The premier national hemp beverage competition is moving to Charleston with Sèchey’s founder, Emily Heintz, joining Matti Anttila as co-chair. Anttila is a beverage entrepreneur

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 17, 2025 — The 2025 America’s Best Hemp THC Beverage Awards, a leading national competition that highlights top hemp-derived THC beverages, is pleased to announce a new strategic alliance with Sèchey, a prominent retailer of non-alcoholic and functional beverages catering to the growing mindful drinking market.

The competition will now take place at Sèchey’s flagship store in Charleston, South Carolina, with judging now scheduled for October 20–22, 2025. This partnership establishes Charleston as a new center for hemp beverage innovation and adds further weight and excitement to an already pioneering national competition.

Additionally, Emily Heintz, the founder and CEO of Sèchey, will co-chair this year’s competition alongside Matti Anttila, the founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits and an experienced leader in the beverage sector.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Sèchey and bring the competition to Charleston, a city renowned for its dynamic food and beverage scene,” said Anttila. “Emily and her team have developed one of the nation’s most innovative platforms for mindful and alternative drinking. Hosting the judging at Sèchey reinforces our goal of promoting and celebrating hemp THC beverages.”

“This partnership makes perfect sense,” Heintz added. “At Sèchey, we have directly observed the consumer demand for high-quality, hemp-infused alternatives. These awards are more than just a competition; they recognize quality, innovation, and the brands that are shaping the future of beverage culture.”

Expanded Scope, Elevated Stage

With over 100 entries already received and more anticipated, the 2025 competition includes several enhancements to increase its impact:

• Triple-Tier Awards Structure – Recognizing excellence at the State, Regional, and National levels, providing brands with multiple opportunities for recognition and visibility.
• Impactful New Subcategories – Including awards based on THC strength (Low-Dose, High-Potency) and format (Seltzer, Shots, Large format, Cocktail-Inspired), giving brands more ways to showcase their offerings and win.
• Influential Judging Panel – An expanded panel of respected industry experts, retail buyers, investors, and beverage innovators will be announced this summer.
• Sponsorship Opportunities – High-profile sponsorship packages will offer companies across the beverage, cannabis, and CPG industries the chance to connect with the category’s most dynamic brands and audiences.

Entry Details

• New Entry Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Early Bird Pricing: Available through June 30, 2025 (20% discount)
• Standard Entry Fee: $300 per product
• Packaging Entry: $75 per design (optional)
• Volume Discounts: Available for brands entering 3 or more products

The winners will be publicly announced after the judging in Charleston, with comprehensive media coverage and digital visibility for all medalists.

This year’s Awards are expected to be the most competitive and culturally significant yet, highlighting the leading innovators in the fastest-growing segment of adult beverages. Brands, retailers, media, and sponsors are encouraged to participate in what is quickly becoming the definitive platform for hemp-infused beverage excellence.

To enter or learn more, visit:

More updates are coming soon, including judge announcements, media partnerships, and special industry events during the judging week in Charleston.

For press inquiries, sponsorship information, or interviews with the co-chairs, contact:

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About Sèchey

Sèchey is a premier lifestyle retailer and e-commerce site for non-alcoholic, functional, and hemp-infused beverages. Founded in 2021 by Emily Heintz, Sèchey offers a curated selection of the best alcohol-free innovations, promoting mindful drinking and providing premium alternatives for today’s consumers. With a flagship store in Charleston, SC, and a growing national presence, Sèchey is changing how people experience social drinking, one drink at a time.

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SOURCE America’s Best Hemp THC Beverage Awards

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