Green Monké is Bringing the “Best-tasting THC Drinks in California” to Tennessee for Sale Through Established Liquor Retailers and Restaurants

NASHVILLE, TN - (NewMediaWire) - July 09, 2024 - Green Monké USA (“Green Monké”), an award-winning Delta-9 THC-infused beverage brand, has signed a distribution agreement with Empire Distributors, Inc. ("Empire"), the largest statewide liquor distributor in Tennessee. Green Monké has fulfilled the first purchase order under this agreement, including all four SKUs of its hemp-derived Delta-9 Happy Sodas.

The initial launch is estimated to include over 200 locations across Empire’s Tennessee network of accounts, targeting an equal split of retailers and restaurants. By the end of 2024, Green Monké expects the number of retail locations to increase to 400, as well as launch additional SKUs in Tennessee, including the popular Cookies x Green Monké Cultivar Sodas. 

“We are excited to bring our hemp-derived Delta-9 THC beverages to Music City and the state of Tennessee through a prominent distribution partner like Empire,” commented Pat Gleeson, Green Monké CEO. “We can’t wait to share Green Monké with Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, and other metros in the State. As consumers look to mix alcohol alternatives into their carts, we believe Empire Distributors is the ideal partner as liquor retailers and restaurants continue to seek THC-infused beverages for their customers.”

Green Monké's partnership with Empire Distributors leverages Empire's extensive distribution capabilities across Tennessee. With four distribution centers across Tennessee, and management of over 10,000 SKUs across 8,000 retail accounts in the South, Empire's network ensures the prominent placement of Green Monké's products in in-store and on-premise locations.

In Tennessee, with a population of over 7 million people and where recreational cannabis is not legal, there is substantial market demand for legally available hemp-derived products, contributing approximately $180 million to the state's economy in 2023. Tennessee's market trends mirror the broader regional movement, with the Southern United States accounting for ~57% of the nation's hemp-derived THC beverage sales, highlighting the strategic importance of Green Monké's presence in this growing market.

“This launch in Tennessee is an important component of our growth strategy,” continued Pat Gleeson. “Consumers are looking for alcohol alternatives for social events like concerts and music shows, and given Tennessee's vibrant music scene and home of “the city of music”, it’s hard to find a better backdrop for Green Monké beverages. As we look to expand our presence in the State, including through our partnership with Oak View Group, we are confident we can establish Green Monké as the go-to beverage that provides the vibes, without the hangover.”

To purchase Green Monké Happy Sodas, visit: www.greenmonkehemp.com/s/shop

About Green Monké’s Products

Green Monké has created a portfolio of award-winning hemp-derived beverages with premium and natural flavors. With precise potency, including FDA-certified 3rd party lab testing and QR code labeling, Green Monké’s portfolio can meet the diverse preferences of consumers across the United States. 

• Green Monké CBD - 20mg Hemp Extract
• This original beverage, first launched in the UK, has set the standard for quality and taste in hemp-derived drinks, appealing to a wide audience seeking wellness and relaxation without psychoactive effects.

• Green Monké Happy Sodas - 5-10mg Delta-9 THC
• Twice recognized as the Best-Tasting THC Drink in California, and ranked as a Top 20 Edible in the US, these sodas are available in nostalgic flavors that evoke cherished childhood memories for adult consumers.

• Cookies x Green Monké Cultivar Sodas - 5-50mg Delta-9 THC
• Designed for legacy cannabis consumers, these sodas feature SKUs that reflect the distinctive traits of Cookies’ iconic cultivars. A nod to our collaboration with Cookies, these beverages are curated specifically for the discerning tastes of California’s cannabis culture.

About Empire Distributors

Empire Distributors, Inc. is a leader in the distribution of spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. The Company currently serves the states of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. It employs 800 people and distributes over 10,000 SKUs. They service over 8,000 accounts including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Publix, Food Lion, Winn-Dixie and Food Depot. Empire is a wholly owned subsidiary of McLane Company, Inc. Empire was founded in 1940 in Atlanta and sold to McLane in 2010. 

About Green Monké

Founded in 2021 by St. Peter’s Spirits, Green Monkey USA sells a diverse portfolio of award-winning hemp-derived Delta-9 and CBD beverages across the United States. Green Monké prides itself on a great taste and uplifting effects, using only premium and natural flavors paired with a fast-acting nano-emulsion that offers precise potency with verified testing results. Green Monké’s portfolio includes its Happy Sodas line - low-dose beverages for consumers looking for an alcohol alternative. Its portfolio also features its higher potency Cookies x Green Monké Cultivar Sodas for the traditional cannabis culture consumer, where Green Monké is the global beverage partner for the largest cannabis brand in the world, Cookies.

As part of its strategy to evolve the happy hour experience, Green Monké has partnered with Oak View Group (OVG), a global sports and entertainment company, to offer its Happy Sodas at select OVG venues in the U.S. and UK. As part of its commitment to a happier tomorrow, Green Monké is pledging 1% of all revenues to support local agencies to address mental illness and social isolation problems. For more information, visit https://www.greenmonkehemp.com/ or follow @greenmonkehemp on Instagram. 

Green Monké Contact:

hello@greenmonke.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained herein contains certain “forward-looking information” under applicable securities laws concerning this new relationship and contract. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, projected revenue from, and impact of, this contract, the number of locations in which Green Monké will be sold, and the number of individuals who purchase these drinks. Forward-looking information may be characterized by words such as “plan,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are based on several assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking information include changes in market conditions, and the demand for Green Monké beverages. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.