Fred Schroeder

Tequila!   Many large players such as White Claw, and The Boston Beer Company (maker of Truly) are expanding their offerings and releasing tequila-flavored ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails as consumers are increasingly turning to tequila offerings in the beverage alcohol sector.   I had the opportunity to share my insights and thoughts on this surging trend with The Food Institute. In the article, I emphasized how innovations in ready-to-drink (RTD) formats, including tequila-based seltzers and margaritas, are meeting consumer demand for novel flavors. Additionally, I pointed out that tequila production has remained stable despite global supply chain disruptions and highlighted the increasing consumer preference for high-quality artisanal spirits.   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gB9f-3Ci   #Tequila #BeverageIndustry #MarketTrends #ConsumerInsights #RTDCocktails

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***WHILE "MARIJUANAS" FELL ASLEEP, KAVA SNUCK IN THE ROOM*** Throughout the United States the cult known more formerly as "The Cannabis Community" or "Yesterdays Nobodies Now Suddenly Somebodies for a Minute" has been clamoring for social clubs, lounges, places where they can smoke. Well hold my blunt and ash off my caviar tipped "J" here comes the latest mole for the "Big Marijuana" shoddy-lobby to WACK - yes I'm talking about that evil Kava. Not to be confused with that dastardly old hemp and it's miracle working powers, no Kava is a REAL issue man, it's a fresh beverage that helps people relax, and it's non-alcoholic man! So get out your pitchforks, because the marijuana prohibitionists are coming for you kava! Anyone who steals a little shekel from the coffers of big weed, must be stopped!!!! And anyone who supports this bunk and blind community, just absolutely sick people in it man. SICK! Gotta be a communist or shut up. Gotta be gay or an "ally" or shut up. Gotta be a Democrat or you can't be around us - shut up. Oh but, we're not a CULT. Ok. Bye. I'm off to make money while your silly marijuana industry collapses and sucks more good people into poverty. Bye. This business isn't big enough for the both of us and I got to go places where the money isn't funny! 🤣 What is funny, however, is how the marijuana lobby non-stop gets people, hamster-wheel to run to the regulators to stop everything good from happening. Kava, it's unregulated - GO GET EM!!!!!!!!! STOP THEM!!!! 🤣 https://lnkd.in/dV7rFJyt #cannabis #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #marijuana #marijuanaindustry

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One in five consumers who purchase frozen food items usually buy a store-brand product, and that figure is growing, according to “The Power of Frozen 2023” report from the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI- The Food Industry Association. The big factor turning the eyes of consumers toward private label products, unsurprisingly, is price. While private label and national-brand frozen products each saw unit share erosion in 2023 — down 3% for private label and down 5.4% for national brands — both segments saw dollar sales grow 7.7% during the prior year. Also notable is the rather weak brand loyalty that consumers have within frozen food despite the category’s having some long-standing national brands. The AFFI report found that 20% of consumers usually purchase private label frozen food products, while 16% said that they prefer national brands. Nearly four in 10 said that brand preference varies by item, and 26% had no brand preference. | Progressive Grocer https://lnkd.in/gFZEj_j3 #retail #supermarkets #frozenfoods #storebrands #privatelabel #consumers

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🚨 Insightful DEA Report: Illicit marijuana flowers average a THC potency of 16%. 🌿💨 This statistic underscores a significant advantage of purchasing from licensed dispensaries—quality and safety. Unlike the unregulated market, dispensaries offer products that are tested, compliant, and consistent in their THC content. This not only ensures a safer consumer experience but also supports the legal cannabis industry committed to high standards. Why risk the unknown? Choose quality, safety, and reliability every time with dispensary-bought cannabis. Let's advocate for more informed consumer choices and support regulations that emphasize these benefits. Stay informed and choose wisely. #CannabisIndustry #ConsumerSafety #DispensaryQuality #THCPotency #RegulatedCannabis

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How's the NYC cannabis market roll-out going? Take a look at the recent OCM assessment task force findings sent to the governor. The report highlights key areas for improvement within the agency's operations and the adult-use retailer licensing process. Key findings include limited administrative depth, decentralized licensing operations, complex requirements, sparse customer service, lack of data and KPIs, and the use of multiple disparate IT systems. These insights shed light on the challenges OCM faces in its decision-making processes and operational efficiency. #nycannabis #OCM #GovernorHochul #CannabisControlBoard In March 2024, Governor Hochul convened a mul�-agency task force to assess how to improve public engagement and restore trust in OCM. The task force included government leaders from mul�ple State agencies with extensive opera�ons experience and exper�se in organiza�onal redesign for agency success. Over several weeks, the task force conducted interviews with execu�ves at OCM, employees, and external stakeholders, reviewed regula�ons, public guidance, and Cannabis Control Board (CCB) mee�ngs, and designed high level process maps for adult-use retail license applica�ons. This report details current OCM opera�ons and procedures and primarily focuses on improvements of general agency opera�ons and a review of the adult-use retailer licensing process. Key Findings Specifically, the task force found OCM had: Limited depth in administra�on; Failed to centralize licensing opera�ons; Created complex and obscure licensing requirements; Provided sparse customer service; A lack of data and key performance indicators (KPI); And u�lized mul�ple disparate IT systems. These findings have been exemplified through OCM’s o�en confusing decisions regarding agency opera�ons

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I am excited when Walmart innovates. The launch of their new Better Goods food brand is bringing innovation, a new private label brand, and new price points to their shelves. This is a smart move at a time when shoppers are changing stores to save money. I know people who have said they would not buy private-label food from Walmart. With this new launch of more than 300 products, there will be many new interesting and tasty products for shoppers to try. This is worth watching. #foodstrategy #foodandbeverage #foodinnovation

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In the CPG industry it's not about how many doors/stores you get into it's about the quality of stores you get into. I look forward to building relationships with every retailer/buyer. Even though you may not be in a large bix box store at the moment focus on building relationships with independent retailers first then go from there. Building a personal brand helps out a lot in business. This is crucial to let buyers know about you and your products and why you started your business. #retail #growth #business #sales #mindset #businessgoals #businessrelationships #connection #integrity #cpg #startup

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🚨FOOD INDUSTRY NEWS🚨 PepsiCo has reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts’ expectations, despite weaker U.S. demand caused by Quaker Oats recalls and backlash to higher prices for its drinks and snacks. Shares of the company fell more than 2% in morning trading. Earnings per share: $1.61 adjusted vs. $1.52 expected. Revenue: $18.25 billion vs. $18.07 billion expected. 🥤 #pepsico #earnings #inflation #foodindustry #newsletter

F the Treaties: Rescheduling and Marijuana-Particular Controls https://lnkd.in/gwnhJv2Z <a href=""> - Marijuana-specific controls in schedule III? The drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revealed its Discover of Proposed Rulemaking (“NOPR”) final week to a lot fanfare. The NOPR would reschedule marijuana, “marijuana extract” and “naturally derived delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinols” from schedule I to schedule III of the Managed Substances Act (CSA). However that’s not all. In my very fast evaluation after the rule dropped, I flagged DEA’s assertion that it might develop “marijuana-specific controls” together with rescheduling. I’m shocked this DEA assertion hasn’t spurred a lot dialogue, regardless of its Easter egg placement at NOPR web page 86. “Marijuana-specific management” guidelines might turn into a reasonably large deal. For context, the U.S. is a celebration to sure worldwide treaties that require it to regulate hashish and different drugs. Due to that obligation, the Division of Justice’s Workplace of Authorized Counsel (OLC), has suggested DEA that extra controls could also be wanted for marijuana on schedule III. That’s the best method to clarify it: if you need extra element on the whys and wherefores of the authorized regime and OLC’s rationale, go to pages 83-87 of the NOPR. In my publish final week, I highlighted that marijuana-specific controls could be thought of by DEA “concurrent with this rulemaking.” In different phrases, DEA is saying, “we’re taking a look at adopting new and particular guidelines for marijuana, past simply shifting it to schedule III. However we don’t know what these new and particular guidelines could be but. Keep tuned.” This strategy is artfully imprecise and noncommittal, and awkward, and begs examination. The trail to marijuana-specific controls I’m not an administrative legislation knowledgeable. Nonetheless, my understanding is that DEA could be required to note any proposed, marijuana-specific management guidelines within the Federal Register and open them up for remark. In different phrases, the method would mirror what we simply noticed with final week’s NOPR. If this occurs, it is going to be attention-grabbing to see what the “particular controls” guidelines present. To that finish, I’m not conscious of any such guidelines for different schedule III drugs. As a substitute, there are solely basic controls relevant to all schedule III drugs: e.g., sure storage necessities, allowances for paper or phone prescriptions, refill caps, and many others. None of that appears relevant to e.g. marijuana flower, which isn’t authorised by FDA for something. Alternatively, what might these guidelines probably say that might matter, particularly with respect to state marijuana packages? Would anybody, outdoors of scientists learning marijuana, pay any consideration to a DEA’s “particular controls” for sched...

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I am going to say this publicly one time and one time only. Please stop tarnishing the integrity of the CPG industry with rushing products to the market. What I mean by this is lying to customers, followers, influencers etc about your ingredients and nutritional analysis or lack there of. This effects other upcoming entrepreneurs by creating a illusion that the CPG is easier than what it really is. As a black man in this industry I take great offense to this because black owned businesses have to work very hard to get products into retail as it stands. In the past I've been told West Food Brands wasn't professional, however we've never lied to a customer not once especially about testing or ingredients. Come to think of it we've sent customers free products and apologized for any delays or inconvenience on our end. I don't care about your race or sexual orientation just please remember to have integrity in business. Going around lying to customers and followers about your products or ingredients is not cool. If you have not done proper lab testing of your products please take some time to get those things done. You should not be mass promoting on social. This post may come off has harsh but I rather you not lie to a customer, and get sued or worse someone gets sick. The CPG industry is not a get rich quick business it takes time. Any business you start takes time. I have been on LinkedIn more often the last year or so, and have seen many brands just dissappear no Instagram page now or posts on LinkedIn from the founders. The one thing I will tell you about business it's all about integrity and strong business acumen. You can have all the followers/hype you want and be out of business next week. Slow and steady wins the race. #community #engagement #collaboration #blackowned #blackownedbusiness #smallbusiness #customerservice #integrity #followers #development #creativity #mindset #cpg #strategy #operationalplanning #linkedincommunity #collaboration #wealthgap #culturalawarness #diversity #inclusion #financialinclusion

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CCB Meeting June 11, 2024 - 46.2 million in retail cannabis sales in ONE month New York’s cannabis industry is looking better than ever! Today’s CCB meeting featured a very positive market update showing the profitability of NY’s cannabis Industry. The month of May 2024 closed with an astonishing $46.2 million in retail cannabis sales, with weekly sales revenue reaching a record-high average of $12.5 million! This is a massive jump from the $6.7 million in retail sales made during the entire month of May 2023. With a grand total of $357.3 million in cannabis retail sales generated by 132 open and operating adult-use dispensaries, the New York market is poised for a future of continued growth. There’s no better time to start your New York cannabis business. Learn more about New York's cannabis market below! https://hubs.la/Q02Br-tY0 #NewYorkCannabis #NYC #CannabisBusiness #CannabisCulture

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The payment of impact fees, without any evidence of actual impacts, has been devastating for our business, particularly when the payment of others in Haverhill is not being enforced. One operator has paid zero fees. As Haverhill’s only economic-empowerment operator, I find it astonishing that Stem Haverhill is the ONLY operator that’s paid 100% of these fees. Read more —- Haverhill can and should be following the example of leaders around the state by returning these unjust fees, which represent a pay to play system where only well capitalized, corporate cannabis operators will be able to stay afloat. Melinda Barrett Andy X. Vargas Lori Trahan Pavel Payano Ryan Hamilton Barry Finegold

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I read this story and think that General Mills is going to hold its price increases as long as it can. Food Business News #inflation #consumertrends

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"New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program Shrinks While Recreational Market Expands" This headline is almost like a gimme nowadays after cannabis legalization occurs in various states. The question often posed is "how do we prevent the deterioration of our medical cannabis program?" but I challenge this question with a different perspective: "What benefit does remaining in the medical cannabis program offer?" In New Jersey, the answer is: -0% state sales tax -Preferred parking spots in dispensary lots -Separate lines for checkout -Employee protections by having a state issued medical cannabis card?? Beyond that... the value doesn't justify the additional ~$150 and time/effort that is paid to a physician to certify patients to continue receiving a medical card annually. My take on how medical markets can continue to demonstrate value: 1. Direct access to an actual healthcare clinician - MD, nurse, pharmacist, even a LSCW would be beneficial. In fact, I think it should be REQUIRED in order to call themselves a "Medical" dispensary. If somebody's not onsite, at least have an on-call service or email response available for more technical and personal medical questions. 2. Reimbursement from 3rd party companies. Prices in NJ remain the highest in the nation and there have been talks on state funded agencies subsidizing costs, but nothing has come to fruition. Perhaps this is one of the benefits that federal rescheduling may bring and healthcare companies should start considering. 3. Quality/product differentiation. A perfect example is that for our AU market, the max package size is 10 x 10mg THC ingestible products. Prior to that, medical patients were able to purchase 35 x 10mg THC products at a reduced $/THC ratio. Bringing the conversation back to federal rescheduling, perhaps cGMP facilities and other QA/QC standardization (the "useful" side of big pharma) will warrant a conversation! Until then... I guess parking closer and separate lines will remain being the motivator.... What other benefits would encourage medical patients from remaining in medical programs? Link to article in comments.

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I hear a lot of talk about the pricing of premium non-alcoholic beverages these days and I feel like a lot of it misses the mark by a large margin. (Shocking, I know, that I disagree with a lot of folks.)There is a definite need for some hard conversations around pricing and value in the NA space, for sure. The disconnect I see is precisely around the “value” question. Nearly all of the criticism coming from the legacy bev-alc world revolves around the fact that, well…there’s no alcohol there. THAT’S THE ENTIRE POINT! For someone that is choosing not to consume alcohol, regardless of the reason, whether it is pregnancy, recovery, moderation or whatever, THERE IS NO PERCEIVED VALUE WHATSOEVER TO THE ETHANOL CONTENT OF A BEVERAGE! Pegging the value of a non-alcoholic beverage to an alcoholic analogue is a fundamental category error.

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🚨 In a surprising turn of events, the head of New York's Cannabis Office, Chris Alexander, has been asked to step down from his position. 👑 It seems that the old adage "Heavy is the head that wears the crown" holds true even in the world of marijuana legalization. 🌿 📰 According to a report from the Times Union, the Office of Cannabis Management's board of directors asked Alexander to resign. 🤔 The reason for his departure is still unclear, but sources say that it may have been due to disagreements over the office's direction. 💸 Despite this setback, the legalization of recreational marijuana in New York is still moving forward. The state has already approved the sale of medical marijuana and is now working on regulations for the recreational market. 💰 According to a New York State Department of Health report, the legal marijuana industry could generate up to $3.5 billion in annual sales and create tens of thousands of jobs. 💼 🤝 As the state moves closer to legalization, it's important to remember the potential benefits that this industry could bring. In addition to generating revenue and creating jobs, legal marijuana could also help reduce the number of people incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses. ⚖️ 🗣️ As one advocate for legalization put it, "This is about more than just marijuana. It's about justice, it's about economic opportunity, and it's about creating a more equitable society." 🌱 🌟 So while the head of the Cannabis Office may have been asked to step down, the push for legalization in New York is still going strong. With the potential for billions in revenue and thousands of jobs, it's clear that this is an industry worth fighting for. 💪 #NewYork #Cannabis #Legalization #Marijuana #Justice #Equality #CAURD

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