As of March 2021, CBD brands in the UK (both online and in stores) must comply with the latest regulations set by the Food Standards Agency in order to continue to be sold. After this date, the FSA has stated that no new CBD food products can be placed on the market in the UK, unless they have received novel foods authorisation. As brands scramble to get their ducks in a row ahead of the deadline, we’ve looked a little further afield for newness this month. Here are the brands that are making headlines globally.
NŌTO
French-based CBD brand NŌTO launched globally at the end of 2020 following a few delays caused by the pandemic and selected suppliers not working at full capacity.
Its range, which will be expanded to include broad-spectrum CBD oils, gummies, drinks and shampoos, is made in France using quality ingredients and aims to make CBD accessible to all through easy-to-use and easy-to-understand products.
Quentin Chauve, NŌTO co-founder and managing director, told us: “NŌTO was a long-term project that had been in my mind for quite some time. I always wanted to create something in accordance with myself and the expectations of the market, but I did not always have the time. Last year, with the different lockdowns we had, I finally had time to work on the project and launch at the end of the year.
“The result is the first French CBD brand acting globally, with true care of the consumer needs for quality and education. We have been focusing on putting forth the quality of the molecule while passing on as much information as possible regarding CBD.”
He added: “2021 will be a very interesting year for us and our first full year of business. We will continue to expand globally while launching a couple of new products and keep gaining momentum as we have been for the past months. As CBD is still not very well known across Europe or other international markets, the end goal is to expand the brand along with our knowledge across the globe.”
Martha Stewart
After the successful release of her cannabidiol gummies for humans in the US, lifestyle guru Martha Stewart has turned her attention to her favourite four-legged friends and winning a slice of the pet CBD market, which is expected to reach sales of almost $400 million globally by 2027, according to a report released by Grand View Research Inc.
Teaming up with scientists at Canopy Animal Health, she launched a new line of scientifically backed, gourmet-flavoured oil drops and soft-baked chews in three flavour combinations and formulas – Wellness, Calm and Mobility – inspired by her own beloved dogs, last week.
She said: “My dogs are not only my companions, but they are part of my family, and I prioritise their emotional and physical wellbeing as I do my own. Just as CBD can support human wellness, it’s been shown to improve the quality of life for pets as well. With the help of the scientists and veterinarians at Canopy Animal Health, I’ve created CBD oil drops and savoury soft-baked chews designed to support the health of dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds in delicious gourmet flavours that your canines won’t be able to resist.”
Although there are currently no CBD products that have been approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate or Food Standards Agency for use in animals in the UK, this latest launch has earned the Quality Seal from the National Animal Supplement Council in the US.
It’s available to purchase online and is designed to support pet mental and physical wellbeing, reduce the effects of everyday stress and maintain joint health and mobility. Its packaging is also inspired by Stewart’s own Chow Chows and French Bulldogs.
Betoken
US female entrepreneur Liz Kirby also caught our attention on Monday with the rebrand of her lifestyle CBD line, Betoken CBD, formerly known as Good Jane, and its refreshingly female take on what’s commonly perceived to be a male-dominated industry.
After receiving a cease-and-desist letter in October 2020, Liz decided to breathe new life into her CBD brand rather than fight the issue in court.
She says: “When faced with the decision of giving up or rebranding, I decided to lean into the experience. I pushed through the grief of letting go of Good Jane and owned making Betoken an even more aligned brand with my mission to make grown-up life easier for those going through real-life problems. Betoken was born out of having ‘to adult’ in the face of adversity and it’s my hope that we can help our customers push through their own issues with grace.”
The result is a range focused on relieving pain, helping you sleep and relax and includes a selection of creams and capsules that help you to take charge of period pains and monthly mood swings.
The future of Betoken CBD will also focus on building meaningful partnerships with other female entrepreneurs in the wellness industry with an emphasis on collaboration over competition.
