Cannabis company XPhyto Therapeutics Corp announced that its wholly owned German subsidiary, Bunker Pflanzenextrakte, has entered into an exclusive cannabis research and development agreement with the chair of brewing and beverage technology at the Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan.
Weihenstephan is home to the International Beverage Research Center Weihenstephan (the "iGZW"), a interdisciplinary research and development center capable of handling the entire drink design process chain - from basic molecular biology research through biotechnology processes to the final product. With a start-up cost of EUR 22 million, the iGZW includes a state-of-the-art pilot brewing plant which makes it possible to run a variety of trials to manufacture a broad range of beers in accordance with the German Purity Law and other fermented beverages using un-malted cereals and alternative starch carriers, as well as non-fermented beverages.
"Given the commercial potential for CBD infused beverages in Europe, XPhyto is very pleased to have secured such a strong development partner right here in Bavaria," said Robert Barth, VP European Corporate Development, XPhyto and Managing Director, Bunker. "We are excited to work together and we are particularly looking forward to the development of cannabis infused fermented beverages and sports drinks."
Pursuant to the Agreement, initial research will focus on the identification and development of new research approaches targeting potential commercial applications for the use and inclusion of cannabis plants, parts thereof, or derived ingredients, active ingredients and flavours for the production of beverages, food and dietary supplements. Preliminary testing will include analysis of the chemical-physical suitability of the cannabis derived materials for use in various food and beverages. Specific cannabis applications with prospective commercial viability will be pursued via separate joint research projects on a case-by-case basis.
The chair of brewing and beverage technology has a well-earned reputation for expertise in the field of food and beverage science with an emphasis on commercial applicability. The institution has a specific focus on flavor-process-engineering, raw material and product design, food safety, and relevant legislative issues, such as EU designated "novel foods".