Hemp Beverages and the Future of Drinking

Craft Brewers Conference 2026
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Speakers: Omar Ansari, Shauna Barnes, Christopher Lackner, Marc Sorini

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As more breweries look to expand beyond traditional offerings, hemp beverages are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in the beverage industry. But stepping into this space comes with unique considerations that differ from beer, seltzer, or other craft categories.

This panel, presented in partnership with the Hemp Beverage Alliance (HBA), brings together experts from across the supply chain to provide a roadmap for what many are calling the next category in adult beverages. 

Hear a general overview of regulatory conditions and what breweries should be aware of (without explicit legal advice); best practices for product safety, formulation, and labeling; sales and distribution insights specific to hemp beverages; how retailers are stocking, shelving, and selling hemp beverages; marketing and consumer education strategies that build trust; and lessons learned from manufacturers, co-packers, and retailers already operating in this space. The goal of this session is to introduce the concept of hemp beverages to craft breweries and to help you evaluate whether entering this industry makes sense for your business, so you can be better prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify key operational considerations for breweries exploring hemp beverage manufacturing or co-packing
  • Understand the current regulatory conditions impacting hemp beverages and understand how to stay informed
  • Apply best practices in product safety, labeling, and compliance to protect both business and consumers
  • Understand how hemp beverages are sold and positioned at retail, with insights into off-premise consumer dynamics

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