Ten trends at Expo West
 

Buzz for CBD

Already a rising star in supplements, cannabidiol is set to surge in food and beverage innovation. This compound of cannabis does not create psychoactive effects and is associated with a host of health benefits, yet there remains a murky regulatory landscape for the ingredient, Ms. Mast said.

“This is an area of innovation, and it’s also an area where retailers are increasingly focused because of the growing science behind the benefits of CBD,” she said. “CBD has no THC that you would have with cannabis; it’s really a health-promoting ingredient that has a growing range of studied benefits...

“It’s definitely something to keep an eye on, and you’ll likely see, especially as the regulatory framework becomes cleared up and much more black and white, I think there’s going to be an explosion of food and beverages including CBD.”

Debuting at Expo West is Right On Brands, a producer of hemp-infused food and beverage products. including cannabidiol waters. Another exhibitor, Frangiosa Farms, offers Colorado Hemp Honey, a range of raw honey combined with full-spectrum hemp extract.