Thanks to loosening restrictions, we are beginning to see the many health benefits of CBD, at scale, for the first time, allowing people to reap the benefits of cannabidiol without the high. The plant extract is being added to countless items like toothpicks, breath sprays, and even cheeseburgers to help people alleviate stress, sleep better, and reduce anxiety. TRIP is a CBD brand focused on more manageable and convenient uses like drinks and oil. The company presently offers four CBD-infused drinks that are convenient on the go. TRIP also offers a line of CBD oils that are used by placing a drop under your tongue. Both products are available direct-to-consumer through the company’s website and through select retailers.
London TechWatch caught up with Cofounder Olivia Ferdi to learn about how the brand came to fruition, international expansion, latest round of funding, and much more.
Who were your investors and how much did you raise?
TRIP is delighted to announce its first external raise of $5M; in partnership with key strategic investors ahead of a launch into the US, including Maria Raga (Depop CEO) and Christian Angermayer (Serial Entrepreneur and Investor)
Tell us about your product or service.
TRIP’s mission is to share calm in the chaos, with products that taste as good as they make you feel.
TRIP CBD Drinks are flavour-first, deliciously refreshing, lightly sparkling, and infused with natural adaptogens for stress-free sipping, helping you feel more productive and creative, as well as less stressed and anxious. CBD drinks have the same benefits as CBD oils or other CBD products but can be a convenient and delicious way to take your dose. TRIP’s range includes Peach Ginger, Lemon Basil, Elderflower Mint and Cold Brew Coffee CBD infused drinks. Whether you grab a cold can after the gym, prep for a hefty day of Zoom calls, or switch out your evening glass of wine, TRIP offers a delicious way to unwind and relax into your best self.
TRIP CBD oils contain the cannabinoid called cannabidiol, which is a molecule that is extracted from the hemp plant. TRIP offers their award-winning range of CBD oils in two flavours: Wild Mint and Orange Blossom; showcasing CBD’s ability to be both soothing and delicious. TRIP CBD oils are blended with MCT oil extracted from coconuts as well as soothing botanicals, including chamomile. CBD is used for a wide range of uses from aiding stress relief, easing anxiety, or helping people sleep better. The most effective way to take CBD oil is to put a few drops under the tongue and leave it there for a minute, before swallowing.
What inspired the start of TRIP?
Daniel Khoury (cofounder and husband) and I met at the University of Cambridge and subsequently left our careers in law and finance to launch TRIP. Weeks before our wedding, Daniel was injured and told he wouldn’t be able to walk down the aisle; it was then that we found CBD, which seemed miraculous in aiding Daniel’s recovery. We became passionate about creating a premium range of innovative, great-tasting CBD products to share the powerful benefits of the hemp plant.
What market you are targeting and how big is it?
TRIP’s community is a really diverse mix of people who are looking to find their calm.
How has COVID-19 impacted your business?
In a post-COVID world, TRIP’s consumer touchpoints across functional beverage, beauty, and supplements speak to the new attitudes around everyday wellbeing. The raise signals TRIP’s strong brand proposition catering to shifting lifestyles and the growing market for alcohol alternatives.
The pandemic has also reshaped shopping online for beverages and CBD; for example, TRIP’s pioneering exclusive CBD store with Deliveroo has catered to the on-demand needs of working in the new normal, with the TRIP x Deliveroo partnership expanding to 15 sites in the UK.
What are the milestones you plan to achieve in the next six months?
Over the last year, it’s been amazing to see so many people take a TRIP, and we’ve had such a good reaction from our customers & retailers that the plan is to continue what we have been doing across Europe. It’s really rewarding to help so many people find their calm in such a chaotic time, and we are looking forward to doing the same in the US too.
