The Valens Company Inc. (TSX: VLNS) (OTCQX: VLNCF) (the “Company” or “The Valens Company”), a leading manufacturer of cannabis derivative products, announced today that it has become an Associate Corporate Member of Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP), the largest voice of the Canadian food, beverage and consumer products industry representing small independently and privately-owned companies as well as large, global multinationals, all of whom manufacture and distribute safe and high-quality consumer packaged goods (CPG) in Canada.

As the leading voice uniting companies, large and small, that provide access to the food, health, and consumer products that Canadians rely on every day, FHCP works to create a favourable business environment that allows its members to bring innovative products to market, promotes environmental stewardship, and standardizes product labelling so that Canadians have choices and ready access to world-leading safe and high-quality products.

Joining FHCP is a natural progression for Valens in establishing a broader CPG footprint and bringing about efforts to normalize cannabinoid products, which now include various health and wellness formats such as beverages and bath and beauty products, beyond what current consumers expect.

“As the only cannabis company in FHCP, our aim is to build out the category using data-driven consumer insights and respond to consumer needs in medical, recreational as well as health and wellness segments,” said Tyler Robson, Chief Executive Officer of The Valens Company. “With Cannabis 2.0 and now Cannabis 3.0 products entering the market, we are working to create space within the CPG category where cannabis is part of the conversation. Consumers are already there, which just makes our membership with the FHCP a natural fit to their work and mission.”

The relationship with FHCP will allow Valens the opportunity to create strategic category-building connections with over one hundred of Canada’s top CPG companies while allowing the Company to educate FHCP members about the benefits of not only major but also minor, non-intoxicating cannabinoids. As a member, The Valens Company will have opportunities to work with CPG peers and facilitate discussion through seminars, workshops, and presentations. The Company will also rely on its extensive experience in cannabinoid research, product development, and large-scale manufacturing, and work with FHCP to develop consumer and trade insights for companies looking to learn more about the cannabis industry.

“Our mission at FHCP is to create and shape a competitive operating environment that fosters innovation and growth for our members, which includes developing categories such as high-quality cannabinoid-based products,” said Michael Graydon, Chief Executive Officer of FHCP. “Valens’ membership will serve both to educate our members as well as bring cannabis and cannabis products into the conversation when it comes to things like policy discussions, safety and standards, and we’re excited to have them on board.”