New Partnerships Equip Ontario Wineries and Breweries to Produce Cannabis-infused Beverages

A Toronto-based company developing cannabis-infused beverages is aligning with renowned Ontario wineries and breweries keen to test new technologies.

TORONTO -- A Toronto-based company developing cannabis-infused beverages is aligning with renowned Ontario wineries and breweries keen to test new technologies.

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Encouraged by a new agreement between Hill Street Beverage Co. and Vin First Innovative Packaging, a leading wine and mixed beverage manufacturer and co-packer, industry executives are enthusiastic about future collaborations that would allow them to offer consumers alcohol-free wines and beers infused with cannabis extracts.

Andrew Howard, Equity Wine Group CEO, acknowledges the opportunity Canadian companies have to lead the industry's growth.

"We're very interested in what this business could bring to the Niagara Region," he said. "We're excited to pursue the potential of this evolving industry; to be out in front of it, not chasing to catch up."

Following Health Canada's authorization of Hill Street as a licensed dealer, the company will use patented Lexaria Biosciences Corp. technology to produce cannabis-infused beverages at Vin First's facilities.

This positions Hill Street as one of the first Canadian companies to be able to bring cannabis-infused beverages to market.

Hill Street CEO, Terry Donnelly, says these partnerships are pivotal: "Hill Street now has the technology, packaging and necessary compliance support to make cannabis-infused beverages available to consumers.

"Hill Street's portfolio of brands will also be cannabis-infused and we'll provide co-packing services for other wineries and breweries – as soon as edible forms of cannabis are legalized. "Together with our new partners, we're excited to bring such game-changing capabilities to Ontario."

Hill Street recently appointed Cannabis Compliance Inc., the world's largest cannabis consultancy, to ensure its compliance with anticipated federal legislation that will regulate the recreational use of cannabis in Canada.

Edward Collins, Cannabis Compliance Inc. Sales & Marketing Vice President, says the  partnerships areunique in Canada.

"We work with cannabis producers, research facilities and retailers from around the world. Hill Street is the first Canadian company we know of pursuing cannabis-infused wines and beers," he said. "We're excited to be aligned with a market leader."

Vin First Vice President of Operations, Kevin Ruddle, believes its work with Hill Street will be advantageous for the Niagara Region and greater province.

"Our partnership will bring tremendous new growth opportunities to the Niagara Region as our existing and new clients respond to the consumer's changing tastes and interests," he said.

SOURCE Hill Street Beverage Co.