richie rubin

Pro tip for selling "Savings + Sustainability" to ops: Skip the discussion around sustainability and focus on savings. Operations folks do not want sustainability responsibilities in their swim lane. They don't want to report on it monthly, and sustainability initiatives are a distraction from their primary goals. Every initiative IQpack does has a positive environmental impact. But if we sell on sustainability, interest from ops drops 90%. Dip the carrot in chocolate and sell the chocolate!

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Good morning California Cannabis Industry, Today, in the economic evolution of cannabinoids (both cannabis and help), there's one question remaining: WHO WON THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  

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"We’re tired of mass-manufactured products that don’t resemble what they’re supposed to and fall short of promises made to the consumer," said Emanuel Storch, CEO and co-founder of Blackbird Foods. "That’s where we’re striving to be a differentiator; it’s really promising what consumers look for the most: taste and quality." Read how Blackbird Foods is aiming to bring restaurant-quality comfort foods to the plant-based market. More here 🍕▶️ https://ow.ly/1xcl50S9NXb #foodentrepreneur #startup #plantbased #emergingbrands

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An interesting explainer by Erica Sloan about the risks of using the new #Equinox shower products that contain nut oils if you have a #nutallergy.

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The Numerator study, "Budding Behaviors: Insights into the Modern Cannabis Consumer," highlights unique shopping patterns among THC users in the U.S., revealing that they are more likely to use delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats compared to non-users. Notably, THC users are predominantly from younger generations (Gen Z and millennials), tend to have lower to middle incomes, and often use cannabis for managing stress and anxiety. The report also shows that THC users typically consume products such as edibles, flowers, and vape cartridges, and they are frequent visitors to in-person dispensaries. Interestingly, a significant portion of THC users report decreasing their alcohol consumption since starting cannabis use, although they still spend a notable portion of their grocery budget on alcohol. Overall, the study provides a detailed look into the demographic and behavioral trends of cannabis consumers, emphasizing their specific preferences and spending habits in the market. To dive deeper into this emerging category and better understand the distinct behaviors and preferences of its consumers, be sure to check out the full article attached here. Happy learning! THC users are more likely to order from these online retailers… | Chain Store Age https://bit.ly/3yaKqvn

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Breaking News: Halfpipe's full suite of premium, sun-grown products is now part of Petalfast's California portfolio. Read more at the link below: https://hubs.ly/Q02tbrG70 #Petalfast #HalfpipeCannabis #CannabisSales #CaliforniaCannabis #Cannabis #CannabisNews

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How can "upcycling food" double as a great business strategy? The Cool Down spoke exclusively with three #upcycled food experts to get their take on how to leverage this up-and-coming trend: 1️⃣ Meeting customers where they’re comfortable: Daniel Kurzrock, founder and CEO of Upcycled Foods, Inc. (UP, Inc.) — which recently launched an upcycled bread with Kroger — noted that we don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to messaging “upcycled.” 🗣️ “We should focus on what upcycling can unlock and enable, be it plant-based or ketogenic or digestive health … and tap into the demand that’s already there for that, as opposed to trying to draw attention to a new type of demand.” 2️⃣ Jumping in while the water’s warm: Vinodthan Nayagar, director of organic divisions at Where Food Comes From, Inc., discussed the company’s recent acquisition of the upcycled certification program, one of the fastest-growing certifications in the U.S. 🗣️ Around 390,000 tons of food waste have been diverted annually since the program launched. Nayagar noted, “I’ve seen how we can actually make a positive impact and leave the planet better than what we found.” 3️⃣ Lean into the excitement of it: Amanda Oenbring, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association, emphasized the unique opportunity brands have to capitalize on consumer engagement. 🗣️ Upcycling is “a way to turn something that exists and make it better, make it more beautiful.” And while “taste is king [and] value is right there too,” she mentioned there’s also a huge place for new product excitement. “I feel like that’s where upcycling has a really unique role to play.” #sustainability #climatesolutions #food

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ICYMI - check out the latest issue of mg Magazine! This issue focuses on 17 #executivewomenincannabis, including Nancy Whiteman! #womenincannabis

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🌿 BluRok Farm offers unique opportunities for private investors. Hear success stories from our existing investors and see how your investment can make a positive impact. Scan the QR code to donate or DM us to learn more about investing! #CannabisInvestment #HempBusiness #BluRokFarm

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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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Although the vest majority of americans live in a state where cannabis is legal for medical or adult-use, a lot of medical patients and consumers do not have where to consume. In most states one is not allowed to consume on the street, a lot of landlords do not allow their tenants to consume on their property. People living in government housing such a Section 8, could be in danger of losing their housing if they consume in their house. Bedisd a few exceptions hotels do not allow cannabis consumption, so tourists do not have where to consume. #california at moment has 36 consumption lounges. A state bill (AB 1775), that would allow lounges to sell food and have live entertainment, is on the way to pass and will help increase the number of lounges. #lasvegas has two operational lounges, Smoke and Mirrors and Planet 13 Holdings, Inc., Dazed. Thank you Adam Jackson from Green Market Report for the state update. #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #cannabisnews #cannabiseducation #cannabispolicy #cannbislaw https://lnkd.in/gBzC6Kuq

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By growth rate, non-alcoholic beer continues to be a unicorn, up almost +20% in chain retail last year. As space in retail has hit a ceiling, it’s creating a pivotal moment. Retailers are rethinking how they stock non-alc brands—and as a result, brewers are considering how large a portfolio is necessary. The proliferation of craft and IPA in the non-alc section only emphasizes the challenge facing producers there: There’s not a lot of differentiation at a time when shelf space is hitting its limit. So, what's next? Let's dig in: https://lnkd.in/ghQnhkgU

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