Season 1, Ep. 8- Bringing the Fun to Functional Beverages with Lucas Plant

Summary

Lucas Plant, a beverage specialist, discusses the growth and potential of functional beverages in the non-alcoholic space. He explains the role of terpenes in flavor and aroma and how they can enhance the drinking experience. Lucas also talks about the increasing demand for wellness-focused beverages and the shift towards natural and healthier ingredients. He believes that functional beverages will continue to gain popularity and coexist with traditional alcoholic beverages in the on-premise market. The conversation explores the use of whole ingredients in the cannabis and hemp industry and the potential benefits of utilizing the entire plant. It also discusses the evolving landscape of the off-premise market, particularly in relation to non-alcoholic and functional beverages. The conversation highlights the increasing options and complexity of these beverages, as well as the growing acceptance and availability of hemp-derived THC drinks in stores. It also touches on the evolving nature of communal spaces and the potential for experiential and active lifestyle events. The discussion concludes with a brief mention of distribution models for THC and CBD products.

Takeaways

• Functional beverages, including those infused with terpenes, are gaining popularity in the non-alcoholic space.
• Terpenes play a role in flavor and aroma and can enhance the drinking experience.
• There is a growing demand for wellness-focused beverages with natural and healthier ingredients.
• Functional beverages have the potential to coexist with traditional alcoholic beverages in the on-premise market. Utilizing whole ingredients in the cannabis and hemp industry can provide a range of benefits, as the whole plant contains valuable compounds and properties.
• The off-premise market for non-alcoholic and functional beverages is evolving, with a growing number of options and a shift towards more complex and mature offerings.
• Hemp-derived THC drinks are becoming increasingly available in stores, with dedicated aisles and endcap features, indicating positive growth and acceptance.
• Communal spaces are likely to evolve towards more experiential and active lifestyle events, catering to the preferences of younger generations.
• Distribution models for THC and CBD products are developing, with distributors recognizing the potential of these beverages and actively seeking to enter the market.