Hempco Provides Operational Update Expansion and Growth

TSX-V: HEMP

VANCOUVER, May 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Hempco Food and Fiber Inc. (the "Company" or "Hempco") (TSX-V: HEMP) is pleased to provide the following operational update on the Company's product diversification and market expansion achievements and initiatives. Hempco is moving ahead aggressively with the following key corporate activities that are focused on driving growth:  

Distribution Agreement with UK's Largest Wholesaler of Natural and Organic Products

The Company has signed a distribution agreement with Tree of Life, the United Kingdom's leading wholesale distributor of natural and organic products. Tree of Life serves more than 1,200 retailers in the UK and more than 30 countries worldwide. The agreement provides Hempco with significantly increased market reach through Tree of Life's large footprint and share of shelf space in the health food sector.

The relationship with Tree of Life was driven in part by the recognition of the strong momentum hemp products continue to experience in the health food market due to its beneficial properties, such as omega 3's and high plant-based protein content.

European Launch of Planet Hemp CBD Product Line

The new Planet Hemp Organic Hemp Seed Oil + CBD Food Supplement line was successfully launched at Europe's biggest Natural and Organic products tradeshow on April 22-23, 2018. The show, visited by ten thousand delegates, including distributors and retailers, was very successful for the Company, both in terms of raising visibility and in generating commercial traction. Reception of the new product line was positive, with new orders received.   

Planet Hemp Organic Hemp Seed Oil + CBD Food Supplement product line, available in Original, Mint and Orange, is the only product approved by the Vegan and Vegetarian Societies. This is a rapidly growing segment of the market, and this validation creates significant differentiating power for Hempco.

Letter of Intent Signed with Sustainable Building Products Supplier

A Letter of Intent was signed with JustBioFiber Structural Solutions, a specialist in sustainable building systems. The letter of intent calls for an initial 300 tonnes of hemp hurd to be supplied once the fiber plant in Nisku, Alberta becomes operational in early summer 2018.

Hempco has targeted bulk fibre as one of its key strategic growth markets. This LOI provides immediate traction for Hempco's new plant.

Management Commentary

"The initiatives we have set in motion before and since I joined the Company are starting to yield results, which we believe will lead to significant growth over the coming quarters," said Diane Jang, CEO of Hempco, "The visibility and traction we are generating with our Planet Hemp product lines are reflected by our presence in some of the world's largest distribution channels, including Amazon, Kane Vet and now Tree of Life. We see this as recognition of our operational excellence, a validation of our strategy and a reflection of the increased standing of Hempco due to its majority shareholder, Aurora Cannabis. We will continue to expand our product portfolio and target additional distribution channels as we take Hempco to the next level of sustainable growth."

About Hempco

For more than 12 years Hempco has been a trusted and respected pioneer, innovator and provider of premier hemp-based foods. Hempco is committed to developing hemp foods, hemp fiber and hemp nutraceuticals. Hempco is expanding its processing ability to meet global demands in a 56,000 sq. ft. facility located at Nisku, Alberta.  Hempco's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "HEMP".

On behalf of the Boards of Directors,                                              

HEMPCO FOOD AND FIBER INC
Diane Jang
CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release, including the assumptions that the Hempco shareholders will approve the creation of a new control person and allow the private placement to proceed. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Companies are under no obligation, and expressly disclaim, any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

SOURCE Hempco Food and Fiber Inc.