healthy

The Asian American Trade Associations Council (AATAC) and Vertical, a set of companies in the legal cannabis and hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) industries, have launched Instant brand CBD strips in convenience stores nationwide. CBDs are cannabis compounds known to provide various health benefits without THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana.

Repeat after them: “This is not an energy shot.”

Makers of natural/organic supplement shots are on a quest to establish retail relevance and distance themselves from energy shots.

As he juggles multiple categories for more than­ 100 Terrible Herbst stores in and around Las Vegas, Mark Walters, the chain’s vice president of sales and marketing, says the snacks category remains a key revenue and profit driver. And in this new year, Walters anticipates growing the category with even stronger sales made possible by quality vendor and distributor partnerships, and an increasing focus on promotions.

Here are some of Walters’ thoughts on what lies ahead for the snack set.