional benefits or justifying higher price points, advertisers need to keep up with consumers in an increasingly crowded category."

HOUSEOFLOVE offers premium spirit-based cocktails with 7%-12% ABV, as well as non-alcoholic mocktails, catering to the growing 0% ABV market. 

FlavorSum is a solutions provider for growing food & beverage companies. The platform unifies National Flavors, GSB Flavor Creators, Bonnie & Don Flavours, Whittle and Mutch, and Meridian Flavors.

HighBridge Premium offers a variety of beverage products infused with either cannabis or hemp — including three non-alcoholic, cannabinoid-infused beers — in five states, with plans to expand to more than a dozen markets in the U.S. and abroad.

JPG Resources identified 731 booths (23%) as having “vegan” food, and 401 booths (13%) that described their offerings as functional. Meanwhile, references to “regenerative agriculture” and “fermentation” mentions made up approximately 1% each out of 3,178 total exhibitors.

While 85% of consumers say rising inflation has had an impact on the way they shop overall, there are areas in which they are not willing to compromise. Today’s brands are being pushed to be different, accessible, and to seem premium and/or customized—all while driving cost savings for their own operations.

"Products that make home cooking more convenient and restaurant-quality are in demand, whether meal starter kits, distinctive salts or butters, condiments from around the world, or foods from different global regions available as frozen entrees," said Denise Purcell, SFA's vice president, resource development. 

Available in three varieties — Lost In The Mango (sweet mango with rich and aromatic flavors), Forbidden Pineapple (tangy pineapple tinged with tropical tones) and Ripe With Passionfruit (tart passionfruit with a hint of botanicals) — Roxie contains no alcohol and checks in at 90 calories per 12oz serving.

Prepared Foods talks mocktail beverage trends with Maeve Webster, president of Menu Matters.