High Tide Inc. (“High Tide” or the “Company“) (NASDAQ: HITI) (TSXV: HITI) (FSE: 2LYA), the high-impact, retail-forward enterprise built to deliver real-world value across every component of cannabis, is pleased to announce that its Founder and CEO, Raj Grover, has made Grow Up’s 2024 Top 50 Cannabis Leaders in Canada list. The list, which was hand-selected by Grow Up’s industry advisory committee, recognizes influential leaders in the cannabis industry who are trailblazers in the growth, development, and innovation of the cannabis industry and celebrates their relentless, courageous, and innovative dedication to elevate the industry. The full list is available at Grow Up Top 50.

“I am honored to be included in this list. This would not have been possible without the continuous hard work and dedication of the High Tide team. Our innovative mindset has resulted in our ability to achieve significant milestones in the five years since Canadian legalization, despite broader industry challenges that have seen some of our peers fall by the wayside. Our success is also due to the loyalty and commitment of our customers, who continue to support our business in Canada and internationally,” said Raj Grover, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of High Tide.

“I also want to congratulate all the other industry trailblazers recognized on this list who are all leaders helping to shape and grow our industry. As we look to solidify our strength in Canada while exploring emerging markets in 2024, I know that our industry-leading team will continue delivering results for our customers and shareholders alike,” added Mr. Grover.

ABOUT RAJ GROVER

Raj Grover is one of Canada’s foremost business strategists and deal-makers who founded High Tide and its subsidiaries, Valiant Distribution, and Canna Cabana, and also co-founded Famous Brandz. Under his leadership, High Tide has grown from a small shop of 2 employees into Canada’s largest non-franchised cannabis retailer with over 160 locations and 1,500 team members globally. Raj has also expanded High Tide’s online reach in the ancillary cannabis space across North America and Europe. He is committed to giving back to the global community and has spearheaded High Tide’s support of World Vision, sponsoring over 300 children across 101 communities in 33 countries.

ABOUT HIGH TIDE

High Tide, Inc. is the leading community-grown, retail-forward cannabis enterprise engineered to unleash the full value of the world’s most powerful plant. High Tide (HITI) is uniquely built around the cannabis consumer, with wholly diversified and fully integrated operations across all components of cannabis, including:

Bricks & Mortar Retail: Canna Cabana™ is the largest non-franchised cannabis retail chain in Canada, with 162 current locations spanning British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario and growing. In 2021, Canna Cabana became the first cannabis discount club retailer in North America.

Retail Innovation: Fastendr™ is a unique and fully automated technology that integrates retail kiosks and smart lockers to facilitate a better buying experience through browsing, ordering, and pickup.

E-commerce Platforms: High Tide operates a suite of leading accessory sites across the world, including Grasscity.com, Smokecartel.com, Dailyhighclub.com, and Dankstop.com.

CBD: High Tide continues to cultivate the possibilities of consumer CBD through Nuleafnaturals.com, FABCBD.com, blessedcbd.de and blessedcbd.co.uk.

Wholesale Distribution: High Tide keeps that cannabis category stocked with wholesale solutions via Valiant™.

Licensing: High Tide continues to push cannabis culture forward through fresh partnerships and license agreements under the Famous Brandz™ name.

High Tide consistently moves ahead of the currents, having been named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Magazine and was ranked number one in the retail category on the Financial Times list of Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies for 2023. To discover the full impact of High Tide, visit www.hightideinc.com. For investment performance, don’t miss the High Tide profile pages on SEDAR+ and EDGAR.

ABOUT GROW UP

Since its inception in 2017, Grow Up Conference & Expo has become a benchmark event in the Canadian cannabis industry, known for its high-profile speakers, diverse programming, and commitment to bringing together forward-thinkers and experts. For more information, visit Grow Up Conference & Expo.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE High Tide Inc.

Kona Gold Beverages, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG), a dynamic holding company specializing in product development within the better-for-you and functional beverage sector, is proud to announce the company has successfully secured a $5 million line of credit that will be dedicated to driving production growth, expanding market share, and exploring potential acquisitions.

Under the visionary leadership of the new management team, Kona Gold Beverages, Inc. is taking a bold step toward sustained growth. The $5 million credit line is non-dilutive, meaning it does not have the option to convert into shares of the company. This strategic move emphasizes the management’s commitment to preserving shareholder value and ensuring responsible financial stewardship.

“This non-dilutive credit line marks a significant milestone for Kona Gold Beverages, Inc. as we strategically position ourselves for growth without compromising the interests of our valued shareholders,” said Brandon White, President and Chairman of Kona Gold Beverages, Inc., “We understand the importance of responsible expansion, and this credit line will play a pivotal role in driving our production capabilities, expanding our market presence, and exploring potential acquisitions that align with our vision.”

Management acknowledges the challenge of a bloated share structure inherited from previous funding sources, including the issuance of shares, warrants, and conversion abilities. While some conversion possibilities may be beyond our control, the new management team is fully committed to transparency and will keep shareholders informed of any developments.

The company is actively taking steps to eliminate conversion possibilities within its control, recognizing the significance of growing the company without diluting shareholder value. Additionally, Kona Gold Beverages, Inc. remains dedicated to seeking funding sources that not only align with the company’s growth objectives but also prioritize the best interests of its shareholders and their value.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Credit Line: The $5 million non-dilutive credit line will be used for production growth, market share expansion, and potential acquisitions.
• Preserving Shareholder Value: The credit line is structured to safeguard shareholder value by preventing conversion into shares of the company.
• Transparency Commitment: Management is fully committed to transparency and will keep shareholders informed regarding the share structure and any potential conversion developments.
• Responsible Financial Stewardship: The new management team is focused on eliminating conversion possibilities within its control and seeking funding sources aligned with shareholder interests.

Kona Gold Beverages, Inc. is poised for an exciting phase of growth, and this strategic financial move underlines the company’s dedication to responsible expansion and shareholder value.

The Company recently announced it has eliminated $1.3 Million in debt and has reduced its authorized shares by 4.386 Billion shares.

For more information regarding Kona Gold Beverage, please visit: https://konagoldbeverage.com/

About Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.

Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a Delaware corporation, operates its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kona Gold LLC.  Kona Gold, LLC has developed a premium Hemp-Infused Energy Drink line; please visit its website at www.konagoldhemp.com. Kona Gold is located on the east coast of Florida in Rockledge.

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” and similar expressions.  The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors, or employees to third parties.  There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate.  The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those outlined in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated.  These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company’s control.  The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact:
844-714-2224
[email protected]

SOURCE Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.

CanadaBis Capital Inc. (the “Company” or “CanadaBis”) (TSXV: CANB), a premium vertically integrated Canadian cannabis company, is pleased to announce another consecutive year of record results for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023, and the eighth straight quarter generating positive net income. The Company’s Financial Statements and Notes, as well as Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) are available on CanadaBis’ website and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

This past year was the most successful in the Company’s history, as gross and net revenue, net income and Adjusted EBITDA¹ all meaningfully exceeded results from previous years, and as such, we are proud to report the removal of the Going Concern note from the Company’s financial statements. The continued demonstration of our financial and operating performance supported the removal of the note, and is an indicator of CanadaBis’ ability to successfully execute our business strategy, which we believe translates into value creation for shareholders. With the combination of ongoing sales increases, cost efficiencies and rising demand for new and existing stock keeping units (“SKUs”), CanadaBis sold over 1.7 million units of combined concentrate and dry flower during the year ended July 31, 2023, representing growth of more than 112% relative to the 800,000 units sold in 2022.

“I am thrilled to share the Company’s positive results for the quarter and year end July 31, 2023, as we delivered efficient operational execution and prudent financial management while successfully growing sales and gross profit, boosting net income, and increasing Adjusted EBITDA¹, all while enhancing our long-term sustainability with the removal of the Going Concern note in our financial statements,” said Travis McIntyre, CEO of CanadaBis. “Our value-oriented mindset and robust offering of multiple in-demand brands under the Stigma Grow umbrella provide a clear field of play where the Company’s unique capabilities offer a distinct consumer-centric value proposition. Through fiscal 2024, CanadaBis will remain focused on capturing further market share, increasing unit sales and enhancing cost efficiencies, all of which we believe will support continued generation of positive results and value for our shareholders.”

FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR END 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• Revenue Continues to Set Records – Gross revenue for the full year was the highest in CanadaBis’ history, totaling $34.6 million, more than double the gross revenue in 2022, driven by steady growth and continued demand for newly launched and existing SKUs.
• Positive Net Income and Earnings per Share – Net income continued its positive trajectory, totaling $4.4 million in fiscal 2023 or 631% higher than in 2022, and was positive for the eighth straight quarter in a row at $1.2 million in Q4/23, 159% higher than Q4/22. Earnings per share totaled $0.03 in fiscal 2023, and $0.01 in Q4/23, compared to nil for the same respective periods in 2022.
• Expanding Adjusted EBITDA¹ – Adjusted EBITDA¹ was also a record result, totaling $5.8 million for the year ended July 31, 2023, and $1.7 million for fourth quarter, increases of 238% and 161%, respectively.
• Two Key Financial Milestones Realized – For the first time in our history, CanadaBis removed the Going Concern note from our 2023 financial statements, aligning with the Company’s improved financial performance and stability. As a result of this improved fiscal strength, CanadaBis recorded our inaugural current income tax expense of $119,228 for the 2023 fiscal year, a testament to the ongoing success of our business.
• New Products Underpin Growing Sales – During fiscal 2023, our newest and first-of-its-kind product line, Super Slim Cigarette Style Pre-Rolls, the “Electric Dartz” was brought to market. Since launch, the Electric Dartz product has been well received across the provinces with new flavours unveiled in the previous quarter contributing to growth and record sales in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. These new products were packaged in ten packs of 0.4 grams per roll, both infused and non-infused. Previously, we rolled out similar products in packages of three, 0.5 grams per pre-roll format, while the Moonrock and Resin infused Flower format were available in 2-gram packages.
• Brand Loyalty and Innovation – The financial results for 2023 are indicative of our increased brand awareness, the launch of the High Priestess brand, and Stigma Grow’s deep innovation pipeline that supports consistent launches of new SKU’s and products driven by customer demand. In addition, the continued growth in our Dab Bod products, including the launch of multiple new SKUs under the Dab Bod Brand, offers an excellent foundation with a loyal market following.
• Cost Control Remains a Focus – CanadaBis has continued to manage our input expenses through negotiation with multiple suppliers to capture cost savings while increasing concentrate yields. While this drove a meaningful reduction in costs through 2023, we anticipate seeing a continuation of this trend into 2024 as more cultivators reposition themselves in the industry.

ANNUAL  HIGHLIGHTS ( FISCAL YEAR END 2023)

OUTLOOK

In light of the consistent and strong performance achieved throughout fiscal 2023, highlighted by remarkable growth in gross and net revenue, net income, Adjusted EBITDA[1], and successful cost management, CanadaBis has concluded fiscal 2023 with record-breaking results. Our commitment to executing the Company’s strategic vision has established a foundation for growth that demonstrates our proven ability to sustain momentum. Going forward, our primary focus will remain on the continued expansion of our customer base and diversification of our product offerings. As a vertically integrated cannabis company, CanadaBis will remain sufficiently nimble and agile to respond effectively to external factors, such as fluctuations in selling prices, input costs, or evolving customer demand, all while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital management.

By leveraging our extensive brand portfolio, enhanced brand recognition, unique product offerings, and strategic allocation of resources, we plan to further cultivate innovative brands and introduce new products that align with evolving customer preferences. We are pleased with the growth achieved in market presence in provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. Our focus on boosting sales of resin and shatter-infused pre-rolls, moonrocks, Dab Bod, and High Priestess products positions us to capture an even greater market share.

As we shift our focus towards fiscal 2024, CanadaBis remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving continued success, pushing boundaries, and delivering sustainable shareholder value. The Company is strategically equipped for substantial growth and product diversification, driven by innovative cultivation techniques, effective market penetration strategies, and an unwavering dedication to product quality. Our strategic path remains clear: we will actively pursue growth opportunities, remain responsive to the evolving cannabis market, and continue to set new benchmarks for excellence in our operations. The outlook for CanadaBis is not just promising; it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and collaborative strength of our Company. We extend our sincere gratitude to all shareholders and key stakeholders for your unwavering support.