*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=).
David Wright, president and owner of Wright Financial Group LLC, joined Cheddar News to discuss Thursday's trading as stocks closed higher amid strong tech profits. But Wright says banking stress could sway markets down as the Federal Reserve could weigh more rate increases.
The Gap is laying off 1,800 corporate workers, roughly three time the number of headquarters jobs it cut last fall, as the struggling chain cuts costs in a bid to become more nimble.
Tyson Foods is eliminating about 10 percent of corporate jobs and 15 percent senior leadership positions, according to a memo obtained by Reuters. The cuts are just the latest attempt to trim costs amid falling profits.
Verizon is taking steps to speed up its 5G network in rural areas. The company said it plans to extend its C-band 5G network across a larger suburban and rural footprint, meaning faster speeds for customers in those areas.
Facebook parent company Meta's first-quarter results surpassed Wall Street's modest expectations on both profit and revenue, sending its stock soaring in after-hours trading.
