*By Christian Smith*
Bud might seem like the new brew, with so many beer companies [investing in cannabis](https://cheddar.com/videos/corona-brewer-adds-cannabis-to-its-booze-business-in-4-billion-deal) and making THC-infused beverages. But Heineken's future, like its long history, lies in beer.
"We believe that core growth still remains in the beer category itself," Jonnie Cahill, Heineken USA's chief marketing officer said in an interview with Cheddar. "For sure there will be some overlap between the categories, but we know over time beer is a staple of young people and everybody's life."
Constellation, the company behind Corona and Modelo, announced a $4 billion investment Wednesday in the Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth. The news excited consumers, but caused a sell-off in Constellation's stock over concerns the beverage conglomerate paid too much for a 38 percent stake in a company valued around $5 billion.
Heineken has its own entrant in the cannabis-beer crossover market. The company has a 50 percent stake in Lagunitas, which launched in June its first cannabis-infused drink, HiFi Hops. It's an alcohol-free beverage that tastes like beer but with the high-flying effects of THC.
No matter the products, Cahill said, Heineken's strategy for reaching new customers remains the same.
"It's about making people smile, improving their weekends, bringing people together, and socializing."
For full interview, [click here] (https://cms.cheddar.com/videos/VmlkZW8tMjIyMTQ=).
Global Gaming League's founder Clinton Sparks and chairman Jeff Hoffman on their mission to bridge competitive eSports with mainstream celebrity culture.
AEVEX CEO Roger Wells joins to discuss the company's IPO and what it means for the future of autonomous defense systems in an era of rapid military innovation.
What does AI actually mean for the US economy? Andrew Husby of BNP Paribas breaks down the macro signals, risks, and opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Dominick Passanante of Panasonic Connect breaks down the innovations behind TOUGHBOOK and why rugged tech is more relevant than ever in today's mobile workforce
Voya Financial CEO Heather Lavallee marks 10 years of Voya Cares, spotlighting research and expanding financial access for Americans with disabilities.
When Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (above) and Fed chair Jay Powell jointly summon America’s top bankers to a meeting in Washington, you know it’s big.
Kim Crawford Goodman, CEO of Smarsh, breaks down how financial firms are scaling AI while managing compliance, risk, and regulation in a changing landscape.
