Thanks to a partnership with Republic National Distributing Co., Durango’s Oh Hi Beverages just made a major leap on its journey from a local brand to a national one.
As of September, Oh Hi’s CBD seltzers has added distribution to nine states: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas. RNDC is the second-largest beverage alcohol distributor in the United States.
Oh Hi’s CBD seltzers are also available in Oklahoma through OKCannaBev (which also produces and distributes the THC line) and in Michigan through Oath Distributing.
“They (RNDC) wanted to get into the CBD game, so they brought on four CBD products, and we’re one of them,” said John Lynch, Oh Hi’s head of operations. “In the past, we’ve had issues finding distributors who were willing to distribute CBD products. This is a great opportunity for us to be distributed in a traditional, mainstream channel.”
He said the seltzers are being distributed in states with clear rules and regulations governing the distribution of CBD products.
“As other states’ rules about CBD products become more defined, we look forward to onboarding to ... everywhere eventually,” said Oh Hi co-founder Jonny Radding.
The CBD seltzers come in four flavors – Pomegranate, Lemon Lime, Ginger Basil Limeade and Grapefruit – each with 20 mg of CBD per 12-ounce can, and are available in packs of four.
“We’re seeing that a few of the major distributors across the country just as of recently are picking up these CBD beverages,” Radding said. “We were really fortunate to have this opportunity to get connected with RNDC. Originally, we’d just been distributing our CBD brand mainly here in Colorado.”
He said Oh Hi is in talks right now with partners in other states to create the company’s THC drinks through licensing contracts, expanding the distribution footprint of that line. Radding said he hopes that as the CBD brand grows, it will also synergistically create more brand awareness for the THC line.
“We’re hoping that this is just the beginning of where Oh Hi Beverages is going, and we hope to have growth in both markets,” he said. “Obviously, though, CBD is a little bit easier to expand nationally right now.”
Launched in 2018 in Durango, Oh Hi first went to market with its THC seltzer line before branching out with a line of CBD seltzers as well as a high-dosage THC drinks.
“We’ve really seen growth happen organically, and we’re fortunate that Durango has really accepted us,” Lynch said. “We’ve learned a lot from working in this market, which has helped us go to the next step, which we’re doing right now.”
“There’s no doubt we’re a Durango brand,” Radding said.
ngonzales@durangoherald.com
