A coffee society in Kenya is about to reap heavily from the cash crop after it entered a trade deal with an American beverage company to supply ground berries for making bhang-laced drinks. The deal between the coffee producer registered with Fair Trade will see the New York-listed business entity, Puration Company (PURA), make cannabidiol-infused lattes (coffee drinks made with espresso and steamed milk) for the US and European markets.
Without mentioning the name of the coffee society, PURA said that farmers will benefit from higher prices for their produce as the cannabidiol-infused lattes help treat conditions like pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant extracted from marijuana leaves, resins, and flowers for use in CBD beverages.
“Today, PURA is proud to announce entering into an agreement with a Fair Trade producer of coffee in Kenya. Farmers who grow Fair Trade coffee receive a fair price and their communities and the environment benefit as well,” said the disclosure.
A feasibility study conducted by Goldman Small Cap Research which showed the existence of a multi-billion shilling demand driven by folks who love drinking CBD-infused beverages informed PURA’s decision to create CBD-infused lattes.
PURA is a leading CBD sports drink in the sports nutrition market. It recently reported more than Sh100 million in CBD beverage sales in the first six months of 2019. It has already introduced a tea CBD as its new beverage under the beer, coffee and tea initiative that is set for commercial release before year-end.