Everything You Need to Know About Building a Delta 8 Drinks Brand

Key Takeaways: 

• The first step is understanding what delta 8 cannabinoids are and how they work
• Advantages of getting into the delta 8 drinks business include low overhead and high markup, high value to the consumer, and a wide customer base 
• Barriers to success for your drink brand include startup capital, understanding the market, partnering with the right team, and developing your branding
• Finding the right formulation and manufacturing partner can make all the difference
• Benefits of working with the formulation and manufacturing experts

Launching a delta 8 drinks brand can be a daunting task. There are so many moving parts, from the initial formulation and manufacturing to the marketing and sales. Working with a beverage formulation and manufacturing expert can help you streamline the process and get your product to market quickly and efficiently. 

A true expert will have a deep understanding of delta 8 cannabinoids and how they interact with the body. They will also be able to formulate a delta 8 drink that is safe, effective, and delicious. A reputable expert will also have a network of distributors, making it easier to get your product to stores and online retailers. Working with an expert gives you the tools to launch your drinks brand with confidence, knowing you have the best possible chance for success.

This guide will discuss how you can get started in the delta 8 drink business, industry advantages and mistakes to avoid, and the benefits of partnering with formulation and manufacturing experts to ensure the success of your brand.

What Is Delta 8? 

Delta 8 is a mild cannabinoid naturally found in very small amounts in Cannabis sativa plants or manufactured from hemp-derived CBD, making it legal to farm across the United States. It is much milder than the THC typically associated with marijuana and doesn’t have the same intense intoxicating effects, but it does have many of the same potential benefits as high-THC and CBD products. Research has indicated it may also have fewer side effects due to its milder impact. Some of the positive benefits and effects include: 

• Relaxation
• Euphoric feelings
• Pain relief
• Relief from inflammation 
• Nausea relief 
• Boosted appetite 
• Prevent vomiting during chemotherapy treatments 
• Positively aid mental health

There isn’t a great deal of explicit proof of the efficacy of delta 8 due to a lack of scientific research, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. It has grown immensely in popularity over the last few years and in fact, Google searches for this cannabinoid grew by more than 700 percent in the United States between 2020 and 2021. Starting a delta 8 drinks brand has major advantages in today’s beverage industry. Consumers are increasingly drawn to these products as the mild cannabinoid grows in popularity. 

Advantages of Getting into the Delta 8 Drinks Business

The market for delta 8 products is booming, and there are many advantages to getting into this business. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of starting your own delta 8 drink brand, so you should consider these benefits of getting into the industry: 

Delta 8 has a Low Overhead and High Markup 

THC-related products typically sell in the market at a much higher cost than non-THC products, and this is true of the delta 8 beverage industry as well. Consumers are willing to pay much more for these types of products, even though the cost of manufacturing them can be quite low if you find the right manufacturing partner.

High Value to the Consumer

One of the main reasons product retailers can charge higher prices for their products is because of the value these drinks bring to the consumer. These beverages can provide relief from pain, inflammation, nausea, vomiting, depression, and a host of other ailments. These claims are not thoroughly proven due to a lack of scientific research and clinical trials, but consumer reports state that delta 8 drinks made a difference in the overall comfort of the consumer, promoting increased feelings of calmness and well-being. 

Wide Consumer Base compared to other products

The milder effects of this cannabinoid mean it has a much wider customer base than traditional cannabis products that have more of that intense psychoactive component. Consumers who use cannabinoids will be drawn to your product, but you’ll also attract consumers who have not yet tried cannabinoids, THC, or CBD products but may be looking to test the effects or ease themselves into more regular consumption of CBD- and THC-related products. 

Delta 8 drink Compliance

Delta 8 is legal in most states and regulations on CBD- and THC-related products are loosening drastically, so breaking into this industry could prove to be very lucrative and simple. Customers don’t need special licensing or permissions to purchase these products and complying with regulations for manufacturers is also simple, especially for those with extensive knowledge and experience in the industry. 

No industry is without its cons, but the pros of breaking into this beverage industry are plentiful. 

Barriers to the Success of Your Delta 8 Drinks Brand 

We’ve discussed the benefits of this cannabinoid and starting your own drinks brand, but in any business, there are also barriers that can prevent the success of your beverage startup. Here are a few barriers to the success of your drinks brand and how you can overcome them: 

• Barrier to success – Finding the capital to get started: You may have a clear and lucrative vision for your delta 8 drink brand, but without the resources to take your concept off the ground, your delta 8 business won’t go far.

  Solution – Invest in rapid concept development: Investing in rapid concept development services can help you assemble the capital you need to get started, as well as minimize your risk of unnecessary spending and initial failure to launch. 
  

• Barrier to success – Not understanding the market of delta 8 consumers: Understanding what’s popular in the drinks industry is imperative to your startup’s success, but many entrepreneurs come onto the scene with little knowledge about the ins and outs of the industry and end up failing due to their product’s lack of viability.

  Solution – Conduct market research with industry experts: Conducting thorough market research with partners who have extensive knowledge in the beverage industry can help you avoid investing in an idea that may be a total flop. 
  

• Barrier to success – Lack of understanding of the legality of manufacturing and distributing delta 8 products: This particular cannabinoid is legal in most states, but there are still rules and regulations that need to be followed when starting a delta 8 drink brand, or any product in the beverage industry.

  Solution – Finding a formulation and manufacturing partner that stays up to date on certifications and regulations: Working with the right partner can save you the time and money of trying to jump through hoops to keep your beverage compliant with your state’s regulations. 
  

• Barrier to success – Not knowing how to properly brand your drinks: Understanding the consumer base of delta 8 products so you can properly market your beverage to them is essential, but many beverage startups fail at properly branding their products.

  Solution – Invest in a clear branding and packaging strategy: By prioritizing your branding, you can help develop the look and feel of your product into a brand with high market viability and success. 

Every startup has its own barriers to success, but by making the right choices up front, aligning with the best partners in the industry, and spending your initial capital wisely, you can avoid these barriers and set your beverage company on the right track. 

What to Look for in a Formulation and Manufacturing Partner 

Now is the right time to get into the delta 8 drinks business, and getting started is easier than you may think. Finding success in the industry is reliant on finding the right partners to help lift your brand to success. Beverage companies require formulation, manufacturing, branding, packaging, and distribution services, so knowing what to look for in your partners can help you align your brand with associates who can help you succeed. Be sure to look for: 

• Industry experience
• Well-rounded offering of services
• High production speed
• Low production minimums

No entrepreneur can succeed alone, and this is especially true in the delta 8 beverage industry.  With the right tips, knowledge, and industry partners in your corner, though, your startup will be off to a great start! 

Partner with MetaBrand for Your Beverage Manufacturing

MetaBrand is the right partner to help you succeed with your delta 8 drinks brand. MetaBrand’s comprehensive offering of development, formulation, and manufacturing services, you’ll receive the best service possible to set your drink brand up for success in the market.  

Join us and connect with the MetaBrand team and arm your beverage startup with the knowledge, expertise, and innovation only MetaBrand can provide.