Minnesotans are saying hello to Hi Tide. Cannabis products portfolio company Green Street Beverages has launched three hemp-based, THC-infused beverage brands into the Minnesota market, including canned margarita line Hi Tide along with a new soda called Hi Af and sparkling water brand Boundary Waters.

• Massachusetts-based Green Street Beverages was founded by CEO Shea Coakley and Josh Grab. They initially launched a version of Hi Tide (previously spelled as High Tide) last year into the dispensary channel, but have rebranded and refueled the brand for mainstream distribution, beginning last month with Minnesota retail and online.
• Green Street is a joint venture with Vireo Health, a medical marijuana dispensary and cannabis products maker. The company is intended to house multiple THC food and beverage brands to take advantage of a “void” in the market for a clear leader in the category.

🗣️ What they said: “There's not only a void of ownership, but I think from the perspective of distributors, retailers and investors there is an appetite for a team that can do this, really, the right way, and that's what we want to do.” - Shea Coakley

BevNET Insiders can read the full story to learn more about the new portfolio approach.

Lifeway Foods has shot down an acquisition offer from minority shareholder Danone North America PBC, believing that the proposal “substantially undervalues” its business as the leading U.S. kefir maker. It’s also taking pre-emptive measures to block Danone from mounting a hostile takeover.

BevNET Insiders can access the full update and learn what this means for shareholders.

Olivia Ferdi, the co-founder of calming beverage platform Trip, discusses how the brand’s philosophy of “product obsession” gave it a fast start and keeps it building towards a more promising future. She also explains why “the customer is sacrosanct” and how the company is applying lessons learned from success in e-commerce to its brick and mortar business.

Listen to the episode now.

• A forecast of upcoming spirits sales performance
• A sample of Black Rifle's Q3 results
• The nondairy surcharge debate's newfound support
• Details on a co-packers new category expansion

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