CBD at TPE: What’s In It for C-Stores?
By Angel Abcede on Mar. 03, 2020LAS VEGAS — The exhibit floor at the recent Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) featured a wide range of providers of CBD (cannabidiol) infused products, but the convenience-store channel presents a unique scenario for the emerging medicinal-remedy market, said a panelist at a TPE educational workshop.
Speaking during an educational session on CBD products, Jacopo D’Alessandris, CEO and president of E-Alternative Solutions, Darien, Conn., said consumers don’t typically think of c-stores as places to buy wellness products, and certainly not options that are very pricey, such as some CBD lotions or tinctures.
“Think of the shopper walking in the door who is not likely to buy a $60 tincture, but possibly two capsules,” D’Alessadris said, specifically mentioning the convenience channel. “That makes sense for this type of retailer with CBDs.”
D’Alessadris and other panelists suggested retailers consider the form, quality and price point of their CBD products, as well as offer samples for trial.
Multiple CBD providers exhibited product at the TPE event, held Jan. 29-31 in Las Vegas. Here’s a quick roundup of several exhibitors …
Bolt CBD
The South El Monte, Calif.-based Bolt CBDs exhibited products as wide-ranging as chocolate bars, coffee and dog treats.
Cannadips
Providing CBD-infused pouches, Cannadips, Arcata, Calif., said its products are made from full-spectrum hemp and are all-natural and pesticide-free. Two of its newer flavored options are American Spice and Citrus.
E-Alternative Solutions
Known for its Leap Go disposable e-cigarettes, E-Alternative Solutions has branched out into CBD products. Its Forth brand includes lotions, digestible products, tinctures and vaping devices. “Our specialty is emerging markets, particularly those that are highly regulated,” said Chris Howard, vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer. “Our focus was wellness when we jumped into vapor and know how to navigate the federal and state regulatory systems.”
Expanding into CBD products made sense, Howard said, because confusion still surrounds the products. “[Retailers] need a resource to educate them,” he said. “They need resources … they trust regarding compliance.”
Hemp Baby
Miami-based Hemp Baby exhibited products such as gummies, creams, pods and oils, all of which contain no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive element in marijuana. The federal government defines hemp—which became legal in the United States in 2018 even though it is in the cannabis family—as containing 0.3% THC or less.
Just CBD
Miami-based Just CBD grew from one SKU in 2017 to 250 by the time of the TPE show. Hussein Rakine, founder and CEO, said the company is in talks with a major c-store chain and is within months of a major announcement. The company showcased a range of CBD topicals and gummies and are also getting into quinoa bites and protein bars.
Mile High Cure
Los Angeles-based Mile High Cure displayed CBD products in the form of hemp lubricants, face masks and capsules.
Solari Hemp
Longmont, Colo.-based Solari Hemp featured balms, creams, capsules, gummies, tinctures and warming gels.
Veritas Farms
Veritas Farms, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., featured salves, capsules and tinctures, and also lip balm and pet products.
Wild Hemp
Dallas-based Wild Hemp exhibited broad-spectrum CBD products that included hemp cigarettes, gummies and tinctures.