Chief Science Officer, SōRSE Technology
Scott Riefler has over 39 years of cultivating and commercializing scientific and technological resources.
Scott is currently chief science officer for SōRSE Technology, an innovation leader of materials development for edible product forms within the cannabis space. He joined SōRSE Technology in June of 2017, he and his team have developed a key water born platform for cannabinoid oils for the beverage and food industry.
Previously he was a member of TIC GUMS leadership team, a privately held producer of hydrocolloids (gums) systems for the food, nutriceutical and industrial markets. During his tenure at TIC Gums, Scott’s roles included VP of sales, VP of science and technology and president. He led TIC through significant growth cycles and related challenges.
Scott joined TIC in 2000 after spending twenty years in the aerospace industry with industry leader, American Cyanamid/Cytec Industries, serving the aircraft industry with structural adhesives and advanced composite systems. After his role of global technical director, he became involved in mergers and acquisitions, assisting industry consolidation. He has spent the past 20 years translating and applying his experience to food and beverage system innovation, literally bringing rocket science into the kitchen!
Scott resides with his wife Diana in the Seattle area. He holds a B.S. in chemistry and is a certified food scientist. Scott is an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), National Association of Flavor and Food-Ingredients (NAFFS), Vistage and FEMA. He holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry awarded in 1979 from St. Bonaventure University. Scott has presented at numerous industry and university forums, short courses and classes.
Monday, September 30, 2019
7-8:30 a.m.
WHITEBOARD SESSIONS
Hemp extracts and CBD: Understanding the Benefits, Opportunities and Mechanics
Hemp extracts including CBD, Cannabidiol, the non-intoxicating extract of hemp are demonstrating mass appeal to consumers. Whether a fad, trend or sustainable platform the not to be ignored market pull is substantial, growing at 20% plus year on. This high value market is fast developing with new brands emerging often through unconventional channels and supply streams.
Food, supplements, confections, tinctures, salves and tablets have quickly become consumer’s preferred platforms… which are now hitting store shelves. At the same time regulatory bodies such as FDA are playing catch up, with guidance not yet in step with consumer demand and behavior. Due to past regulatory constraints science has not yet validated the reported therapeutic benefits. Undeterred, consumer demand and market are pressing forward with products appearing on the internet, farmers markets, kiosks, convenience stores and branded chains.
This nascent industry brings with it a new vocabulary: extraction solvents, winterization, isolate, full and broad spectrum, terpenes, entourage effect and the list goes on. This presents a wonderful educational opportunity at the consumer interface to drive sales and brand loyalty.
Join us for a deeper dive into this emerging market, how to responsibly and safely bring hemp extracts into your stores: understand the plant and its components, extraction paths, the regulatory landscape, the reported health effect and how to navigating supply chains. You will leave with a working vocabulary, a better understanding of the regulatory environment, the reported benefits, how to best incorporate hemp extracts into branded products, a clearer view of the consumers drivers/expectations and how to capitalize on this new and emerging market.