VinePair Podcast Where Is the Hemp Beverage Industry Headed?
Jul 24, 2025
Join VinePair contributor Dave Infante, who recently visited the Hemp Beverage Expo, as he dives into the explosive growth of the hemp beverage industry. He discusses the unique challenges these beverages face, from regulatory hurdles to varying opinions among traditional alcohol companies. Dave also shares insights on the contrasting views of industry veterans versus passionate advocates, and the vision for hemp's future after the 2018 Farm Bill. Expect an engaging exploration of a dynamic and evolving frontier!
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Rapid Growth of Hemp Beverage Industry
- The hemp beverage industry is young but growing rapidly, with over 1,200 people attending the Hemp Beverage Expo.
- The market shows enormous energy and enthusiasm despite being in an early, coalescing phase.
Diverse Visions in Hemp Space
- Stakeholders in hemp beverages have varied goals, from professionalized market segmentation to a lifestyle movement.
- This creates tension between business growth ambitions and the evangelistic hope to replace alcohol culturally.
Tensions Over Industry Growth Models
- There is tension between true believers wanting a movement and industry professionals aiming for corporate scaling.
- Some resist beverage alcohol industry models due to cultural and physiological differences with alcohol.