Will CBD Impact The Alcohol Industry? Molson Coors Says CBD-Infused Drinks A Big Risk To Business

Molson Coors’ issued an annual shareholder report, in which is identifies the risks to its business. One of the risks identified is CBD.

The report reads, in part,

“Although the ultimate impact is currently unknown, the emergence of legal cannabis in certain US states and Canada may result in a shift of discretionary income away from our products or a change in consumer preferences away from beer. As a result, a shift in consumer preferences away from our products or beer or a decline in the consumption of our products could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.”

Molson Coors Canada and HEXO announced that they will create a joint venture that is focused on cannabis-infused beverages that are free from alcohol for the Canadian market.

According to the press release, Frederic Landtmeters, the President and CEO of Molson Coors Canada, stated in the press release:

“Canada is breaking new ground in the cannabis sector and, as one of the country’s leading beverage companies, Molson Coors Canada has a unique opportunity to participate in this exciting and rapidly expanding consumer segment. This new venture is consistent with our growth strategy and our commitment to being First Choice for Consumers and Customers by ensuring that Canadians have access to high-quality products that meet their evolving drinking preferences.”

He added,

“While we remain a beer business at our core, we are excited to create a separate new venture with a trusted partner that will be a market leader in offering Canadian consumers new experiences with quality, reliable and consistent non-alcoholic, cannabis-infused beverages. We look forward to partnering with HEXO, a recognized leader in the medical cannabis space in Canada that will bring robust production capacity, a track record of innovation, and, most importantly, shared values when it comes to doing business the right way and earning the trust of consumers.”

Well, rather than fight trends, it may be best to recognize and work with them.