CANADA – Canadian contract manufacturer of THC & CBD infused consumable liquids, dry goods, and health & wellness products, Growpacker has launched a new incubator programme to fast-track cannabis brands.

Also participating in the programme is Ceria Brewing Company, the Colorado craft brewery and the maker of Blue Moon beer.

The brand incubator and accelerator program will help companies who make products with THC and CBD develop their brands for sale in California.

Through the partnership, Growpacker expects Ceria to become a market leader for de-alcoholised cannabis-infused beer in North America.

Ceria was co-founded by Keith Villa – creator and former brew master of Blue Moon beer and combines crafted beer with cannabis to create consumer-focused beer.

The program offers Growpacker’s industry expertise to manufacturing partners, providing them with early access to new formulation, discounted services and helping them fast-track their market penetration in California.

“We look forward to introducing this innovative new product category to America’s largest cannabis market through Growpacker’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and distribution network,” said Keith Villa.

“As the leading co-packer in cannabis, Growpacker is helping tomorrow’s brand names grow and scale commercially, while also accelerating the evolution of California’s adult-use market.”

Villa will serve as a strategic advisor to Growpacker for its cannabis beverage category, where he will be involved in developing the dealcoholized THC-infused beverage segment, which is expected to become one of the fastest growing segments in the industry.

Growpacker retains an equity interest in the participating brands and companies.

“As our first incubator and accelerator brand, Ceria Brewing Company arrives at a transformational stage in our company’s evolution,” said Stephen Boyd, CEO of Growpacker.

“We are excited to begin this journey with Ceria, and work with their talented team as they move their momentum across the country, establishing their market presence in California.

We have seen tremendous interest in this incubator programme and look forward to building one of North America’s largest portfolios of innovative cannabis brands.”

In December, Ceria launched Grainwave Belgian Style White Ale, a THC-infused dealcoholized craft beer in Colorado.

The Grainwave Belgian-style White Ale is brewed with blood orange peel and coriander, infused with 5mg of THC per 10pz bottle.