Cronos’ Spinach® Brand Ends 2023 as the Number One Flower Brand in Canada1

Rhea-AI Summary

Cronos Group Inc. announced that its brand, Spinach®, closed 2023 as the number one ranked flower brand in Canada with a 6.9% market share in the fourth quarter. The Spinach® flower products have resonated strongly with consumers, leading to a significant increase in its ranking from the fourth best-selling flower brand in 2022, to become the best-selling flower brand in Canada in 2023. The Spinach® product portfolio is ranked as the second best-selling cannabis brand in Canada across all categories as of December 2023. In 2023, Spinach® products held a number 1 position in the flower and edibles categories, and a top-10 ranking in the pre-rolls and vape categories. The Spinach® team successfully launched six new flower SKUs and seven new pre-roll SKUs in 2023. Cronos’ sophisticated breeding program and unique portfolio of genetics has helped the Company win in the highly competitive Canadian market, as well as expand Cronos’ international footprint with distribution to the growing markets in Germany and Australia.

Market Research Analyst

The ascent of Cronos Group's Spinach® brand to the leading flower brand in Canada, with a 6.9% market share, reflects strategic marketing and product development efforts that have resonated with consumers. This growth is particularly significant in the context of the competitive cannabis industry, where differentiation and brand loyalty are challenging to achieve. The expansion of the Spinach® product line, including new flower and pre-roll SKUs, demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation and meeting consumer preferences.

Moreover, the recognition of the Spinach® Fully Charged Atomic GMO-infused pre-roll as 'Best Pre-Roll' at the Grow Up Awards suggests a positive reception from both the industry and consumers. This accolade, coupled with the brand's performance in various product categories, including edibles, may contribute to a halo effect, enhancing the overall perception of the brand and potentially leading to increased sales across the portfolio.

The international expansion into markets like Germany and Australia indicates a strategic move to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global cannabis market. The ability to export high-quality products internationally could serve as a hedge against domestic market saturation and regulatory risks, potentially providing a diversified revenue stream for Cronos.

Financial Analyst

The reported market share increase for Cronos Group's Spinach® brand has direct implications for the company's financial health. A leading position in the flower market, the largest product category in the cannabis industry, likely translates to robust revenue growth. This performance is a strong indicator of the company's ability to capture and maintain a significant portion of market share in a rapidly evolving industry.

Investors should consider the potential impact of the brand's success on future earnings, as market leadership in high-margin categories like flower and edibles can lead to improved profitability. The company's international expansion efforts, if successful, may further enhance revenue streams and provide long-term growth potential. However, investors should also be aware of the risks associated with international regulatory environments and market acceptance.

It is important to monitor how the company's stock price responds to these developments, as well as the execution of its growth strategy in the coming year. The ability to sustain market leadership and continue to innovate in product offerings will be critical in maintaining investor confidence and supporting the company's valuation.

Legal Expert

The regulatory landscape for cannabis is complex and varies significantly by jurisdiction. Cronos Group's expansion into international markets such as Germany and Australia suggests a sophisticated understanding of regulatory compliance and the ability to navigate different legal frameworks. This capability is crucial for maintaining operations and avoiding potential legal pitfalls that could impact the company's reputation and financial standing.

For stakeholders, the company's compliance with international regulations is a positive sign of management's foresight and operational excellence. However, stakeholders must remain cognizant of the evolving legal environment, particularly in the cannabis industry, which could introduce new challenges or opportunities for Cronos Group. The company's ability to adapt to regulatory changes will be a key factor in its ongoing success and ability to maintain market share in both domestic and international markets.

TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) (“Cronos” or the “Company”), an innovative global cannabinoid company, today announced that its brand, Spinach^®, closed 2023 as the number one ranked flower brand in Canada with a 6.9%¹ market share in the fourth quarter. Spinach^® flower products have resonated strongly with consumers, leading to a significant increase in its ranking from the fourth² best-selling flower brand in 2022, to become the best-selling flower brand in Canada in 2023.

Capturing the leading position in flower rounds out a strong year of growth and innovation for the Spinach® product portfolio, which is ranked as the second best-selling cannabis brand in Canada across all categories as of December 2023¹. In the fourth quarter, Spinach^® products held a number 1 position in the flower and edibles categories, and a top-10 ranking in the pre-rolls and vape categories. ¹

In 2023, the Spinach^® team successfully launched six new flower SKUs and seven new pre-roll SKUs. Less than a year after its launch in market, the Spinach® Fully Charged Atomic GMO-infused pre-roll won “Best Pre-Roll” at the 2023 Grow Up Awards in October. The Spinach^® brand’s 2023 successes were also highlighted by becoming the best-selling edible brand in Canada with its widely popular SOURZ by Spinach^® and Spinach FEELZ^™ gummies.

“We’re thrilled to end 2023 by demonstrating our strong capabilities to win in flower, the largest product category in the global cannabis market,” said Jeff Jacobson, Chief Growth Officer, Cronos. “We are proud of the hard work our team has put into expanding and refining our flower portfolio, which consistently delivers on consumer expectations and has built Cronos and its brands awareness in Canada and internationally. We thank our Spinach^® consumers for continuing to choose our flower products with enthusiasm, and we’re excited to continue developing products consumers will love in 2024.”

Cronos’ sophisticated breeding program and unique portfolio of genetics has helped the Company win in the highly competitive Canadian market, as well as expand Cronos’ international footprint with distribution to the growing markets in Germany and Australia.

“2023 was an incredible year of growth for Cronos and achieving strong market share in the ever-popular flower category in Canada, Israel, and Germany,” said Mike Gorenstein, Chairman, President and CEO, Cronos. “With leadership positions in both the flower and edibles categories, and as the second best-selling brand overall in the Canadian cannabis industry¹, we are especially proud that we’re shipping our high-quality, best-selling borderless products to emerging international markets. We’re thrilled to continue our growth trajectory globally after recently shipping our cannabis flower to Australia’s medicinal market and look forward to another tremendous year in 2024.”

For more information and availability, please visit: spinachcannabis.com.

¹ HiFyre POS Data Q4 2023 - Total Canada Retail Dollar Sales, Ending December 31 2023
² HiFyre POS Data Q4 2022 - Total Canada Retail Dollar Sales, Ending December 31 2022

About Cronos Group Inc. 
Cronos is an innovative global cannabinoid company committed to building disruptive intellectual property by advancing cannabis research, technology and product development. With a passion to responsibly elevate the consumer experience, Cronos is building an iconic brand portfolio. Cronos’ diverse international brand portfolio includes Spinach^®, PEACE NATURALS^® and Lord Jones^®. For more information about Cronos and its brands, please visit: thecronosgroup.com. 

Forward-looking Statements 

This press release may contain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and court decisions (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute Forward-looking Statements. In some cases, Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify Forward-looking Statements. Some of the Forward-looking Statements contained in this press release include statements about the market share of Spinach® and Cronos flower products; the development of new products and the consumer reaction to such products; anticipated international growth and market entry; the Cronos brand portfolio; and Cronos's efforts to advance cannabis research, technology and product development. Forward-looking Statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks. Financial results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those Forward-looking Statements and the Forward-looking Statements are not guarantees of future performance. A discussion of some of the material risks applicable to the Company can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023, each of which has been filed on SEDAR and EDGAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov/edgar, respectively. Any Forward-looking Statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, Cronos disclaims any obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Statement. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any Forward-looking Statement.

For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations Contact: 
Emily Whalen 
Communications 
Tel: (416) 504-0004 
media.relations@thecronosgroup.com 

Investor Relations Contact:
Shayne Laidlaw 
Investor Relations 
Tel: (416) 504-0004 
investor.relations@thecronosgroup.com 

What is Cronos Group Inc.'s ticker symbol?

Cronos Group Inc.'s ticker symbol is CRON.

What was Spinach®'s market share in Canada in the fourth quarter of 2023?

Spinach® had a 6.9% market share in Canada in the fourth quarter of 2023.

How many new flower SKUs did the Spinach® team launch in 2023?

The Spinach® team successfully launched six new flower SKUs in 2023.

What award did the Spinach® Fully Charged Atomic GMO-infused pre-roll win in 2023?

The Spinach® Fully Charged Atomic GMO-infused pre-roll won 'Best Pre-Roll' at the 2023 Grow Up Awards in October.

In which categories did Spinach® products hold a number 1 position in 2023?

In 2023, Spinach® products held a number 1 position in the flower and edibles categories.

Where has Cronos Group Inc. expanded its international footprint?

Cronos Group Inc. has expanded its international footprint with distribution to the growing markets in Germany and Australia.