The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this year was filled with subtle themes of resiliency and readiness, as brands that were thriving in the industry came together to network and learn from each other. Unlike previous years where companies attended to secure investments, most of the brands in attendance were already established and looking to grow through partnerships and collaborations.
Cannabis Now had the opportunity to speak with several successful brands at the conference and gain insight into their strategies for maintaining success in the complex cannabis industry. Here are some key takeaways from our conversations:
Kristi Palmer, co-founder and president of Kiva Confections, attributes their continued success to their diverse product range, which includes edibles, pre-rolls, vapes, and flower. She also emphasized the importance of sticking to payment terms, even when it may not be the easiest path. This has helped Kiva maintain a strong position in the market, as retailers are less likely to stop buying all of their products.
Howard Lee, CEO of SōRSE Technology, shared that his team focuses on keeping costs low and staying prepared for potential revenue dips in order to remain profitable. He also highlighted the importance of backing up their products and services with real data and science, which sets them apart from competitors who lack this level of credibility.
Kevin Cohen, CEO of Abstrax Tech, discussed how his brand is constantly seeking ways to innovate in the niche of botanical terpenes and flavors for the cannabis market. Despite their success, they continue to push boundaries and leave space for creativity and growth.
Overall, the brands at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago demonstrated the importance of resilience and readiness in the ever-evolving cannabis industry. By staying true to their values, maintaining strong business practices, and constantly seeking ways to innovate, these brands have found success and continue to thrive.