MNG 2005 Inc., the parent company of CBD Kratom, has acquired WellBeing Brewing Company, a St. Louis-based pioneer in the nonalcoholic craft beer space. The move signals MNG’s expansion into the functional beverage market, including a forthcoming line of THC-infused beers.
The deal, finalized this week, provides WellBeing with the financial backing, retail footprint, and distribution network needed to scale operations and expand its product offerings.
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“MNG has experienced significant growth in cannabis and kratom beverages over the past two years, reinforcing our confidence in the category,” says Dafna Revah, vice president of MNG 2005 Inc. “When we met Jeff [Stevens, WellBeing’s founder] and began carrying WellBeing products in our stores, it became clear that acquiring the brand was a natural next step.”
For Stevens, the acquisition represents an opportunity to accelerate a vision that has been years in the making. “WellBeing’s expansion into functional beverages isn’t new—it’s something we’ve been building toward for years,” Stevens says. “MNG has the infrastructure and expertise to help us get there faster while staying true to what made WellBeing special.”
WellBeing, one of the first U.S. breweries dedicated to nonalcoholic craft beer, has built a reputation for quality, flavor, and innovation. MNG, through CBD Kratom, has 14 locations in St. Louis and dozens more nationwide.
“The nonalcoholic beverage industry has been rapidly evolving, with growing demand for products that support a mindful, balanced lifestyle,” Revah says. “Whether through cannabis, kratom, or another functional ingredient, we see a significant opportunity to merge WellBeing’s expertise in brewing with our deep knowledge of plant-based wellness.”
While WellBeing will maintain its identity, the deal paves the way for expansion into CBD- and THC-infused beverages, an area where MNG already has retail experience.
The Future
Will WellBeing’s popular core lineup change or remain the same? “We’re not changing what people love about WellBeing,” Stevens says. “If anything, we’ll be able to make even better products, host more events, and expand our reach.”
Revah adds, “Maintaining a strong portfolio of nonalcoholic beers is a priority for us, too. WellBeing has built a loyal following, and we’re committed to preserving and growing that market while also introducing new functional options.”
WellBeing’s flagship beers, including Heavenly Body Golden Wheat and Hellraiser Dark Amber, will continue to be brewed at Schlafly Beer’s facilities. “Schlafly has been a fantastic partner for us, helping us maintain the quality and consistency we strive for,” Stevens says.
For a brewery without a standalone taproom, the acquisition could redefine how consumers experience the brand. WellBeing’s products are expected to appear in CBD Kratom stores, offering a dedicated retail space for nonalcoholic craft beer in a new setting. “We’re working on ways to integrate our beer into their retail locations,” Stevens says. “This could even serve as an alternative to a standalone taproom.”
As details continue to emerge, Stevens confirms that WellBeing’s first new product under MNG will likely be a hemp- or cannabis-infused nonalcoholic beer. “We’re developing hop-forward, malt-based beverages that push the boundaries of what non-alcoholic beer can be,” he says. “There’s a crossover happening between traditional brewing and functional beverages, and we want to be at the forefront of that.”
Revah adds, “MNG’s expertise in cannabis wellness and retail distribution will allow us to grow WellBeing’s footprint—both in our stores and through new distribution channels.”
