Dive Brief:
- Missouri-based Dierbergs Markets has added at least 35 products containing cannabidiol oil, or CBD, at all 25 of its grocery store locations, according to a company press release.
- The grocer has been rolling out products throughout the spring, including national brands like Charlotte’s Web, Plus CBD Oil and Sagely Natural. The regional chain's inventory includes sprays, drops and pills. It also offer hemp-derived CBD oil in creams and beauty products as well as pet-friendly items.
- In addition to in-store purchases, customers can buy CBD products from Dierbergs online via Shipt and get same-day delivery.
Dive Insight:
Dierbergs, which has 24 supermarkets in the St. Louis area and one in Lake of the Ozarks, is the first grocer to officially announce plans to carry CBD products in all of its stores. The grocer said customer interest in CBD products drove its decision. In a statement, Ron Edelen, Dierbergs' Non-Foods category manager said, "The interest was significant enough that we felt it was time to bring the product in. Now we hear from customers who appreciate its availability in our stores."
So far, only a few grocers have added CBD products to their health and wellness departments. It has mostly stayed in the realm of natural grocers like New Seasons Market in Oregon and Fairway Market in New York. However, Target, Walmart, Kroger and Safeway executives have reportedly been meeting with manufacturers of CBD products and though they don’t have the products on their shelves now, they are exploring their options.
At this point, CBD is not yet legal in food, according to the FDA, but food companies are adding it to everything from coffee and beer to candy and peanut butter. Ben & Jerry’s announced it would add locally-sourced CBD to some ice creams in response to fan requests. Snack maker Mondelez, the company behind Triscuits and Oreo, is exploring CBD snack ideas.
Until grocers get approval to carry CBD-infused food products, most, like Dierbergs, can continue to experiment with CBD within their health and wellness offerings.
Despite the hype about CBD-infused products, scientific research in regard to its medicinal qualities is still in the early stages. That hasn’t stopped consumers who look for alternatives to traditional over-the-counter products from experimenting with CBD. Earlier this year, a study by High Yield Insights found that 40% of U.S. consumers age 21 and older would try CBD and there are no signs that the trend is slowing – which could create a new opportunity for grocery companies.