Caliva, a vertically integrated cannabis company in California, announced that it acquired Zola, the California-based maker of plant-powered beverages, to expand into the cannabis and hemp-based CBD (hCBD) beverage space.

According to the company, Caliva has quickly become a market leader in cannabis consumer products in California, which represents more than 35 percent of the overall United States legal cannabis market. With over 500 dispensaries in California, the deal provides Caliva the opportunity to dominate sales of both cannabis and hCBD beverages in one of the largest cannabis markets worldwide. It also positions Caliva to capitalize on a nationwide rollout of infused beverages.

The interest in hCBD products has been supercharged since the passage of the 2018 U. S. Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and hemp-derived CBD products nationwide. The beverage industry is worth $210 billion in the U.S. alone, and retailers and traditional beverage makers believe that cannabis-infused drinks will not only create a new category, but disrupt established players. Combined, the infused beverage category could drive $2.5B in enterprise value over the next two years. 

Currently, Zola’s portfolio of popular plant-based beverages is available in more than 7,000 retail locations nationwide, including conventional grocery stores, natural foods and specialty markets, and quick serve restaurants. In addition to an established distribution channel, Zola has over 16 years of experience in the highly fragmented and trendy beverage market. Zola’s CEO, Chris Cuvelier, will oversee and execute beverage initiatives at Caliva to go from concept to shelf quickly.

"Consumers are looking for trusted CBD solutions in their beverages,” said Dennis O'Malley, CEO of Caliva. “We couldn't be more excited to team up with Zola and Chris to bring Caliva CBD beverages to a supermarket near you." 

Caliva is exploring entering the infused beverage market in several categories, including sparkling water, functional shots, functional powders, teas, cold brew coffee and sports drinks. Zola’s key relationships with distributors, ranging from regional to national, will enable fast rollout of hCBD beverages to targeted markets.

For more information, visit https://www.gocaliva.com or https://www.livezola.com.