Los Angeles, CA--At a time when representation and visibility are paramount for brands, Tempo Crackers, an LGBTQ-owned cannabis-infused snack brand, is taking a substantial step forward in its offerings and brand representation with the introduction of the Tempo Pride Pack in honor of Pride Month.
The launch announcement arrived on June 27, nearing the end of Pride month.
The Product: An Opportunity for a Safe Space
According to a news release, the limited-edition Pride Pack allows customers to pick any six flavors from the Tempo Crackers line, featuring a buy-6-for-$30 promotional offer. Individual Tempo Crackers boxes embody the colors of the Pride flag year-round.
"There's a diverse mix of LGBTQ+ shoppers in retail stores all year. By expanding the variety and selection of available products, we can alter the stereotypes straight consumers may have of LGBTQ+ individuals," says Robert Holland, Founder, and CEO of Tempo Crackers, in a Forbes interview. "Similar to the growing diversity of queer characters in movies and television breaking the mold of queer identities, retailers can redefine the perception of what a queer product looks like—even if it's not in rainbow packaging."
Prioritizing Representation
"Queer representation in retail is under threat nationwide as large retailers downsize their Pride selections due to pressure from conservative activists," noted Holland in the news release. "While many dispensaries face similar pressures, Tempo is a proudly LGBTQ-first brand year-round. We are committed to expressing ourselves loudly. We continually symbolize the colors of the Pride flag through our packaging, and we're grateful for our dispensary partners who provide a platform for us to share our story."
Availability and Retail Partners
The Pride Pack will be available until stock depletes and can be found at various dispensaries in the Los Angeles area. Prices range from $30 to $40, depending on the store. To support queer representation, a portion of all Pride Pack proceeds will be donated to wayOUT LA, an organization dedicated to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.
The crackers, which include vegan options, combine THC and CBD ratios with naturally occurring terpenes in herbs and spices for unique edible experiences:
- Buffalo Cheddar (5mg THC | 5mg CBD per cracker)
- Truffle Parmesan (5mg THC | 5mg CBD per cracker)
- Salt & Vinegar (5mg THC per cracker, vegan)
- Black Pepper (2mg THC | 6mg CBD per cracker)
- Chipotle Honey BBQ (5mg THC | 5mg CBD per cracker)
- Chili Limon (5mg THC per cracker, vegan)
- Rosemary Sea Salt (2mg THC | 6mg CBD per cracker, vegan)
- Sour Cream & Onion (5mg THC | 5mg CBD per cracker, vegan)
Retail partners include Flower Co., Pure Life Alternative Wellness, Atrium (Valley Village and Topanga), Jungle Boys (OC and DTLA), Sixty Four & Hope Melrose, Eaze Dispensary (Santa Ana and San Diego), South Coast Safe Access in Santa Ana, Klover in San Diego, and Element 7 in Port Hueneme.
Innovating the Cannabis-infused Snack Market
Tempo Crackers is taking a bite out of a unique sector in the edibles market by offering precision-dosed savory snacks. Unlike competitors such as Kiva Confections and Lord Jones, who primarily offer sweets like chocolates and gummies, Tempo's divergence from the norm is aimed at striking a chord with consumers, as suggested by recent financial backing from manufacturing partner Punch Edibles, supporting Tempo's rapid expansion.
More on the Funding
Earlier this year, CEO Robert Holland announced this funding would foster new retail relationships, enhance consumer education about edible snacks in California, and pave the way for Tempo's expansion beyond state lines.
During this announcement, Tempo also unveiled three new flavors: Buffalo Cheddar, Truffle Parmesan, Salt & Vinegar.
Cannabis Edibles Market Landscape
The U.S. legal cannabis market, projected to reach nearly $40 billion by 2030, is a hotbed of intense competition, particularly in the edibles sector. However, Tempo Crackers' unique approach has carved a distinctive niche. Most edible companies, like Wana Brands, Dixie Elixirs, and Kiva Confections, primarily concentrate on sweets, leaving a gap in the savory market.
Offering a range of dosages and flavor profiles, including vegan options, gives the brand a competitive edge in an increasingly sophisticated market. Adding a commitment to representation enhances this advantage.
The market's response to the Tempo Pride Pack will indicate consumer readiness to support LGBTQ-focused products. A recent study by Community Marketing & Insights discovered that 74% of LGBTQ adults and their allies would switch to brands known for being LGBTQ-friendly, suggesting substantial growth potential.
The Road Ahead
As Tempo Crackers plans to extend its reach beyond California into new markets, remaining committed to inclusivity and advocacy is vital. The brand must preserve its unique positioning in the edibles market while continuing to connect with a diversifying consumer base. With their fresh funding, the forthcoming years will be critical as Tempo confronts the challenges of scaling up while maintaining its distinct brand identity.