KONA GOLD BEVERAGE, INC. - Annual Report: 2022 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number: 000-56230

KONA GOLD BEVERAGE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(844) 714-2224

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates (excluding voting shares held by officers and directors) as of June 30, 2022 was $13,997,332.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. There were a total of 2,139,440,557 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2023.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are plans and predictions based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our industry, our beliefs, and assumptions.

We use words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “assume,” and variations of these words and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our forward-looking statements are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on which they were made. Over time, our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such difference might be significant and materially adverse to our security holders. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. We have identified some of the important factors that could cause future events to differ from our current expectations and they are described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) under the captions “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as in other documents that we may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), all of which you should review carefully. Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of those risks as you read this Annual Report.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

As used in this Annual Report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Corporate Overview – Formation, Corporate Changes and Material Mergers and Acquisitions

We were originally incorporated as Class-ique Talent Agency, Inc. (“CTA”), under the laws of the State of Nevada in March 1997. In October 2001, CTA entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Reorganization Plan”) with PhaserTek, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“PhaserTek”), pursuant to which CTA acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of PhaserTek in exchange for shares of common stock of CTA, resulting in PhaserTek becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of CTA. In accordance with the terms of the Reorganization Plan, CTA changed its name to PhaserTek Medical, Inc. (“PhaserTek Medical”) in 2002. In 2004, PhaserTek Medical changed its name to Union Equity, Inc. (“UE Nevada”). For purposes of changing UE Nevada’s state of incorporation, UE Nevada formed Union Equity, Inc. in the State of Delaware (“UE Delaware”) in 2004. Pursuant to Articles of Merger, in December 2004, UE Nevada merged with and into UE Delaware, the surviving company. In July 2015, we changed our name to Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. In October 2020, we changed our name to Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.

We have four wholly-owned subsidiaries: (i) Kona Gold, LLC (“Kona”), a Delaware limited liability company formed in August 2015; (ii) HighDrate, LLC (“HighDrate”), a Florida limited liability company formed in January 2018; (iii) S and S Beverage, Inc., (“S and S”), a Wisconsin corporation formed in June 2018 that we acquired in February 2021; and (iv) Gold Leaf Distribution LLC (“Gold Leaf”), a Florida limited liability company formed in January 2019.

Business Overview

We are a lifestyle company that specializes in developing premier hemp and CBD products in the functional beverage and fitness markets. Focusing on the hemp energy drink, low carb and low-calorie lemonade, and CBD water markets, we believe that we have positioned ourselves as a premium lifestyle brand.

We currently sell Kona, HighDrate, and Ooh La Lemin through resellers, our websites, and distributors that span across 18 states. Our products are available in a wide variety of stores, including convenience and grocery stores, smoke shops, and gift shops. Gold Leaf also distributes our own products, as well as products purchased for resale from several other beverage manufacturers. These premium beverages and snacks are available in more than 1,500 grocery stores, convenience stores, smoke shops, vape shops, and specialty stores.

Product Lines

Within our Company, we market five distinct product lines: hemp-infused energy drinks, CBD-infused energy water, low carb and low-calorie lemonade, and apparel with our trademark logo.

Our hemp-infused energy drink is available in both regular and sugar-free options. These energy drinks are infused with organic hemp protein powder and contain essential vitamins and ingredients that give consumers a natural energy boost. Hemp protein contains no gluten and is compatible with a variety of diets, including vegan and Kosher. Our hemp energy drinks are available in eight flavors: classic hemp, platinum hemp, sugar-free hemp, cherry vanilla, bubble gum, candy apple, cotton candy, and pink grapefruit.

HighDrate’s CBD-infused energy water is great tasting, sugar-free, and powered by Alkame’s patented technology, which uses its advanced water treatment to create a premium oxygenated alkaline water with natural antioxidants. Alkame believes based on a double-blind placebo, peer-backed research project that it conducted, its technology can boost the immune system and physical performance. HighDrate’s CBD-infused energy water contains 80 mg of caffeine and 10 mg of CBD. We believe that CBD aids the body’s endocannabinoid system in neuroprotection, stress recovery, immune balance, and homeostatic regulation. HighDrate’s CBD-infused energy water is available in six flavors: watermelon, kiwi strawberry, tropical coconut, Georgia peach, sour apple, and blue island punch.

Ooh La Lemin is a lemonade that has no added sugar, is low in carbohydrates, and has only 15 calories and is available in four flavors: (i) Original Lemonade, (ii) Blue Raspberry Lemonade, (iii) Peach Lemonade, and (iv) Strawberry Lemonade. Ooh La Lemin Sparkling is a lemonade that has no added sugar, is low in carbohydrates, and has only 10 calories and is available in six flavors: (i) Original, (ii) Cucumber Watermelon, (iii) Blue Raspberry, (iv) Pineapple Mango, (v) Citrus Splash, and (vi) Huckleberry.

We also sell branded apparel. We use only high-quality textiles and specialty inks and foils, which provide consumers with a premium fit and feel. We currently offer shirts, tanks, hats, and towels for sale. Revenues generated from sales of our apparel historically has represented approximately less than 1% of our gross annual sales.

Distributors and Resellers

Our markets include over 1,500 accounts in grocery stores, convenience stores, smoke shops, vape shops, and specialty stores located in Florida and South Carolina. In addition to distributing the Company’s own beverage products, the Company also distributes other products, including alkaline waters, beverages for kids, energy drinks, fruit flavored sodas, low-carb lemonade, healthy aloe juice drinks, and CBD-infused products, all of which complement the Company’s current product offerings.

We sell our products primarily to beverage distributors and resellers, retail grocery, smoke shops and specialty stores, wholesalers, merchandisers, convenience stores, and beverage services. We focus on sales to consumers in the functional beverages sector that lead an active lifestyle and need a balance that will meet their needs of providing their minds and bodies with a focused boost and quick recovery. Our beverages support consumers that lead a healthy lifestyle based on choices made about daily habits by providing products that provide a healthy alternative in their beverage choices. A healthy lifestyle can result in consumers feeling fit and energetic and can reduce their risk for disease. We believe our products help consumers stay hydrated, revitalized, aided in stamina, and allow for faster recovery. Hemp protein contains no gluten and is compatible with a variety of diets, including vegan and Kosher. The hemp seed protein contained in our energy drinks is a great protein that contains all 20 amino acids found in the human body.

We also distribute premium beverages and snacks in key markets through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Gold Leaf. Gold Leaf distributes our products as well as products purchased for resale from several other beverage manufacturers. The distributed products include alkaline waters, beverages for kids, energy drinks, fruit flavored sodas, low-carb lemonade, healthy aloe juice drinks, and CBD-infused jellybeans, all of which complement our current product offerings.

Industry Overview

Our distributors and resellers and consumers span across several industries, including energy drinks, hemp or CBD drinks, health and fitness, and apparel.

Energy Drinks

The energy drink industry continues grow every year with an estimated $14 billion in sales in the United States in 2021, and sales are expected to reach $53 billion globally. The energy drink by the name “Red Bull” dominated the industry in 2020, comprising approximately 25% of the energy drink market. In 2020, an energy drink by the name of “Monster,” market share was approximately 15%.

The introduction of “Red Bull” in 1997, and the many other energy drinks that followed in its footsteps, has helped turn the energy drink industry into significant choice of consumers in the overall beverage industry. The rise of “Red Bull” and “Monster,” which accounted for 40 percent of the energy drink sales in the United States in 2020, has resulted in the energy drink industry rivaling the coffee industry. Energy drinks have an average of 200 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to about two cups of coffee. The liquid and dry coffee industry accounted for approximately $102.5 billion in sales in 2019, which grew from $4.1 billion dollars in 2003. Starbucks Corporation was the sales leader of the coffee industry with approximately 40% of the market share in 2018, followed by Dunkin’ Brands Inc. with 40% of the market share in 2019.

Hemp or CBD Drinks

The HIA reported that the 2018 Farm Bill poised to restore industrial hemp to nationwide legal production for the first time since World War II, offering vast opportunities for the industry and investment in a market expected to triple in four years. With the removal of hemp from federal prohibition under the CSA, the total hemp industry is expected to grow 18.4% from 2018 through 2022. Hemp Business Journal estimates that the hemp-derived CBD market will grow to a $1.3 billion market by 2022. The U.S. hemp market, which includes CBD, textiles, and hemp seed, is expected to lead the global market in 2020, representing approximately 32% of the global market. This growth is fueled by the public’s growing demand for CBD products. The 2018 Farm Bill aims the industry to accelerate and establish itself as a global hemp powerhouse led by hemp-derived CBD, and establishes legal production for CBD.

Health and Fitness

The health and fitness industry, which includes food and beverages, saw consumer awareness drive trends to health and wellness, plant-based, and clean-label products in 2022. We believe that conscious consumerism will continue to drive these trends in 2023. We believe that consumers are making food and beverage choices based on their personal definition of health. Further, we believe that consumers are looking for healthy alternatives to obtain relief from pain and anxiety, and that CBD has become a viable option because it balances the mind and body. Women have traditionally been early adapters of health and wellness trends and CBD-infused products, food, and beverages have been recognized by women to have a connection between happiness and health.

Apparel

The global apparel market is projected to grow to $1.5 trillion dollars in 2021, compared to $1.3 trillion in 2015. Brand names and logos for leading energy drink companies such as Monster and Rockstar can be found on men’s and women’s apparel around the world; however, the biggest apparel companies not affiliated with energy drinks control the majority of the market. Energy drink apparel is not expected to be a large contributor to the apparel industry.

Competition

The beverage industry is highly competitive. The principal areas of competition are pricing, packaging, and developing new products and flavors, as well as highly intensive promoting and marketing strategies. Our products compete with a wide range of drinks produced by a relatively large number of companies, many of which have substantially greater financial, marketing, and distribution resources than we do. Important factors affecting our ability to compete successfully include brand and product image, taste and flavor of products, trade and consumer promotions, rapid and effective development of new and unique cutting-edge products, attractive and different packaging, brand exposure, and marketing, as well as pricing. We also rely on our beverage distributors to allocate more attention to our products than those of our competitors, provide stable and reliable distribution, and secure adequate shelf space in retail outlets. Competitive pressures in the “alternative,” energy, coffee, and “functional” beverage categories could cause our products to maintain or to lose market share or we could experience price erosion, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our energy products have entered an already crowded market, and we aware of both our strengths and shortcomings as we compete in the energy drink market. Our energy products are part of niche industry that includes CBD, hemp seed, organic, and lifestyle, which we believe separates our energy drinks from others in the market. Within the global CBD beverage market, sales are expected to grow at a faster rate than conventional energy drinks. In 2020, the CBD beverage market was valued at $3.4 billion, and is expected to reach $14.6 billion by 2026 with a compounded annual growth rate of 27.5%. Combined with the THC-infused beverage market, the CBD Beverage Market is expected to reach $1.4 billion in the United States alone by 2025. The Alkaline Water Company, Inc. (NASDAQ and TSXV: WTER), HEXO Corp. (NYSE and TSX: HEXO), Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY), and Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC; TSX: WEED) are prominent players in the CBD beverage market.

We compete not only for consumer preference, but also for maximum marketing and sales efforts by multi-brand licensed bottlers, brokers, and distributors and resellers, many of which have a principal affiliation with competing companies and brands. Our products compete with all liquid refreshments and in many cases with products of much larger and, in many cases better financed competitors. Our energy drinks compete directly with Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar. We also compete with smaller companies.

Co-Packing

We do not directly produce our hemp-infused energy drinks, HighDrate CBD-infused energy waters, or Ooh La Lemin, but instead outsource the production of our products with our specifications to third-party bottlers and co-packers. We use co-packers to produce our beverage products. The co-packers are responsible for the production and packaging of the finished products, including the procurement of all required ingredients and packaging materials. We have partnered with multiple co-packers in the United States to provide fulfillment of our products from quality, low-cost sources. These partners are integral to our success, providing, we believe, the ability to scale as needed. We store all of our products, except for Ooh La Lemin, in our warehouses located in Greer, South Carolina and Melbourne, Florida. Ooh La Lemin is stored in our co-packers’ warehouse.

Our ability to estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly with new products, and may be less precise during periods of rapid growth, particularly in new markets. If we materially underestimate demand for our products, are unable to secure sufficient ingredients or raw materials, including, but not limited to, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, caps, labels, flavors, juice concentrates, coffee, tea, dietary ingredients, other ingredients, and certain sweeteners, are unable to procure adequate packing arrangements, or are unable adequately or timely to ship our products, we might not be able to satisfy demand on a short-term basis. That short-term supply inability may also result in a longer-term reduction in orders for our products.

Raw Materials and Suppliers

The raw materials used in the production of our products are obtained by our co-packers and consist primarily of materials such as the flavors, caffeine, sugars or sucralose, taurine, vitamins, CBD, and hemp seed protein contained in our beverages, the bottles in which our beverages are packaged, and the labeling on the outside of our beverages. These principal raw materials are subject to price and availability fluctuations. We currently rely on a few key co-packers, which in turn rely on a few key suppliers. We continually endeavor to have back-up co-packers, which co-packers would in turn depend on their third-party suppliers to supply certain of the flavors and concentrates that are used in our beverages. We are also dependent on these co-packers to negotiate arrangements with their existing suppliers that would enable us to obtain access to certain of such concentrates or flavor formulas under certain extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, in a limited number of cases, our co-packers may have contractual restrictions with their suppliers or our co-packers may need to obtain regulatory approvals and licenses that may limit our co-packers’ ability to enter into agreements with alternative suppliers. Contractual restrictions in the agreements we have with certain distributors may also limit our ability to enter into agreements with alternative distributors. We believe that a satisfactory supply of co-packers will continue to be available at competitive prices, although there can be no assurance in this regard. With respect to Gold Leaf’s operations, we continually endeavor to contract with additional beverage vendors to ensure we have adequate inventory. We believe that a satisfactory supply of vendors will continue to be available at competitive prices, although there can be no assurance in this regard.

Quality Control

All quality control is handled by our co-packers. To date, we have not had any quality issues with our products. In the future, if any quality issues were to arise, we expect that we would resolve them with the specific co-packer involved or engage a new co-packer for our products.

Distribution

Distribution patterns in the energy drink and water industries are such that large buying groups dictate what products are used in their channels. Working with these large buying groups could open large distribution channels that could potentially supply our product offerings in several market segments. We have distribution agreements with each distributor with which we partner that distributes our products. Our distribution agreements are for a one-year term and typically automatically renews unless the distributor or we terminate the agreement. We ship product directly from our distribution center in South Carolina, our warehouse in Florida, or directly from our co-packers to our distribution partners in the United States. Our distributors consist of state-wide tier 1 distributors and regional small-to-medium size distributors.

Business Strategy

We have pursued specific and definable market segments with a multi-tiered, multi-channel approach. We have leveraged our products with direct sales and a distribution strategy using established beverage distributors. We are pursuing direct-ship opportunities, such as grocery stores and convenient stores, which would allow us to ship product to one location where the direct-ship store could then self-distribute our product to its multiple retail locations. We also continue to focus on our online presence by selling our products on popular e-commerce websites, such as Amazon.com, where we ship bulk product to its warehouse and Amazon handles all product fulfillment. Finally, we operate three e-commerce websites, where we sell directly to consumers in the United States. We continue to look to online retail markets and additional established distributors for revenue growth.

Marketing Strategy

Our sales and marketing strategy for all of our beverage products is to focus on developing brand awareness through image enhancing programs and product samplings. We use our branded vehicles and other promotional vehicles at events, where we offer samples of our products to consumers. We utilize “push-pull” methods to enhance shelf and display space exposure in sales outlets (including racks, coolers, and barrel coolers), advertising, in-store promotions, and in-store placement of point-of-sale materials to encourage demand from consumers for our products. We collaborate with external marketing companies with diverse experience in product design, innovative thinking, transparency in decision-making, brand metrics, executive management, sales, and strategic marketing. We also support our brands with prize promotions, price promotions, competitions, endorsements from selected public and sports figures, sports personality endorsements, sampling and sponsorship of selected athletes, teams, series, bands, esports, causes, and events. In-store posters, outdoor posters, social media (directly and through our sponsorships and endorsements), and coupons may also be used to promote our brands.

We believe that one of the keys to success in the beverage industry is differentiation, making our brands and products visually appealing and distinctive from other beverages on the shelves of retailers. We review our products and packaging on an ongoing basis and, where practical, endeavor to make them different and unique. The labels and graphics for many of our products are redesigned and refreshed from time to time in order to maximize their visibility and identification, wherever they may be placed in stores, which we continue to reevaluate from time to time.

Promotion Strategy

Public relations and industry media have helped in our over-all market awareness plans. Our announcements of distribution partnerships have assisted in identifying new partners to distribute our products. We believe that announcing these partnerships in industry specific media help expand market awareness of our products. Feature articles and product reviews have also helped launch and support brand awareness. We include our products in industry specific buying guides, which has assisted in creating new relationship with distributors and retail outlets. Finally, we focus on creating products that we believe taste great and use attractive branding with our labels and other materials to catch consumers’ attention either in person at a retail store or online on a website.

Pricing Strategy

We strive to set the pricing of products at levels that are competitive with leaders in each respective market segment. We offer industry-standard discounts to distributors and retailers. We do not typically include quantity discounts but such discounts may be negotiated with major buying groups.

Sales Strategy

Our sales strategy is to exploit the low carb and low-calorie beverage market, along with the energy drink and water markets in 2023, with the groundwork that we laid out in 2021 and 2022. We believe that tradeshows will play a major role in creating market awareness of our brands. Currently, our lemonade and energy drinks are available for sale on Amazon.com, Inc.’s website, the largest internet-based retailer in the United States.

Our sales and marketing strategy for all our beverages is to focus our efforts on developing brand awareness through image enhancing programs and product sampling. We use our branded vehicles and other promotional vehicles at events where we offer samples of our products to consumers. We utilize “push-pull” methods to enhance shelf and display space exposure in sales outlets (including racks, coolers, and barrel coolers), advertising, in-store promotions, and in-store placement of point-of-sale materials to encourage demand from consumers for our products. We also support our brands with prize promotions, price promotions, competitions, endorsements from selected public and sports figures, sports personality endorsements, sampling and sponsorship of selected athletes, teams, series, bands, esports, causes, and events. In-store posters, outdoor posters, social media (directly and through our sponsorships and endorsements) and coupons may also be used to promote our brands.

We believe that one of the keys to success in the beverage industry is differentiation, making our brands and products visually appealing and distinctive from other beverages on the shelves of retailers. We review our products and packaging on an ongoing basis and, where practical, endeavor to make them different and unique. The labels and graphics for many of our products are redesigned and refreshed from time to time to maximize their visibility and identification, wherever they may be placed in stores, which we continue to reevaluate from time to time.

Intellectual Property

Our policy is to protect our intellectual property through, among other things, a combination of trade secrets, know-how, and trademarks. We have taken measures to protect our trade secrets and know-how, to the extent possible. We have three trademarks. One is for use of “Kona Gold Hemp Energy Drinks” registered in the Company’s name. The second trademark is for the use of “HighDrate” registered in the Company’s name. The third trademark is for the use of “OOH LA LEMIN” registered in the Company’s name. We do not have any patents.

Government Regulation and Compliance

The production, distribution, and sale in the United States of many of our products are subject to various U.S. federal and state regulations, including, but not limited to: the FDCA; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; various environmental statutes; the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (“California Proposition 65”); and a number of other federal, state, and local statutes and regulations applicable to the production, transportation, sale, safety, advertising, marketing, labeling, and ingredients of such products.

Further, the regulation of food products in the United States, including products containing CBD, is complex, multi-faceted, and currently undergoing significant change. The FDA, the FTC, the USDA, and other regulatory authorities at the federal, state, and local levels extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, composition, production, import, export, labeling, storage, distribution, promotion, marketing, and post-market reporting of foods, including those that contain CBD. We, along with our third-party suppliers, co-packers, and third-party bottlers, are required to navigate a complex regulatory framework. The various federal, state, and local regulations regarding foods containing CBD are evolving, and we continue to monitor those developments. However, we cannot predict the timing, scope, or terms of any new or revised state, federal or local regulations relating to animal foods containing CBD.

Regulation of Hemp and CBD

Historically, the DEA regulated CBD, pursuant to the CSA, which establishes a framework of controls over certain substances, depending on whether they are classified in one of five risk-based schedules. Schedule I substances are the most stringently controlled, as they have been determined to have a high potential for abuse, there are no currently accepted medical uses in the United States, and there is a lack of accepted safety for use of the substance under medical supervision. The CSA classifies “marijuana” as a Schedule I controlled substance and previously defined “marijuana” to include all parts of the cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds of the plant; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound mixture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or its resin (with a few exceptions, such as mature stalks of the plant and seeds incapable of germination). Pursuant to this definition, the DEA interpreted CBD to fall within the statutory definition of “marijuana” as a compound or derivative of the cannabis plant.

In February 2014, Congress enacted the 2014 Farm Bill to allow for the limited growth and cultivation of industrial hemp, which was defined as including all parts of the cannabis plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. This statute also allowed, as permitted by state law, the growing and cultivating of industrial hemp under the auspices of a state agricultural pilot program and by institutions of higher education and state departments of agriculture.

In December 2018, Congress enacted the 2018 Farm Bill to allow more broadly for the production of hemp pursuant to state and tribal plans overseen by the USDA. The 2018 Farm Bill amended the statutory definition of “marijuana” under the CSA specifically to exclude “hemp”, which is defined as any part of the cannabis plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Under this definition, as long as CBD meets the statutory definition of “hemp,” then it is no longer a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA. However, the 2018 Farm Bill did not modify the FDCA and specifically preserved the FDA’s authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, such as CBD, pursuant to the FDCA.

Under the 2018 Farm Bill framework, states and Native American tribes may submit to the USDA, through the relevant state department of agriculture, a plan under which the state or Native American tribe will monitor and regulate the production of industrial hemp. For those states that do not have an approved state plan, the production of hemp will be subject to a USDA established plan, although states retain the ability to prohibit hemp production within their borders. On October 31, 2019, the USDA issued the IFR to implement the 2018 Farm Bill, which established the required regulatory framework governing commercial hemp production in the United States. The USDA has begun reviewing hemp production plans submitted by state and tribal governments, although several states have informed the USDA that they will continue to operate under their 2014 Farm Bill pilot programs for the time being. Pursuant to the 2018 Farm Bill, the 2014 Farm Bill will remain effective until October 31, 2020 (one year after the date of publication of the IFR). In addition, no state or Native American tribe may prohibit the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp products produced in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill through the state or territory, as applicable. The USDA has interpreted this provision also to apply to interstate transportation of hemp that complies with the 2014 Farm Bill through October 31, 2020. Effective March 22, 2021, The USDA issued the final rule, which creates the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The program provides requirements for maintaining records about the land where hemp is produced, testing the levels of total delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, disposing of non-compliant plants, licensing hemp producers, and ensuring compliance under the new program. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), has been delegated authority to administer the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program.

FDA Regulation of Foods

The FDA regulates foods under the FDCA and its implementing regulations. The FDCA defines “food” as articles used for food or drink for people or animals, which includes products that are intended primarily for nutritional use, taste, or aroma and the components of such products. The FDA also imposes certain requirements on foods relating to their composition, production, labeling, and marketing. Among other items, the facilities in which our products and ingredients are produced must register with the FDA, comply with cGMPs and comply with a range of food safety requirements.

Although foods are not required to obtain premarket approval from the FDA, any substance that is added to or is expected to become a component of food must be used in accordance with a food additive regulation, unless it is generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”) under the conditions of its intended use. A food may be adulterated if it uses an ingredient that is neither GRAS nor an approved food additive, and that food may not be legally marketed in the United States. The FDA has confirmed that the use of cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds in food products is subject to these food additive requirements. At this time, there are no approved food additive petitions or regulations for any cannabis-derived food additive and, while the FDA has issued a “no questions” response to certain GRAS notifications for hemp seed products, these GRAS determinations do not encompass hemp and CBD products more generally.

Additionally, the FDCA prohibits the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any food that contains an approved drug for which substantial clinical investigations have been instituted and made public (unless certain exceptions apply). Under this prohibition, the FDA has stated that foods that contain CBD are adulterated because CBD is an active ingredient in an FDA-approved drug that was the subject of substantial clinical investigations before it was marketed as a food, and that none of the exceptions applies.

Although the FDA has stated that it interprets the FDCA to prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any food into which CBD has been added and has taken enforcement action against marketers of certain CBD products (some in collaboration with the FTC), the FDA is in the process of evaluating its regulatory approach to products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds. The FDA has formed an internal working group to evaluate the issue and on May 31, 2019 held a public hearing to obtain scientific data and information about the safety, producing, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. The hearing featured extensive discussion from a variety of stakeholders regarding the use of hemp and CBD in FDA-regulated products, including foods. At the hearing, FDA stated that, while it does not have a policy of enforcement discretion with respect to any CBD products, the agency’s biggest concern is the marketing of products that puts the health and safety of consumers at risk, such as those claiming to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, or cure serious diseases in the absence of requisite drug approvals.

Further, on March 5, 2020, the FDA issued a report to Congress that was required under the 2018 Farm Bill in which the agency announced that it is currently evaluating a risk-based enforcement policy for CBD to provide more clarity to the industry and the public while the agency takes potential steps to establish a clear regulatory pathway. Although it is unclear whether or when the FDA will ultimately issue such an enforcement policy, the agency reemphasized that it will continue to take action against unlawful CBD products that pose a risk of harm to the public, including products with therapeutic claims; products that include contaminants such as heavy metals, THC, and other harmful substances; products associated with false statements, such as omitted ingredients and incorrect statements about the amount of CBD; and products marketed to vulnerable populations, such as infants and children.

The labeling of foods is regulated by both the FDA and state regulatory authorities. FDA regulations require proper identification of the product, a net quantity statement, a statement of the name and place of business of the producer or distributor, and proper listing of all of the ingredients in order of predominance by weight. The FDA may classify some of our products differently than we do and may impose more stringent regulations, which could lead to possible enforcement action.

Under the FDCA, the FDA may require the recall of a food product if there is a reasonable probability that the product is adulterated or misbranded, and the use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. In addition, food producers may voluntarily recall or withdraw their products from the market. If the FDA believes that our products are adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise marketed in violation of the FDCA, the agency may take further enforcement action, including:

Legislation may be introduced in the United States at the federal, state, and municipal level in respect of each of the subject areas. Public health officials and health advocates are increasingly focused on the public health consequences associated with obesity, especially as it affects children, and are seeking legislative change to reduce the consumption of sweetened beverages. There also has been an increased focus on caffeine content in beverages.

The FDA revised regulations with respect to serving size information and nutrition labeling on food and beverage products, including requirements to disclose the amount of added sugars in such products. In December 2018, the USDA promulgated regulations requiring that, by January 1, 2022, the labels of certain bioengineered foods must include a disclosure that the food is bioengineered. We may incur significant costs to alter our existing packaging materials to comply with these and other new regulations. Additionally, these new regulations may impact, reduce, or otherwise affect the purchase and consumption of our products by consumers.

Proposals to limit or restrict the sale and/or advertising of energy drinks to minors or persons below a specified age, to restrict the venues in which energy drinks can be sold, or to restrict the use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps) to purchase energy drinks have been raised or enacted in certain states, counties, and municipalities throughout the United States. Any such limitations or restrictions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We also may in the future be affected by other existing, proposed, and potential future regulations or regulatory actions, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Changes in government regulation, or failure to comply with existing regulations, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Environmental Compliance

Our facilities in the United States are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor do we expect such compliance will have, any material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, net income, or competitive position. We believe that we are not subject to any material costs for compliance with any environmental laws.

Insurance

Our products are subject to risks. While we have planned for these contingencies and have purchased insurance to address potential liabilities associated with product production, there can be no assurance that all potential liabilities will be covered by insurance or that the insurance coverage will be adequate.

Employees

We believe the people who work for us are critical to our continued success. As of March 27, 2023, we employed a total of 21 persons, all of whom were employed on a full-time basis. We strive to attract and retain qualified personnel; however, due to the size and scope of our business, we do not have any formal human capital strategies.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We have a limited operating history on which to judge our new business prospects and management.

We commenced operations in the beverage industry in 2015. Accordingly, we have only a limited operating history upon which to have to base an evaluation of our business and prospects. Operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties and we cannot assure you that we will achieve or sustain profitability. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks encountered by companies in the early stage of development, particularly companies in new and rapid evolving markets. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address any of these risks.

We have incurred losses in recent years and may never achieve or maintain profitability.

We have had losses for several years and had an accumulated deficit of $23,613,208 at December 31, 2022, which included our net loss of $7,313,035 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to an accumulated deficit of $16,300,173, which included net loss of $7,020,137 for year ended December 31, 2021. We have implemented several initiatives intended to improve our revenues and reduce our operating costs with a goal of profitability. If we are unsuccessful in this regard, it will have a material adverse impact on our business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. Our prior losses have had, and any future losses may continue to have, an adverse effect on our working capital. If we fail to generate revenue and become profitable, or if we are unable to fund our continuing losses, our stockholders could lose all or part of their investment.

Our recurring losses and significant accumulated deficit have raised substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.

We have experienced recurring operating losses over the last two years and have a significant accumulated deficit. We expect to continue to generate operating losses and consume significant cash resources for the foreseeable future. Without additional financing, these conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, meaning that we may be unable to continue operations for the foreseeable future or realize assets and discharge liabilities in the ordinary course of operations. If we seek additional financing to fund our business activities in the future and there remains doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, investors or other financing sources may be unwilling to provide additional funding on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding, our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we may have to liquidate our assets and may receive less than the value at which those assets are carried on our financial statements, and it is likely that our stockholders will lose all or a part of their investment.

We do not have sufficient working capital to fund our planned operations, and, as a result, we may need to raise additional capital in the future, which may not be available when needed, on acceptable terms or at all.

We have limited capital resources. To date, we have financed our operations entirely through equity investments by our management and other investors, the incurrence of debt, salary deferments, and stock issuance deferments, and we expect to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we relied on aggregate of approximately $6.3 million from incurrence of debt, salary deferments, and stock issuance deferments, to fund our operations. Taking into account the issuance of a $250,000 note payable on March 25, 2022, $500,000 debenture on May 4, 2022, the issuance of a $595,000 debenture on July 29, 2022, the issuance of a $250,000 note payable on September 30, 2022, the issuance of approximately $217,000 note payable on December 16, 2022, the issuance of a $900,000 debenture on February 10, 2021, the issuance of a $600,000 debenture on June 10, 2021, the issuance of a $1.5 million debenture on August 20, 2021, and an additional issuance of a $1.5 million debenture on November 1, 2021.

The Company believes it has enough cash to sustain operations through December 31, 2023. Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company received proceeds of $760,000 on the sale of notes, including the draw of $200,000 from the issuance of $200,000 line of credit on March 7, 2023, the draw of $85,000 from the issuance of $85,000 line of credit on March 9, 2023, the issuance of a $475,000 debenture on March 13, 2023, and the entry into an equity line of credit of up to $5,000,000 on March 30, 2023 (that, as of the Date of this Annual Report, the Company has not utilized). Taking into account our planned activities and sources of capital, we believe that we will not require additional funding of our financial obligations and operations for the next 12 months in excess of what we anticipate that we will generate from our operations and the potential use of the equity line of credit. However, our estimates of our operating revenues and expenses and working capital requirements could be incorrect, and we may use our cash resources faster than we anticipate. Further, some or all of our ongoing or planned investments may not be successful and could further deplete our capital without immediate, or any, cash returns.

Until we can generate sufficient revenues to finance our cash requirements from our operations, which we may never do, we may need to increase our liquidity and capital resources by one or more measures, which may include, among others, reducing operating expenses, restructuring our balance sheet by negotiating with creditors and vendors, entering into strategic partnerships or alliances, or raising additional financing through the issuance of debt, equity, or convertible securities. Further, even if our near-term liquidity expectations prove correct, we may still seek to raise capital through one or more of these financing alternatives. However, we may not be able to obtain capital when needed or desired, on terms acceptable to us or at all.

Inadequate working capital would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations and could cause us to fail to execute our business plan, fail to take advantage of future opportunities, or fail to respond to competitive pressures or customer requirements. A lack of sufficient funding may also require us to significantly modify our business model and/or reduce or cease our operations. Furthermore, if we continue to issue equity or convertible debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing stockholders may experience significant dilution, and the new equity or debt securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges that are superior to those of our existing stockholders. We may incur substantial costs in pursuing any future capital-raising transactions, including investment banking, legal and accounting fees, printing and distribution expenses, and other similar costs, which would reduce the benefit of the capital received from the transaction.

The COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

In January 2020, the WHO announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19) that originated in Wuhan, China and generated significant risks to the international community as the virus spread globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic based on the rapid increase in global exposure. The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting businesses and affecting production and sales across a range of industries, as well as causing volatility in the financial markets. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s consumer demand, sales, and financial performance will depend on certain developments, including, among other things, the duration and spread of the outbreak and the impact on the Company’s consumers and employees, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. Management is actively monitoring this situation and potential impacts on our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.

We sell our products in highly competitive markets, which results in pressure on our profit margins and limits our ability to maintain or increase the market share of our products.

The beverage business is a highly competitive and risky business, and is subject to significant competition and pricing pressures. We compete with many national, regional, and local businesses, many of which have more resources than we do. We could experience increased competition from existing or new companies in the energy and beverage market, which could create increasing pressures to grow our business. Competitors could offer products with prices that may match or are lower than the prices we offer. While we believe that the products we offer are generally competitive with those offered by other companies, continued pricing pressure or improvements in research and shifts in consumer preferences away from hemp-based beverages could adversely impact our consumer base or pricing structure and could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.

Our future growth is largely dependent upon our ability to expand successfully into new markets and new distribution channels, as well as to attract new consumers to our products.

Our business operates in markets that are characterized by rapidly changing products, evolving industry standards, and potential new entrants. Our future success depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to expand our product offerings into new territories and locations throughout the United States, including having our products offered in national retail stores such as Costco, Walmart, and Target. We cannot provide any assurance that our products will be offered in any such national chain. Failure to expand our distribution network to include distributors with reach into national retail stores will have an adverse effect on our growth, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.

Changes in consumer preferences and perceptions may lessen the demand for our products, which would reduce sales and harm our business.

We believe we are highly dependent upon positive consumer perceptions of the safety and quality of our products, as well as similar products distributed by other companies. Consumer perception of CBD or hemp products in particular can be substantially influenced by scientific research findings, national media attention, and other publicity about product use. Adverse publicity from these sources regarding the safety, quality, or efficacy of our products could harm our reputation and results of operations. If consumer preferences and perceptions of our products change, the resulting demand for our products could decrease, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Increases in our costs materially affect our operating results.

Our principal beverage products contain hemp, CBD, and ginseng. Increases in costs of these, or other ingredients in our products paid by our co-packers, with respect to our Company, or our suppliers, with respect to our Distribution Subsidiary, and the costs of which are passed on to us, could have a material adverse effect on our profit margins, as well as on our business, financial condition, and operating results. Further, other factors, such as inflation, increased food costs, increased labor and employee benefit costs, and increased energy costs may adversely affect our operating costs and we may not be able to pass along any such increased costs to our consumers. Increases in costs could adversely affect our profitability and operating results.

We do not have long-term contracts with any of our co-packers or our suppliers, and as a result they could seek to increase prices significantly or fail to deliver.

We do not rely on written contracts or long-term arrangements with our co-packers or our suppliers. Although we have not experienced significant problems with our co-packers or our suppliers, as applicable, our co-packers or suppliers may implement significant price increases or may not meet our requirements in a timely fashion, if at all. If any undesirable issues occur with our current co-packers or suppliers, we may be forced to find other co-packers and suppliers. We may encounter difficulties in finding substitute co-packers in a timely manner, if at all, given the strict licensing requirements in the CBD industry and the limited number of co-packers that currently hold such licenses that are necessary to comply with federal law. We may not be able to obtain terms as favorable as those received from our current co-packers and suppliers, which in turn would increase our costs. In addition, it is possible that the substitute co-packers and suppliers may not have the necessary materials to meet our demand.

We must monitor our inventory and product mix against forecasted demand on a continuous basis. If we underestimate demand, we risk having inadequate supplies. We also face the risk of having too much inventory on hand that may reach its expiration date and become unsalable, and we may be forced to rely on markdowns or promotional sales to dispose of excess or slow-moving inventory. If we are unable to manage our supply chain effectively, our operating costs could increase and our profit margins could decrease, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results, and cash flow.

Any prolonged disruption in the operations of any of our co-packing facilities could harm our business.

All of our distribution is managed domestically. Any prolonged disruption in the operations of any of these facilities, whether due to technical or labor difficulties, destruction or damage to the facility, real estate issues, or other reasons, could result in increased costs and reduced revenues and our profitability and prospects could be harmed.

We may not be able to manage our co-packing capabilities effectively, which may adversely affect our results of operations.

We must accurately forecast demand for all of our products in order to ensure that we have enough products available to meet the needs of our consumers. Our forecasts are based on multiple assumptions that may cause our estimates to be inaccurate and affect our ability to ensure that we have sufficient co-packing capacity to meet the demand for our products, which could prevent us from meeting increased consumer demand and harm our brand and our business. If we do not accurately align our co-packing capabilities with demand, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

If the ingredients used in our products are contaminated, alleged to be contaminated, or are otherwise rumored to have adverse effects, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

We, through our co-packers, buy ingredients from a variety of third-party suppliers. If these materials are alleged or prove to include contaminants that affect the safety or quality of our products or are otherwise rumored to have adverse effects, for any reason, we may sustain the costs of, and possible litigation resulting from, a product recall and need to find alternative ingredients, to delay production, or to discard or otherwise dispose of products, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, even if product liability claims against us are not successful or are not fully pursued, these claims could be costly and time-consuming and could require our management to spend their time defending claims, rather than operating our business.

Our business depends, in part, on the sufficiency and effectiveness of our marketing.

Due to the competitive nature of our industry, we must effectively and efficiently promote and market our products through advertisements to sustain and improve our competitive position in our market. Marketing investments may be costly. In addition, we may, from time to time, change our marketing strategies and spending. We may also change our marketing strategies and spending in response to actions by our consumers, competitors, and other companies that produce and/or distribute beverage products. The sufficiency and effectiveness of our marketing are important to our ability to retain and improve our market share and margins. If our marketing is not successful or if we fail to implement sufficient and effective marketing or adequately respond to changes in industry marketing strategies, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Loss of key personnel or our inability to attract and retain new qualified personnel could hurt our business and inhibit our ability to operate and grow successfully.

We have benefited substantially from the leadership and performance of our senior management, as well as other key employees. Our ability to grow our brand successfully hinges on our ability to retain our current management and key employees, and to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to retain our personnel or attract new, qualified personnel. In addition, we do not maintain any “key person” life insurance policies. The loss of the services of members of our senior management or key employees could prevent or delay the implementation and completion of our strategic objectives or divert management’s attention to seeking qualified replacements. If we are unable to attract or retain key personnel, our profitability and growth potential could be harmed.

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property adequately, which could harm the value of our brands and branded products and adversely affect our business.

We depend in large part on our brands and branded products and believe that they are very important to our business, as well as on our proprietary hemp-infused processes. We rely on a combination of trademarks, trade secrets, and similar intellectual property rights to protect our brands and branded products. The success of our business depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks in order to increase brand awareness and further develop our branded products in domestic markets. We own three trademarks that are registered with the USPTO and have another trademark registration pending in the United States. We may not be able to protect our trademarks adequately and our use of trademarks may result in liability for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, or unfair competition. We may from time to time be required to institute litigation to enforce our trademarks or other intellectual property rights, or to protect our trade secrets. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect our sales, profitability, and prospects, regardless of whether we are able to successfully enforce our rights. Our failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We may be subject to product liability claims or regulatory actions if our products are alleged to have caused significant loss or injury.

We may be subject to product liability claims, regulatory action, and litigation if our products are alleged to have caused loss or injury or failed to include adequate instructions for use or failed to include adequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from consumption of CBD products alone or in combination with medications or other substances could also occur. In addition, the sale of any ingested product involves a risk of injury due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Our products may also be subject to product recalls, including voluntary recalls or withdrawals, if they are alleged to pose a risk of injury or illness, or if they are alleged to have been mislabeled, misbranded, or adulterated, or otherwise to be in violation of governmental regulations. A product liability claim or regulatory action against us could result in increased costs and could adversely affect our reputation and goodwill with our consumers generally. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain and maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or otherwise to protect against potential product liability claims could result in us becoming subject to significant liabilities that are uninsured and also could adversely affect our commercial arrangements with third parties.

Our annual and quarterly financial results are subject to significant fluctuations due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, which makes our results difficult to predict and could cause our results to fall short of expectations.

Our operating results can vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year depending on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. As a result, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance. Our operating results in future quarters may fall below expectations. Each of the following factors may affect our operating results:

Consequently, our results of operations may decline quickly and significantly in response to changes in order patterns or rapid decreases in demand for our products. We anticipate that fluctuations in operating results will continue in the future; thus, our historical operating results may not be useful to you in predicting our future operating results.

We may require additional capital to finance our operations in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed and could be dilutive to existing stockholders.

We may require additional capital for future operations. We plan to finance anticipated ongoing expenses and capital requirements with funds generated from the following sources: (i) cash provided by operating activities; (ii) available cash and cash investments; and (iii) capital raised through debt and equity transactions. Current conditions in the capital markets are such that traditional sources of capital may not be available to us when needed or may be available only on unfavorable terms. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions, and a number of other factors, many of which are outside of our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital successfully at all or on terms that are acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, it may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Further, if we raise capital by issuing stock, the holdings of our existing stockholders will be diluted.

If we raise capital by issuing debt securities, such debt securities would rank senior to our shares of common stock, $0.00001 par value per share (our “Common Stock”), upon our bankruptcy or liquidation. In addition, we may raise capital by issuing equity securities that may be senior to our Common Stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions, which may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. Finally, upon bankruptcy or liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of our preferred stock and our lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our Common Stock. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our Common Stock, or both.

The success of our new and existing products is uncertain.

We have committed, and expect to continue to commit, significant resources and capital to develop and market existing product enhancements and new products. These products are relatively untested, and we cannot assure you that we will achieve market acceptance for these products, or other new products that we may offer in the future. Moreover, these and other new products may be subject to significant competition with offerings by new and existing competitors. In addition, new products and enhancements may pose a variety of technical challenges and require us to attract additional qualified employees. The failure to develop and market these new products or enhancements successfully could seriously harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our business is dependent upon market acceptance by consumers.

We are substantially dependent on market acceptance of our products by consumers, our ability to change with consumer tastes, and to meet consumer needs with new products. If consumers do not accept our products, our sales and revenue will either fail to materialize or decline, resulting in a reduction in our operating income or possible increases in losses. Demand for CBD and hemp products is also influenced by the popularity of certain aesthetics, cultural and demographic trends, marketing and advertising expenditures, legality concerns, and general economic conditions. Because these factors can change rapidly, consumer demand also can shift quickly. The success of new product introductions depends on various factors, including product selection and quality, sales and marketing efforts, and timely production. We may not always be able to respond quickly and effectively to changes in consumer taste and demand due to the amount of time and financial resources that may be required to bring new products to market. The inability to respond quickly to market changes could have an impact on our expected growth potential and the growth potential of the market for CBD and hemp beverages. Even if this market develops, we may not succeed in our plan to become a category leader. Although we believe that our products in the United States are gaining better consumer acceptance, we cannot predict the future growth rate and size of this market.

If we are able to expand our operations, we may be unable to manage our future growth successfully.

If we are able to expand our operations in the United States, as planned, we may experience periods of rapid growth, which will require additional resources. Any such growth could place substantial strain on our management and our operational, financial, and other resources, and we will need to train, motivate, and manage current employees, as well as attract management, sales, finance and accounting, technical, and other professionals. In addition, we will need to expand the scope of our infrastructure and our physical resources. Any failure to expand these areas and implement appropriate procedures and controls in an efficient manner and at a pace consistent with our business objectives and such growth could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Any future litigation, or settlements resulting from legal proceedings relating to our business operations, could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, and financial condition, and liquidity.

From time to time, we may be subject to allegations, and may be party to legal claims and regulatory proceedings, relating to our business operations. Such allegations, claims, and proceedings may be brought by third parties, including our consumers, employees, governmental or regulatory bodies, or competitors. Defending against such claims and proceedings, regardless of their merits or outcomes, is costly and time consuming and may divert management’s attention and personnel resources from our normal business operations, and the outcome of many of these claims and proceedings cannot be predicted. If any of these claims or proceedings were to be determined adversely to us, a judgment, a fine, or a settlement involving a payment of a material sum of money were to occur, or injunctive relief were issued against us, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Our reputation could also be affected and such adverse litigation results or publicity may also negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Premiums for our insurance coverage may not continue to be commercially justifiable, and our insurance coverage may have limitations and other exclusions and may not be sufficient to cover our potential liabilities.

We have insurance to protect our assets, operations, and employees. While we believe our insurance coverage addresses all material risks to which we are exposed and is adequate and customary in our current state of operations, such insurance is subject to coverage limits and exclusions and may not be available for the risks and hazards to which we are exposed. No assurance can be given that such insurance will be adequate to cover our liabilities or will be generally available in the future or, if available, that premiums will be commercially justifiable. In addition, insurance that is otherwise readily available, such as general liability, and directors’ and officers’ insurance, may become more difficult for us to find, and become more expensive, due to our CBD products. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to obtain such insurance in the future, or that the cost will be affordable to us. If we are unable to obtain such insurance, or if we were to incur substantial liability that was not covered by insurance or was in excess of policy limits, we may be prevented from entering into certain business sectors, our growth may be inhibited, and we may be exposed to additional risk and financial liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Products

We and our co-packers and suppliers are subject to extensive governmental regulation and may be subject to enforcement if we are not in compliance with applicable requirements.

We and our co-packers and suppliers are subject to a broad range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations that govern, among other issues, the testing, development, production, distribution, marketing, and post-market reporting of foods, including those that contain CBD. These include laws administered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), and other federal, state, and local regulatory authorities. Because we market products that are regulated as food, we and the companies that co-pack our products are subject to the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and regulations promulgated thereunder by the FDA. The statute and regulations govern, among other things, the production, composition, ingredients, packaging, labeling, and safety of beverages. The FDA requires that facilities that produce food products comply with a range of requirements, including hazard analysis and preventative controls regulations, current good manufacturing practices (“cGMPs”), and supplier verification requirements. Production facilities are subject to periodic inspection by federal, state, and local authorities. If we cannot successfully contract with co-packers for our products and if they cannot conform to our specifications and the strict regulatory requirements of the FDA and applicable state and local laws, they may be subject to adverse inspectional findings or enforcement actions, which could materially impact our ability to market our products, could result in their inability to continue to co-pack for us, or could result in a recall of our products that have already been distributed. If the FDA or other regulatory authority determines that we or they have not complied with the applicable regulatory requirements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely impacted. If we do not comply with labeling requirements, including making unlawful claims about our products, we could be subject to public warning letters and possible further enforcement actions (which other companies distributing CBD products have faced).

Failure by us, our co-packers, or our suppliers to comply with applicable laws and regulations or to obtain and maintain necessary permits, licenses, and registrations relating to our operations could subject us to administrative and civil penalties, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, warning letters, restrictions on the production or marketing of our products, or refusals to permit the import or export of products, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any or all of which could result in increased operating costs resulting in a material effect on our operating results and business.

The FDA has stated that it interprets the FDCA to prohibit the sale of food products that contain CBD. The FDA is currently evaluating a potential regulatory pathway for CBD products pursuant to its current authority; but, unless and until such changes are promulgated, the FDA and other federal and state regulatory authorities could take enforcement action to prevent us from marketing beverages with CBD, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations or cause us to halt product sales altogether.

Although hemp and CBD are no longer controlled substances subject to regulation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (the “DEA”), the FDA has stated publicly that it is nonetheless unlawful under the FDCA to introduce food containing CBD into interstate commerce. The FDCA prohibits the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any food that contains an approved drug or a drug for which substantial clinical investigations have been instituted and made public, unless a statutory exemption applies. The FDA has publicly stated its conclusion that none of the statutory exceptions has been met for CBD.

On May 31, 2019, the FDA held a public hearing to obtain scientific data and information about the safety, production, product quality, marketing, labeling, and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds (such as CBD) to provide the FDA with information as it considers policy options related to the regulation of these products, particularly in light of the changes to the legal status of hemp enacted in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the “2018 Farm Bill”). The FDA has also formed an internal working group to evaluate the potential pathways to market for CBD products, which could include seeking statutory changes from Congress or promulgating new regulations. If legislative action is necessary, such legislative changes could take years to finalize and may not include provisions that would enable us to produce, market, and/or sell our CBD products, and the FDA could similarly take years to promulgate new regulations. Additionally, while the FDA’s enforcement focus to date has primarily been on CBD products that are associated with therapeutic claims, the agency has recently issued warning letters to companies that market CBD products without such claims. There is an unquantifiable risk that the FDA could take enforcement action against us, our co-packers, or our suppliers, or those marketing similar products to us, which could limit or prevent us from marketing our products and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. While the FDA announced on March 5, 2020 that it is currently evaluating a risk-based enforcement policy for CBD to provide more clarity to the industry and the public while the agency takes potential steps to establish a clear regulatory pathway, it remains unclear whether or when the FDA will ultimately issue such an enforcement policy.

Moreover, local, state, federal, and international CBD, hemp, and cannabis laws and regulations are rapidly changing and subject to evolving interpretations, which could require us to incur substantial costs associated with compliance requirements or alteration of certain aspects of our business plan in the event that our CBD products become subject to new restrictions. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our operations. It is also possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will be directly applicable to our products. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations, or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our activities in the hemp and CBD industry. The constant evolution of laws and regulations may require us to incur substantial costs associated with legal and compliance fees and ultimately require us to alter our business plan.

Our products contain CBD derived from hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill enacted a number of changes to the legal status of hemp and hemp products, including removal from the statutory list of controlled substances. However, implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill is ongoing, and there is still significant uncertainty regarding the legal status of hemp and hemp-based products under U.S. law.

Our products that contain CBD are subject to various state and federal laws regarding the production and sale of hemp-based products. Historically, the DEA had interpreted CBD to be subject to the Controlled Substances Act (the “CSA”) under the definition for “marijuana,” a Schedule I controlled substance. However, the 2018 Farm Bill removed “hemp,” from the definition of “marijuana.” “Hemp” is defined as the plant, Cannabis sativa L., and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. As a result of the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, and since we believe that the CBD contained in our products and the hemp from which it is derived meet the definition of “hemp,” we believe that our CBD products and the hemp from which they are derived are not Schedule I controlled substances under the CSA. However, there is a risk that we could be subject to enforcement action, including prosecution, if any of our products are determined not to meet the definition of “hemp” and to constitute “marijuana” under the CSA based on THC levels or other violations, which would have a negative impact on our business and operations.

In addition, the 2018 Farm Bill contained provisions that require the USDA, among other things, to promulgate a new regulatory framework that will govern the growth and cultivation of hemp, where hemp grown in compliance with the framework would be permitted in interstate commerce throughout the United States. On October 31, 2019, the USDA issued an interim final rule (“IFR”) establishing the regulations necessary for domestic hemp production, including provisions for the USDA to approve plans submitted by states and Native American tribes for the monitoring and regulation of hemp production at the state level. Effective March 22, 2021, The USDA issued the final rule, which creates the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The program provides requirements for maintaining records about the land where hemp is produced, testing the levels of total delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, disposing of non-compliant plants, licensing hemp producers, and ensuring compliance under the new program. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), has been delegated authority to administer the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. While the 2018 Farm Bill requires state and tribal plans to meet certain basic requirements as outlined in the IFR, nothing preempts or limits state or tribal laws that are more stringent than the 2018 Farm Bill, and the requirements for lawful hemp production will vary from state to state. We and our co-packers and suppliers must expend resources to monitor the evolving federal and state legal landscape for hemp production, and any violations of these laws, or alleged violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our operations.

Within the United States, we and our co-packers and suppliers face a variety of state and local restrictions on the cultivation of hemp, and if state or local regulatory authorities take enforcement action to prevent us from selling our products, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted.

The growth and cultivation of hemp is subject to a complex regulatory framework that is implemented and affected by multiple federal agencies, as well as state and local authorities. In 2014, four years prior to enacting the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress enacted the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the “2014 Farm Bill”) to allow for the limited growth and cultivation of industrial hemp under federal law. This statute allowed institutions of higher education and state departments of agriculture to grow and cultivate industrial hemp for agricultural or other academic research purposes, or for hemp to be grown under the auspices of a state agricultural pilot program, in states where such growth and cultivation is legal under state law. While the 2014 Farm Bill will be repealed after October 31, 2020, and although the 2018 Farm Bill created a pathway under which hemp and its derivatives, including CBD, would no longer be a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA and would be protected from interference in interstate commerce, the USDA only recently issued the IFR that contains the regulatory framework that will govern the growth and cultivation of hemp, and, currently, several states continue to operate under the 2014 Farm Bill. Alongside the current federal regulatory developments, state and local authorities have enacted their own restrictions on the cultivation or sale of hemp or hemp-derived CBD, including laws that ban the cultivation or possession of hemp or any other plant of the cannabis genus and derivatives thereof, such as CBD. Currently several states ban the cultivation and possession of hemp or CBD, while others have taken enforcement action against human food products that contain CBD, and states may enact new laws or regulations that prohibit or limit the sale of such products at any time. In the event of a change in federal or state laws and regulations that are adverse to our CBD products, we may be restricted or limited with respect to sale or distribution of those products, which could adversely impact our intended business plan with respect to such products.

The USDA has only recently issued the IFR and started accepting state and tribal hemp production plans for review, and it remains to be seen which states will submit their own regulatory plans for the cultivation of hemp and which will become subject to the USDA framework. The timing and content of state regulatory plans may impact our ability to obtain sufficient quantities of CBD at an acceptable price and on a timely basis. If our current co-packers and suppliers were to face increased regulation or be unable to continue to supply our business, we may be unable to fulfill orders for our products or find a suitable replacement co-packers and suppliers in a timely fashion or with comparable pricing. If our current co-packers or suppliers or any future co-packers or suppliers fail to comply with the applicable regulatory requirements, our business may suffer.

Changes in existing laws or regulations, including how such existing laws or regulations are enforced by federal, state, and local authorities, or the adoption of new laws or regulations may increase our costs and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In addition to the legal framework applicable to hemp and CBD, the production and marketing of food products is highly regulated, and we and our co-packers and suppliers are subject to a variety of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to food. These laws and regulations apply to many aspects of our business, including the co-packing, packaging, labeling, distribution, advertising, sale, quality, and safety of our products. We could incur costs, including fines, penalties, and third-party claims, in the event of any violations of, or liabilities under, such requirements, including any competitor or consumer challenges relating to compliance with such requirements. For example, in connection with the marketing and advertising of our products, we could be the target of claims relating to false or deceptive advertising, including under the auspices of the FTC and state consumer protection statutes.

The regulatory environment in which we operate could change significantly and adversely in the future. The laws and regulations that apply to our products and business may change in the future and we may incur (directly or indirectly through our co-packers or suppliers) material costs to comply with current or future laws and regulations or any required product recalls. Any change in production, labeling, or marketing requirements for our products may lead to an increase in costs or interruptions in our production or raw material supply, either or both of which could adversely affect our operations and financial condition. For example, recent federal and state attention to the sale of CBD-containing products, and specifically food products that contain CBD, could result in standards or requirements that mandate changes to our current product ingredients, labeling, or marketing. New or revised government laws and regulations could significantly limit our ability to operate our business as it is currently being conducted, result in additional compliance costs, and, in the event of noncompliance, could lead to administrative or civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, withdrawals, recalls, or seizures and confiscations, as well as potential criminal sanctions.

Any such changes or actions by the FDA or other regulatory agencies could have a material adverse effect on our co-packers, our suppliers, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Government scrutiny, warnings, and public perception could increase our costs of production and increase our legal and regulatory expenses, and if we are unable to comply with the applicable requirements for marketing beverages, we could face substantial civil and criminal penalties.

Producing, processing, labeling, packaging, storing, and distributing food products are activities that are subject to extensive federal, state, and local regulation. In the United States, these operations are regulated by the FDA and various state and local public health and agricultural agencies. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 provides direct recall authority to the FDA for food products and includes a number of other provisions that are designed to enhance food safety, including increased inspections by the FDA of domestic food facilities. Compliance with government regulation can be costly or may otherwise adversely affect our business. Moreover, failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls, or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We operate in a highly regulated environment with constantly evolving legal and regulatory frameworks. Consequently, we are subject to heightened risk of legal claims, government investigations, or regulatory enforcement actions. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that our employees, temporary workers, contractors, or agents might not violate our policies and procedures. Moreover, a failure to maintain effective regulatory compliance policies and procedures could lead to violations, unintentional or otherwise, of laws and regulations. Legal claims, government investigations, or regulatory enforcement actions arising out of our failure or alleged failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil and criminal penalties that could materially and adversely affect our product sales, reputation, financial condition, and operating results. In addition, the costs and other effects of defending potential and pending litigation and administrative actions against us may be difficult to determine and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Because there has been limited study on the effects of CBD, future nonclinical and clinical research studies and analysis of such studies by third parties, including government agencies, may lead to conclusions that dispute or conflict with our understandings and beliefs regarding the benefits, viability, safety, dosing, and social acceptance of CBD.

Research in the United States and internationally regarding the benefits, viability, safety, and dosing of isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD or THC) remains in relatively early stages. There have been few clinical trials on the benefits of CBD conducted on humans or animals, including studies focused on the consumption of CBD in foods.

Future research and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to statements contained in current articles, reports, and studies regarding CBD or could reach different or negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, dosing, or other facts and perceptions related to CBD, which could adversely affect acceptance of CBD in foods and the demand for such products. Future research may also cause regulatory authorities to change how they enforce regulatory restrictions applicable to hemp and CBD. We cannot predict any negative research and clinical trial findings in the future that may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operation.

Negative publicity from being in the hemp and CBD space could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the plant, Cannabis sativa L., except that hemp, as defined by federal law for exemption from Schedule I of the CSA, has a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. The same plant with a higher THC content is considered to be marijuana, which is legal for medical and recreational use under certain state laws, but which is not legal under federal law. The similarities between these plants can cause confusion, and our activities with hemp may be incorrectly perceived that we are involved in federally illegal marijuana activities.

Further, despite growing support for the cannabis industry and the legalization of marijuana in certain U.S. states, many individuals and businesses remain opposed to the cultivation and sale of cannabis and cannabis-derived products. Any negative publicity resulting from an incorrect perception that we operate in the marijuana space could result in a loss of current or future business. It could also adversely affect the public’s perception of us or our Common Stock and could lead to reluctance by new parties to do business with or to invest in us. We cannot assure you that additional business partners, including, but not limited to, financial institutions and distributors and resellers, will not attempt to end or curtail their relationships with us. Any such negative press or impacts to our business relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our ability to deduct certain business expenses for income tax purposes is subject to uncertainty.

Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), prohibits the deduction of certain otherwise ordinary business expenses from carrying on any trade or business that consists of “trafficking” Schedule I or II controlled substances, as defined by the CSA. Under existing Internal Revenue Service guidance, the bulk of operating costs and general administrative costs of trades or businesses that are subject to Section 280E of the Code are not permitted to be deducted. Although the 2018 Farm Bill created a pathway under which hemp and its derivatives, including CBD, would no longer be a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA, until the USDA implements regulations pursuant to the 2018 Farm Bill, we believe our ability to deduct certain ordinary business expenses requires compliance with the 2014 Farm Bill. We do not believe that Section 280E of the Code currently forbids our deduction of otherwise ordinary business expenses because we believe that we are in compliance with the 2014 Farm Bill and/or the products we sell are from co-packers and suppliers that are compliant with the 2014 Farm Bill. However, until the USDA promulgates regulations under the 2018 Farm Bill, governmentally determined non-compliance with the 2014 Farm Bill by us, our co-packers, or their suppliers may have a material adverse tax effect on us.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock

There is currently a limited public market for our Common Stock; a trading market for our Common Stock may never develop; and our Common Stock prices may be volatile and could decline substantially.

Although from April 15, 2020 to March 14, 2022, our Common Stock was quoted on the OTCQB^® Venture Market, an over-the-counter quotation system maintained by the OTC Markets Group Inc. (the “OTCM”), under the symbol “KGKG,” and, is currently quoted on the Pink^® Open Market, there has been no material public market for our Common Stock. In the over-the-counter market, our stockholders may find it more difficult to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of their shares of our Common Stock and may find fewer buyers to purchase their stock and fewer market makers to support its price than if our Common Stock were listed on a national securities exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, or the Nasdaq Stock Market. As a result of these and other factors, investors may be unable to resell shares of our Common Stock at or above the price at which they purchased them, at or near quoted bid prices, or at all. Further, an inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling additional equity in the future, and may impair our ability to enter into strategic partnerships or acquire companies or products by using shares of our Common Stock as currency.

We intend to list shares of our Common Stock on a national securities exchange in the future; but, we do not now, and may not in the future, meet the initial listing standards of any national securities exchange, which often provides a more widely-traded and liquid market. Some, but not all, of the factors that may delay or prevent the listing of shares of our Common Stock on a national securities exchange include the following: our stockholders’ equity may be insufficient; the market value of our outstanding Common Stock may be too low; our net income from operations may be too low or not sustained for the requisite period of time; our Common Stock may not be sufficiently widely held; we may not be able to secure market makers for our Common Stock; and we may fail to meet other rules and requirements mandated by the several exchanges and markets to have our Common Stock listed. Should we fail to satisfy the initial listing standards of the national securities exchanges, or if our Common Stock is otherwise rejected for listing, and remains quoted on the Pink^® Open Market or again is quoted on the OTCQB^® Venture Market, the quoted price of our Common Stock could suffer and the trading market for our Common Stock may become less liquid and our Common Stock price may be subject to increased volatility.

Therefore, an active, liquid, and orderly trading market for our Common Stock may not initially develop or be sustained, which could significantly depress the public price of our Common Stock and/or result in significant volatility, which could affect your ability to sell your shares of our Common Stock. Even if an active trading market were to develop for our Common Stock, the market price of our Common Stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. Our financial performance, government regulatory action, tax laws, interest rates, and market conditions in general could have a significant impact on the future market price of our Common Stock.

We are not subject to the rules of a national securities exchange requiring the adoption of certain corporate governance measures and, as a result, our stockholders do not have the same protections.

Because our Common Stock was quoted on the OTCQB^® Venture Market from April 15, 2020 to March 14, 2022, and currently, is quoted on the Pink^® Open Market, we are not subject to the rules of a national securities exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE-American, or the Nasdaq Stock Market. National securities exchanges generally require more rigorous measures relating to corporate governance that are designed to enhance the integrity of corporate management. The requirements of the OTCQB^® Venture Market and the Pink^® Open Market afford our stockholders fewer corporate governance protections than those of a national securities exchange. Until we comply with such greater corporate governance measures, even though such compliance is not required by the OTCM for quotations of shares of our Common Stock on the OTCQB^® Venture Market or the Pink^® Open Market, our stockholders will have fewer protections, such as those related to director independence, stockholder approval rights, and governance measures that are designed to provide oversight of a corporation’s management by its board of directors.

Our Common Stock is currently subject to the “penny stock” rules; accordingly, it could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and increase your transaction costs to sell those shares.

The SEC has adopted Rule 3a51-1, which defines a “penny stock” as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Because the price of our Common Stock is less than $5.00 (and we do not meet any of the alternative exemptive criteria), our Common Stock is deemed to be a penny stock. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, Rule 15g-9 requires that a broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our Common Stock and cause a decline in the market value of our Common Stock.

Our stock price has been extremely volatile, which could cause the value of an investment in our Common Stock to decline.

The market price of our Common Stock has been extremely volatile and could be subject to significant fluctuations due to changes in sentiment in the market regarding our operations or business prospects, among other factors. The public price of our Common Stock following the date of this annual report also could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to the risk factors described in this annual report and others beyond our control, including:

In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company’s securities. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in very substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources and harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Because we are a “smaller reporting company,” we will not be required to comply with certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies will make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.

We are a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. As a smaller reporting company, we are eligible for exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies, including, but not limited to:

We will remain a smaller reporting company until the end of the fiscal year in which (1) we have a public common equity float of more than $250 million, or (2) we have annual revenues for the most recently completed fiscal year of more than $100 million plus we have any public common equity float or public float of more than $700 million. We also would not be eligible for status as smaller reporting company if we become an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent company that is not a smaller reporting company.

Sales by our stockholders of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

A substantial portion of the total outstanding shares of our Common Stock may be sold into the market at any time. Some of these shares are owned by our executive officers and directors, and we believe that such holders have no current intention to sell a significant number of shares of our stock. If all of the major stockholders were to decide to sell large amounts of stock over a short period of time, such sales could cause the market price of our Common Stock to drop significantly, even if our business were doing well.

Requirements associated with being a reporting public company will require significant company resources and management attention.

From and after December 31, 2020, we became subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the other rules and regulations of the SEC relating to public companies. We are working with independent legal, accounting, and financial advisors to identify those areas in which changes should be made to our financial and management control systems to manage our growth and our obligations as an SEC reporting company. These areas include corporate governance, internal control, internal audit, disclosure controls, and procedures and financial reporting and accounting systems. We have made, and will continue to make, changes in these and other areas, including our internal control over financial reporting. However, we cannot provide assurances that these and other measures we may take will be sufficient to allow us to satisfy our obligations as an SEC reporting company on a timely basis. Further, while we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to include an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm.

In addition, compliance with reporting and other requirements applicable to SEC reporting companies will create additional costs for us, will require the time and attention of management, and will require the hiring of additional personnel and legal, audit, and other professionals. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of the additional costs we may incur, the timing of such costs, or the impact that our management’s attention to these matters will have on our business and operations.

Our management constitutes some of our largest stockholders, which will allow them to exert significant control over our business and affairs and have actual or potential interests that may depart from those of investors.

As of March 31, 2023, members of our management team beneficially owned approximately 25.03% of our Common Stock. As a result, management has the virtual unfettered ability to control substantially all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval including (i) election of our Board; (ii) removal of any of our directors; (iii) amendment of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our “A&R Certificate of Incorporation”) or our Amended and Restated Bylaws (our “A&R Bylaws”); and (iii) adoption of measures that could delay or prevent a change in control or impede a merger, takeover, or other business combination involving us.

In addition, management’s stock ownership may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.

Any investors will own a minority percentage of our Common Stock and will have minority voting rights.

Our preferred stock may have rights senior to those of our Common Stock, which could adversely affect holders of our Common Stock.

Our A&R Certificate of Incorporation gives our Board the authority to issue one or more additional series of our preferred stock without a vote or any action by our stockholders. Our Board also has the authority to determine the terms of those various series of our preferred stock, including price, preferences, and voting rights. The rights granted to holders of shares of our preferred stock in the future may adversely affect the rights of holders of shares of our Common Stock. Any such authorized series of preferred stock may have a liquidation preference – a pre-set distribution in the event of a liquidation of our Company – that would reduce the amount available for distribution to the holders of shares of our Common Stock or may have dividend rights superior to those provided to the holders of shares of our Common Stock, which could reduce the amount of available for distribution as dividends to holders of shares of our Common Stock. In addition, an authorized series of our preferred stock may have voting rights that are superior to the voting right of the holders of shares of our Common Stock.

We do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

We intend to retain our future earnings, if any, in order to reinvest in the development and growth of our business and, therefore, do not intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, and such other factors as our Board deems relevant. Accordingly, investors may need to sell their shares of our Common Stock to realize a return on their investment, and they may not be able to sell such shares at or above the price paid for them.

We can sell additional shares of our Common Stock without approval of our stockholders and without offering shares to existing stockholders, which would result in dilution of existing stockholders’ interests in us and could depress our stock price.

Our A&R Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 10,500,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, of which 2,139,440,557 are issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023; 1,200,000 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, of which 488,000 shares are issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023; 2,000 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock, of which 1,000 shares are issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023; and 500,000 shares of our Series D Preferred Stock, of which 500,000 shares are issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023, for an aggregate of 988,000 issued and outstanding shares of our preferred stock as of March 31, 2023, which shares of issued and outstanding shares of our preferred stock are convertible into an aggregate of 500,488,000 shares of our Common Stock. Although our Board intends to utilize its reasonable business judgment to fulfill its fiduciary obligations to our then-existing stockholders in connection with any future issuance of our capital stock, the future issuance of additional shares of our Common Stock or preferred stock convertible into shares of our Common Stock would cause immediate, and potentially substantial, dilution to our existing stockholders, which could also have a material effect on the market value of the shares. In addition, the exercise price of any convertible debt securities or the conversion price of any convertible equity securities we may sell and issue in the future could be significantly lower than the market price of our Common Stock on the respective issuance, exercise, or conversion date. Alternatively, we could issue equity securities at a significant discount to the market price of our Common Stock on the issuance date, the occurrence of any of such events could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.

Further, shares of our Common Stock do not have preemptive rights, which means that we can sell shares of our Common Stock to other persons without offering the holders of shares of our Common Stock, or the purchasers in this offering, the right to purchase their proportionate share of such offered shares. Therefore, any additional sales of our capital stock by us could dilute an existing stockholder’s ownership interest in us.

We are an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company, and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies will make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.

We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, enacted in April 2012. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the SOX Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this annual report and our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years following the year in which we complete this offering, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the closing of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which requires the market value of our Common Stock that is held by non-affiliates to exceed $700 million as of the prior June 30^th, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected to “opt out” of this exemption and, therefore, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards at the time public companies adopt the new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards at the time private companies adopt the new or revised accounting standards.

Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” which would allow us to continue to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the SOX, and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this annual report and our periodic reports and proxy statements, to the extent we are required to make such filings. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

Provisions in our A&R Certificate of Incorporation and A&R Bylaws and Delaware law may discourage a takeover attempt even if a takeover might be beneficial to our stockholders.

Provisions contained in our A&R Certificate of Incorporation and A&R Bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us. Provisions in our A&R Certificate of Incorporation and A&R Bylaws impose various procedural and other requirements, which could make it more difficult for stockholders to effect certain corporate actions. For example, our A&R Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board to determine the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions of unissued series of our preferred stock without any vote or action by our stockholders. Thus, our Board can authorize and issue shares of our preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could dilute the voting power of holders of other series of our capital stock. These rights may have the effect of delaying or deterring a change of control of us. Additionally, our A&R Certificate of Incorporation and/or A&R Bylaws establish limitations on the removal of directors and on the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings and include advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board and for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings.

Moreover, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), which prohibits an “interested stockholder” owning in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which such stockholder acquired in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a prescribed manner.

See “Description of Securities – Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Our A&R Certificate of Incorporation, Our A&R Bylaws and Delaware Law.” These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Common Stock.

Claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.

Our A&R Certificate of Incorporation provides that we will indemnify our directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. In addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, our A&R Certificate of Incorporation provides that:

We previously effected a dividend distribution of common stock of Elev8 Hemp, as our wholly-owned subsidiary, and Branded Legacy, Inc., formerly known as Elev8 Brands, Inc. and, prior to that, known as PLAD, Inc. (“Branded Legacy”), which may have violated Section 5 of the Securities Act.

The shares of common stock of Branded Legacy that we distributed to our stockholders were not registered under the Securities Act, and we may not have fully complied with SEC Legal Bulletin No. 4, which requires a company to satisfy five conditions in connection with the spin-off. As a result, we may have violated Section 5 of the Securities Act in that we did not file a registration statement with the SEC and have the same declared effective by the SEC prior to distributing the shares of Branded Legacy common stock. In addition, it is possible that the SEC could commence an enforcement action against us. For additional information regarding the dividend distribution, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We currently lease approximately 4,500 square feet of corporate office and warehouse space located at 746 North Drive, Suite A, Melbourne, Florida 32934. The lease is for a five-year term, and expires on May 31, 2023. The initial monthly base rent was approximately $3,994, plus state taxes. The monthly base rent increases annually by three percent, beginning on June 1, 2019 and each June 1^st thereafter.

Through our subsidiary, Gold Leaf, we also lease a 30,000 square foot warehouse and main distribution hub in Greer, South Carolina. The lease is for a 63-month term that commenced in May 2019. Beginning in April 2022, our monthly rent includes monthly base payments of $10,200, plus applicable monthly CAM fees (Common Area Maintenance). Gold Leaf leases an additional 10,000 square foot building in Conway, South Carolina. The lease is for a 62-month that commenced in October 2021. Our monthly rent is approximately $7,261. Effective December 31, 2022, we consolidated our distribution facilities into our main distribution hub in Greer, SC. We believe our office space, warehouse space, and distribution facilities are sufficient to meet our current needs.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of our business. Although occasional adverse decisions or settlements may occur, we believe that the final disposition of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

As of the date of this Annual Report, we were not a party to any legal proceedings that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results. Further, to our knowledge, no other proceedings have been initiated or threatened against us.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On November 16, 2022, the Company issued 32,512,593 shares of Common Stock to YA II PN, Ltd. upon its conversion of $100,000 of principal, and $789 of accrued interest on a secured convertible debenture, at a per-share price of $0.0031. On November 29, 2022, the Company issued 40,256,440 shares of Common Stock to YA II PN, Ltd. upon its conversion of $100,000 of principal, and $641 of accrued interest on a secured convertible debenture, at a per-share price of $0.0025. On December 9, 2022, the Company issued 40,131,508 shares of Common Stock to YA II PN, Ltd. upon its conversion of $100,000 of principal, and $329 of accrued interest on a secured convertible debenture, at a per-share price of $0.0025. On December 16, 2022, the Company issued 45,506,850 shares of Common Stock to YA II PN, Ltd. upon its conversion of $100,000 of principal, and $115 of accrued interest on a secured convertible debenture, at a per-share price of $0.0022. We issued these shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exception from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. We did not receive any funds resulting from the conversions, as we had received funds from YA II from the secured debentures that we sold to it in May 2022.

On January 10, 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 67,164,179 shares of Common Stock to Mast Hill Fund, L.P. (“Mast Hill”) upon its cashless exercise of 100,000,000 warrants, at a per-share price of $0.0022, for a net issuance of 67,164,179 shares of Common Stock. We issued these shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exception from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. We did not receive any funds resulting from the exercise of the warrants, which were granted in connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement that the Company and Mast Hill entered in July 2022.

On March 1, 2023, the Company issued 72,000,000 shares of Common Stock to Mast Hill upon its conversion of $122,352 of principal, and $35,048 of accrued interest on its Senior Secured Promissory Note, at a per-share price of $0.0022. We issued these shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exception from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. We did not receive any funds resulting from the conversion, as we had received funds from Mast Hill from the secured debenture that we sold to it in July 2022.

On February 16, 2023, we issued 1,000 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock to Robert Clark. As of that date, there were 169,999,860 shares of Common Stock that were issuable to Mr. Clark. For this issuance, we utilized 1,000 of such issuable shares. We issued these shares of Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to the exception from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act in that this transaction did not constitute a public offering and there was no general solicitation in connection with such issuance. We did not receive any funds in connection with this issuance, as such shares had previously been expensed in connection with Mr. Clark’s employment agreement.

Market Information

As of March 30, 2023, our Common Stock is quoted on the Pink^® Open Market under the symbol “KGKG.” From April 15, 2020 to March 14, 2022, our Common Stock was quoted on the OTCQB^® Venture Market.

The table below sets forth the high and low closing prices of our Common Stock during the periods indicated, as reported by the OTCM. The market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown, or commissions and may not reflect actual transactions.

(1) First quarter though March 30, 2023.

Holders

On March 31, 2023 there were approximately 99 holders of record of our Common Stock. This does not include an indeterminate number of persons who hold our Common Stock in brokerage accounts and otherwise in “street name.” As of such date, 2,139,440,557 shares of our Common Stock were issued and outstanding.

Dividends

We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to support our operations and finance the growth and development of our business. We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future. Any future determination related to dividend policy will made at the discretion of our Board.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes and the other financial information that are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion includes forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions. Forward-looking statements are statements not based on historical information and which relate to future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates, forecasts, and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control and many of which, with respect to future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us, or on our behalf. We disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under the “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” and “Description of Business” sections in this Annual Report. We use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. We and our representatives may from time to time make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking,” including statements contained in this Annual Report and other filings with the SEC, reports to our stockholders, and news releases. All statements that express expectations, estimates, forecasts, or projections are forward-looking statements. In addition, other written or oral statements which constitute forward-looking statements may be made by us or on our behalf. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “may,” “should,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in or suggested by such forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Reports to confirm forward-looking statements to actual results. Important factors on which such statements are based are assumptions concerning uncertainties, including, but not limited to, uncertainties associated with the following:

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto which are included in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ substantially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements included in this discussion as a result of various factors.

Results of Operations

Our business has grown rapidly since inception in 2015, and we anticipate that our business will continue to grow significantly. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company saw an increase in growth compared to the same period of the prior year period, as this was mostly attributable to increased retail revenue. Our. The Company acquired S and S Beverage, Inc. (“S and S”), in early 2021, which increased our product variety, resulting in the commencement of new distribution contracts.

We derive our revenue from sales of our products to online consumers, to resellers, and to distributors, Product sales to resellers include sales to convenience stores, grocery stores, and smoke and gift shops that complement our current product offering. Product sales to distributors include Kona energy drinks, our HighDrate CBD-infused energy waters, and our apparel, such as t-shirts and hats. In early 2021, we broadened our product line to include Ooh La Lemin sparkling and still lemonade. We also distribute our products and other companies’ products at retail.

We have experienced and expect to continue to experience substantial growth in our operations as we seek to expand through additional products and acquisitions that complement our current product offerings. We expect that revenue will continue to increase in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022, as distribution by our current distributors, who were, and whose clients were, affected by COVID-19 in fiscal year 2021 has resumed and we do not expect to see COVID-19 pandemic-related distribution impacts for fiscal year 2023. Based on those expectations, we now anticipate signing more favorable agreements with larger, reputable tier 1 and mid-size distributors, big box stores, and grocery chains. The following is a more detailed discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the period presented.

Impact of Inflation

Recent inflationary trends have led to a moderate increase in some of the costs to produce and ship our products. To date, we have not passed the increases in those costs to our consumers. Continued prolonged periods of inflationary pressure on some or all of those costs could have a material adverse effect on our profit margins from sales of those products or could require us to increase prices for those products, which could reduce consumer demand for those products.

Year ended December 31, 2022 compared to Year ended December 31, 2021

Overview

As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2022, we incurred a net loss of approximately $7.3 million and used cash in operations of approximately $2.5 million, compared to a net loss of approximately $7.0 million and use of cash in operations of approximately $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2022, we had a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $3.8 million.

The following is a more detailed discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the period presented, along with prior periods.

Revenue

The following table presents our net revenues, by revenue source, and the period-over-period percentage change, for the period presented:

The following table presents our net revenues by product lines for the period presented:

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we reported net revenues of $4.4 million, which is an increase of $1.96 million, or 79%, compared to net revenues of $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. An increase of $2.2 million of our revenue is attributable to increased retail revenue, while our product sales decreased in net revenue by $224,371. We attribute the significant increase in retail revenue to attaining a larger percentage of the territories in which we distribute, including the addition of additional distribution to larger grocery and convenience store chains. We attribute the decrease in product sales to certain delays in the rollout of existing product lines in a national retailer, as well as to a change-over in our customer mix from the prior period due to a non-repetitive, regional, one-off customer relationship in the prior period and a different regional customer imposing slotting fees in the prior period, which we declined to pay in the current year. We anticipate that the rollout of our drink products with a national retailer that commenced late in fiscal year 2022 will continue in fiscal year 2023. Additionally, the Company experienced delays in the rebranding of our hemp product line and the subsequent production. We expect that our product revenue will increase in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022, and we do not anticipate further delays. Further, the Company hired additional sales personnel to lead sales efforts as the Company began to expand into new territories late in the fiscal year 2022, and the Company signed several new large distributors late in fiscal year 2022. The Company anticipates continuing signing more favorable agreements with larger, reputable tier 1 and mid-size distributors, big box stores, and grocery chains. In addition, we anticipate that our retail revenue will continue to increase as we broaden our customer base with increased distribution to additional grocery and convenience chains.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues consists primarily of expenses associated with products sold to distributors and resellers, including product and shipping costs. Costs also include credit card fees, fees incurred for sales that occur on Amazon.com, and other transaction fees related to the processing of consumer transactions. Typically, we expect that the cost of revenues will increase as a direct correlation to increases in sales. Thus, our cost of revenues increases on an absolute basis versus on a percentage of sales basis. At the same time, when sales increase, thereby increasing our orders with our co-packers, our cost of products decreases because of the volume discounts we receive from our co-packers.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we reported cost of revenues of approximately $3.5 million, which is an increase of approximately $1.3 million, or approximately 61%, compared to approximately $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. An increase of $1.6 million of our cost of revenues is attributable to an increase in our retail distribution in 2022, while our cost of revenues for product sales decreased $328,477, compared to the prior year period. The cost of revenues increase was smaller than the increase in revenues. This is primarily attributed to a decrease costs in obtaining our ingredients for our products, for production of our products, and for shipping our products from the prior year period. We expect that we will continue, to see an increased cost of revenues in fiscal year 2023, primarily due to an anticipated increase in revenues. In addition, as the cost of shipping our products continues to remain elevated, we also anticipate increased costs for obtaining our ingredients for our products, increased costs for production of our products, and increased costs of shipping our products. We continue to seek alternative methods to reduce costs for production and the cost of shipping our products in fiscal year 2023.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of professional fees, salaries and wages, advertising, rent, travel expenses, corporate-related expenses, and general office and administrative expenses related to maintaining our facilities.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of professional fees, salaries and wages, advertising, rent, travel expenses, corporate-related expenses, and general office and administrative expenses related to maintaining our facilities. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in the year ended December 31, 2022, to $4.1 million from $3.4 million, an increase of $764,458 over the same period last year. The increase was driven by increased operating expenses associated with wages related to hiring additional sales personal, travel expenses, insurance expenses, and legal and accounting fees related to corporate expenses, partially offset by lower professional fees and regional customer imposing slotting fees in the prior period, which we declined to pay in the current year. We expect that as we expand our business operations, SG&A expenses will continue to increase.

We expect that as we expand our business operations and continue to incur additional corporate-related expenses associated with our status as a fully registered issuer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, SG&A expenses will continue to increase.

Impairment of Goodwill

Impairment of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $1.3 million. In December 2021, we determined that our goodwill asset was impaired and recorded an impairment charge accordingly. No similar activity occurred during the current year period.

Other Income and Expenses

Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $4.2 million, as compared to other expense of $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The change in balance was due to the increase in interest expense of $58,273, the increase in the change in value of derivative liabilities of $2.1 million, the increase in loss on extinguishment of debt of $249,831, offset by the decrease in financing costs of $1.0 million, and decreased other expense of $22,262, as compared to the same period last year. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2021, the company recorded a gain on forgiveness of PPP loans of $212,648, which did not occur in the same period of the current year.

Net Loss

We incurred a net loss of approximately $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of approximately $292,898 compared to the previous year ending December 31, 2021, in which we incurred a net loss of approximately $7.0 million. This net loss is primarily due to our increase in gross profit, offset by increased SG&A expenses and the increase in other expenses, as discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which implies we may not continue to meet our obligations and continue our operations for the next fiscal year. The continuation of our Company as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain necessary debt or equity financing to continue operations until we begin generating positive cash flow.

We have incurred operating losses since inception and have negative cash flow from operations since inception. As of December 31, 2022, we had a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $3.8 million and we incurred a net loss of approximately $7.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. We also utilized cash in operations of approximately $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. As a result, our continuation as a going concern is dependent on our ability to obtain additional financing until we can generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet our obligations.

Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company received proceeds of $760,000 on the sale of notes, including the draw of $200,000 from the issuance of $200,000 line of credit on March 7, 2023, the draw of $85,000 from the issuance of $85,000 line of credit on March 9, 2023, the issuance of a $475,000 debenture on March 13, 2023, and the entry into an equity line of credit of up to $5,000,000 on March 30, 2023 (that, as of the Date of this Annual Report, the Company has not utilized). There is no assurance that we will ever be profitable or that, notwithstanding the recent financing activities disclosed above, any further debt or equity financing will be available to us in the amounts, on terms, and at times deemed acceptable to us, if at all. We continue to seek additional financing. The issuance of additional equity securities by us would result in a significant dilution in the equity interests of our current stockholders. Obtaining commercial loans, assuming those loans would be available, would increase our liabilities and future cash commitments. If we are unable to obtain financing in the amounts and on terms deemed acceptable to us, we may be unable to continue our business, as planned, and as a result may be required to scale back or cease operations for our business, the result of which would be that our stockholders would lose some or all of their investment. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result should we be unable to continue as a going concern.

Notes Payable – Related Parties

Notes payable with related parties consists of the following at December 31, 2022 and 2021:

At December 31, 2021, accrued interest on notes payable to related parties was $95,873. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company added $58,086 of additional accrued interest, leaving an accrued interest balance on the notes payable to related parties of $153,959 at December 31, 2022. Accrued interest is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Notes Payable

Notes payable consists of the following at December 31, 2022 and 2021:

At December 31, 2021, there was no accrued interest on the notes payable. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company added $1,874 of additional accrued interest, leaving $1,874 of accrued interest balance on the notes payable at December 31, 2022. Accrued interest in included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Secured Convertible Debentures

On July 28, 2022, the Company issued senior secured debentures to an otherwise unaffiliated third-party investor (the “Investor”) in the aggregate of $595,000. The debentures bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum, mature on July 28, 2023, and are convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.0045 per share. If the Company issues subsequent equity instruments at an effective price per share that is lower than the conversion price of $0.0045 per shares, then the conversion price shall be reduced, at the option of the Holder, to a price equal to the Weighted Average Price (as defined), provided, further, that if the conversion price is equal to or less than $0.003, then the conversion price shall be reduced at the option of the Holder to a price equal to the lower price. The senior secured debentures are secured by all of the Company’s assets and the assets of each of its subsidiaries pursuant to the Security Agreement. The security interest granted to the Investor under the Security Agreement is subordinate to the continuing security interest that remains in effect pursuant to the previous grant of a security interest in connection with a still-outstanding debenture to an earlier investor all tangible and intangible assets. In connection with the issuances of the debentures, the Company granted to the Selling Stockholder warrants to purchase up to 100 million shares of the Company’s common stock, which expire on July 28, 2027. The warrants are exercisable at $0.0045 per share. As a result of these issuances and grants, we incurred the following (a) relative fair value of the warrants granted of $223,000; and (b) original issue discounts of $92,325 of the debentures for a total of $315,325 which was allocated as debt discount. The debt discount is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the corresponding debentures. As of December 31, 2022, the unamortized debt discount was $183,940.

At December 31, 2021, accrued interest on the convertible notes payable was $54,110. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company added $129,602 of additional accrued interest, and converted $157,956 of accrued interest into common stock, leaving an accrued interest balance on the convertible notes payable of $25,756 at December 31, 2022.

Cash Flows

In summary, our use of cash has been as follows:

Operating Activities

Cash provided by or used in operating activities primarily consists of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, interest expense related to the Warrant issued in the Private Placement, and the effect of changes in working capital and other activities. Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $2.5 million and consisted of a net loss of approximately $7.3 million, adjustments for non-cash items, including adjustments related to the issuance of shares of our Common Stock for services, financing costs related to the convertible debt, amortization of debt discount, impairment of intangible assets, loss on extinguishment of debt, loss on change in fair value of derivative liabilities, and depreciation, and amortization which in the aggregate total approximately $4.4 million, and approximately $450,000 provided by changes in our working capital accounts and other activities.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities for year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $44,418 and was attributable to capital expenditures.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities for year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $1.9 million and was due to changes in convertible debt of approximately $1.0 million, and changes in notes payable of approximately $925,648, and payment of approximately $15,767 of our acquisition obligation, and approximately $7,657 was used to pay finance lease obligations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to provisions for uncollectible accounts receivable, inventories, valuation of intangible assets, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The accounting policies that we follow are set forth in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022. These accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Leases

On January 1, 2019, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASC Topic 842”), which requires an entity to recognize a liability and corresponding asset for leases that meet certain criteria. We applied ASC Topic 842 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, we applied the new standards to all new leases, and leases which have remaining obligations for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed us to carryforward historical lease classification, and not reassess (i) whether a contract was or contained a lease, and (ii) initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to January 1, 2019. Under this method, we did not restate comparative periods in our financial statements. We present right-of-use assets resulting from leases separately from other assets as noncurrent, and amortized accordingly. The corresponding lease liabilities are presented separately from other liabilities on the accompanying balance sheets.

We recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred. The amortization period for the right-of-use asset is from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of the lease term or the end of the useful life of the asset.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the incremental borrowing rate or the risk-free rate with the election of the practical expedient. We have elected to use the risk-free rate.

Please refer to Note 11, Lease Liabilities, to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 for additional information related to our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue

We sell our products, which includes our hemp-infused energy drinks, CBD-infused energy water, low carb and low-calorie lemonade, and apparel with our trademark logo, to online customers or through resellers and distributors. In evaluating the timing of the transfer of control of products to customers, we consider several indicators, including significant risks and rewards of products, our right to payment, and the legal title of the products. We recognize revenue from product sales to customers, distributors, and resellers when products that do not require further services by us are shipped, when there are no uncertainties surrounding customer acceptance, and when collectability is reasonably assured. Sales are made to customers under terms allowing certain limited rights of return. Amounts billed to customers in sales transactions related to shipping and handling, represent revenues earned for the goods provided and are included in net sales. Costs of shipping and handling are included in cost of products sold.

We also sell our products, and beverages purchased for resale from several other beverage manufacturers, to convenience stores, grocery stores, and smoke and gift shops. In evaluating the timing of the transfer of control of products to customers, we consider several indicators, including significant risks and rewards of products, our right to payment, and the legal title of the products. We recognize revenue from product sales to resellers when products that do not require further services by us are shipped or delivered, when there are no uncertainties surrounding customer acceptance and when collectability is reasonably assured. Cash received by us prior to shipment is recorded as deferred revenue. Sales are made to customers under terms allowing certain limited rights of return. Amounts billed to customers in sales transactions related to shipping and handling, represent revenues earned for the goods provided and are included in net sales. Costs of shipping and handling are included in cost of products sold.

On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC Topic 606”). The underlying principle of ASC Topic 606 is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at the amount expected to be collected. The implementation of Topic ASC 606 had no impact on the prior period financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustment was recognized.

To apply these principles, ASC Topic 606 outlines a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of contract(s), which includes:

Pursuant to ASC Topic 606, we recognize revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied, which occurs typically upon the transfer of control, including the risks and rewards of ownership. With respect to us, performance is deemed to occur upon shipment or delivery of products to our customers based on the written contract terms, which is also when control is transferred.

The Company operates in one segment for the manufacture and distribution of its products and those of otherwise unrelated beverage products. In accordance with the “Segment Reporting” Topic of the ASC, the Company’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer and President, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire Company. Existing guidance, which is based on a management approach to segment reporting, establishes requirements to report selected segment information quarterly and to report annually entity-wide disclosures about products and services, major customers, and the countries in which the entity holds material assets and reports revenue. All material operating units qualify for aggregation under “Segment Reporting” due to their similar customer base and similarities in: economic characteristics; nature of products and services; and procurement, manufacturing and distribution processes. Since the Company operates in one segment, all financial information required by “Segment Reporting” can be found in the accompanying financial statements.

Our revenue earned is recognized when we satisfy a single performance obligation by transferring control of our products to a customer. We have determined that disaggregated revenue by net sales by revenue source would be meaningful and allow investors to understand our business activities, historical performance, or future prospects. Disaggregated sales by revenue source, which includes sales to distributors, online sales, sales through Amazon, and distribution sales. This is the same information used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker for evaluating the financial performance of our operations and making resource decisions. We also sell merchandise and apparel that comprises approximately 1% of our gross annual sales, and solely exists to promote our beverages. Merchandise and apparel sales are included with the gross sales for our one operating segment.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Account Receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. We determine provisions for uncollectible accounts, sales returns, and claims based upon factors including the credit risk and activity of specific distributors and resellers, historical trends, and other information. If we become aware of a specific distributor’s or reseller’s inability to meet its financial obligations, bad debt charges are recorded based on an overall assessment of past due accounts receivable outstanding. In the opinion of management, a provision was deemed necessary for uncollectible accounts.

Inventory

The cost of inventory using the standard cost method, which approximates actual cost based on a first-in, first-out method. Our inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Our inventory consists almost entirely of finished and unfinished goods, and freight, which include CBD energy waters, CBD waters, hemp energy drinks, lemonade drinks, cans for production, merchandise and apparel, and other beverage and non-beverage products that complement the Company’s current product offering. We periodically evaluate and adjust inventories for obsolescence. The shelf life of all beverage inventory is two and one-half years, and as of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $859,179 of product in inventory, net of a reserve for obsolescence of $80,000, which was an increase of approximately $284,368, compared to $574,811 of product in inventory, net of a reserve for obsolescence of $150,000 at December 31, 2021. We expect the balance of inventory to increase in direct relation to the increase in sales that we expect. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Subsection Inventory, of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, for an additional description of our inventory that had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill arises from business combinations and is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exists that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. We have selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test.

Intangible assets represent both indefinite lived and definite lived assets. Trademarks are deemed to have definite useful lives of ten years, are amortized, and are tested annually for impairment. Intangible assets are reported on the balance sheet at cost less accumulated amortization. We have selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Subsection Goodwill and Intangible Assets, of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, for an additional description of intangible assets that had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Emerging Growth Company Status

On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act, was enacted. The JOBS Act provides that, among other things, an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This provision allows an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of some accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. As an emerging growth company, we have irrevocably elected to take “opt out” of taking advantage of the extended transition period afforded by the JOBS Act for the implementation of new or revised accounting standards and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth public companies on a case-by-case basis.

We intend to rely on certain of the other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we are not required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b), and (ii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis).

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier to occur of (1) the last day of our fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenues of at least $1.07 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the rules of the SEC, which means the market value of our common shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last day of our second quarter, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

We are also a “smaller reporting company” meaning that the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates plus the proposed aggregate amount of gross proceeds to us as a result of this offering is less than $700 million and our annual revenue was less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company after this offering if either (i) the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million or (ii) our annual revenue was less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million. If we are a smaller reporting company at the time we cease to be an emerging growth company, we may continue to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are available to smaller reporting companies. Specifically, as a smaller reporting company we may choose to present only the two most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and, similar to emerging growth companies, smaller reporting companies have reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item 7A.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Kona Gold Beverage, Inc

Melbourne, Florida

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has experienced recurring operating losses and negative operating cash flows and has a stockholders’ deficit as of December 31, 2022. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1 to the financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provided a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.

/s/ Weinberg & Company, P.A.

Los Angeles, California

March 31, 2023

KONA GOLD BEVERAGE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

KONA GOLD BEVERAGE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

KONA GOLD BEVERAGE, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

KONA GOLD BEVERAGE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Year Ended December 31,

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

KONA GOLD BEVERAGE, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

NOTE 1 – OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN

The Company was formerly known as Kona Gold Solutions, Inc., and in October 2020, changed its name to Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Kona Gold,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). The Company owns and operates a line of premier CBD lifestyle brand products. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has four wholly-owned subsidiaries: Kona Gold LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Kona”), HighDrate LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“HighDrate”), and Gold Leaf Distribution LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Gold Leaf”). In February 2021, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of S and S Beverage, Inc. The Company is primarily focused on product development in the functional beverage sector. Kona Gold creates hemp-infused energy drinks, which includes hemp energy drinks, CBD energy water, and also sells Kona Gold merchandise and apparel, which promotes the Company’s beverages. HighDrate focuses on the development and marketing of CBD-infused energy waters geared to the fitness and wellness markets. Gold Leaf focuses on the distribution of premium beverages and snacks in key markets.

The Company currently sells its products through resellers, the Company’s websites, and distributors that span across nine states. The Company’s products are available in wide variety of stores, including convenience and grocery stores, smoke shops, and gift shops.

As used herein, the terms “Kona Gold,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our, refer to Kona Gold individually or, as the context requires, collectively with its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

Effects of COVID-19

In January 2020, the WHO announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19) that originated in Wuhan, China and generated significant risks to the international community as the virus spread globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic based on the rapid increase in global exposure. The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting businesses and affecting production and sales across a range of industries, as well as causing volatility in the financial markets. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s consumer demand, sales, and financial performance will depend on certain developments, including, among other things, the duration and spread of the outbreak and the impact on the Company’s consumers and employees, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. Management is actively monitoring this situation and potential impacts on our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.

Going Concern

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a net loss of $7,313,035 and used cash in operations of $2,499,518 and had a stockholders’ deficit of $3,765,395 as of that date. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date of the financial statements being issued. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to raise additional funds and implement its business plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

At December 31, 2022, the Company had cash on hand in the amount of $39,788. Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company received proceeds of $760,000 on the sale of notes, including the draw of $200,000 from the issuance of a $200,000 line of credit on March 7, 2023, the draw of $85,000 from the issuance of a $85,000 line of credit on March 9, 2023, and the entry into an equity line of credit of up to $5,000,000 on March 30, 2023 (that, as of the Date of this Annual Report, the Company has not utilized) (see Note 15). The Company believes it has enough cash to sustain operations through December 31, 2023. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to obtain necessary debt or equity financing to continue operations until it begins generating positive cash flow. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing or cause substantial dilution for our stockholders, in case or equity financing.

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Those estimates and assumptions include estimates for reserves of uncollectible accounts receivable, assumptions used in valuing inventories at net realizable value, impairment testing of recorded long-term tangible and intangible assets, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, accruals for potential liabilities, assumptions made in valuing stock instruments issued for services, and assumptions used in valuing warrant liabilities, and assumptions used in the determination of the Company’s liquidity.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are generally recorded at the invoiced amounts net of an allowance for expected losses. The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on a number of factors. In circumstances where the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded, which reduces the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, bad debt charges are recorded based on the Company’s historical losses and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding.

The allowance for accounts receivable is established through a provision reducing the carrying value of receivables. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the allowance was $145,579 and $11,926, respectively.

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower cost or net realizable value. The Company’s inventory consists almost entirely of finished and unfinished goods, and freight, which include CBD energy waters, CBD waters, hemp energy drinks, cans for production, and merchandise and apparel. The Company periodically evaluates and adjusts inventories for obsolescence. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, management has provided a reserve for slow moving and potentially obsolete inventory of $80,000 and $150,000, respectively. The shelf life of all beverage inventory is two years, and at December 31, 2022 and 2021, all inventory was current, as reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements that extend the useful lives of property and equipment or increase production capacity are capitalized, and expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using accelerated and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 SCHEDULE OF ESTIMATED USEFUL LIVES OF ASSET

Management assesses the carrying value of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If there is indication of impairment, management prepares an estimate of future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its estimated fair value. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company determined there were no indicators of impairment of its property and equipment.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Acquisitions and Business Combinations

The Company allocates the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and separately identified intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from, acquired technology, trade-marks and trade names, useful lives, and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is the period needed to gather all information necessary to make the purchase price allocation, not to exceed one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

Goodwill

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, the Company reviews the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill at least annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The Company’s impairment testing is performed annually at December 31 (its fiscal year end). Recoverability of goodwill is determined by comparing the fair value of Company’s reporting unit to the carrying value of the underlying net assets in the reporting units. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be less than the carrying value of its net assets, goodwill is deemed impaired and an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of its other assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2021, management determined there were indications of impairment, and recorded a charge of approximately $1,337,287 on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, leaving no remaining goodwill balance at December 31, 2021.

Intangible Assets with Finite Useful Lives

We have certain finite lived intangible assets that were initially recorded at their fair value at the time of acquisition. These intangible assets consist of developed technology. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life of ten years.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The underlying principle of ASC 606 is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at the amount expected to be collected. ASC 606 creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of contract(s), which include (1) identifying the contract or agreement with a customer, (2) identifying our performance obligations in the contract or agreement, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied.

Revenue and costs of sales are recognized when control of the products transfers to our customer, which generally occurs upon shipment from our facilities. The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied at that time. The Company does not have any significant contracts with customers requiring performance beyond delivery, and contracts with customers contain no incentives or discounts that could cause revenue to be allocated or adjusted over time. Shipping and handling activities are performed before the customer obtains control of the goods and therefore represent a fulfillment activity rather than a promised service to the customer.

All of the Company’s products are offered for sale as finished goods only, and there are no performance obligations required post-shipment for customers to derive the expected value from them.

The Company does not allow for returns, except for damaged products when the damage occurred pre-fulfillment. Damaged product returns have historically been insignificant. Because of this, the stand-alone nature of our products, and our assessment of performance obligations and transaction pricing for our sales contracts, we do not currently maintain a contract asset or liability balance for obligations. We assess our contracts and the reasonableness of our conclusions on a quarterly basis.

Sales are made to customers under terms allowing certain limited rights of return. The Company records an allowance for returns for each quarter for 3% of total sales. The Company recorded an allowance for sales return at the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2021 of approximately $134,750 and $77,479, respectively, which is netted against revenue in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Loss.

The following table presents our net revenues, by revenue source, and the period-over-period percentage change, for the period presented:

 SCHEDULE OF NET REVENUES BY REVENUE

The following table presents our net revenues by product lines for the period presented:

Cost of Sales

Cost of revenues consists primarily of expenses associated with products sold to distributors and resellers, including product and shipping costs. Costs also include credit card fees, fees incurred for sales that occur on Amazon.com, and other transaction fees related to the processing of consumer transactions. Typically, we expect that the cost of revenues will increase as a direct correlation to increases in sales. Thus, our cost of revenues increases on an absolute basis versus on a percentage of sales basis. At the same time, when sales increase, thereby increasing our orders with our co-packers, our cost of products decreases because of the volume discounts we receive from our co-packers.

Delivery and Handling Expense

Shipping and handling costs are comprised of purchasing and receiving, inspection, warehousing, transfer freight, and other costs associated with product distribution after manufacture and are included as part of operating expenses.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling and marketing expense. Advertising costs aggregated $192,786 and $164,052 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Stock Compensation Expense

The Company periodically issues stock options and restricted stock awards to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. The Company accounts for such grants issued and vesting based on ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation whereby the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized for employees as compensation expense on the straight-line basis over the vesting period. Recognition of compensation expense for non-employees is in the same period and manner as if the Company had paid cash for the services. The Company recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation within its Statements of Operations with classification depending on the nature of the services rendered.

The fair value of the Company’s stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the stock options or restricted stock, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing model and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

Income Taxes

The Company uses an asset and liability approach for accounting and reporting for income taxes that allows recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will either expire before the Company is able to realize their benefits, or that future deductibility is uncertain. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Loss per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all dilutive potential common shares had been issued, using the treasury stock method. Potential common shares are excluded from the computation when their effect is antidilutive.

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the calculations of basic and diluted loss per share are the same because potential dilutive securities would have had an anti-dilutive effect. The potentially dilutive securities consisted of the following:

 SCHEDULE OF POTENTIAL DILUTIVE SECURITIES

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company uses various inputs in determining the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities and measures these assets on a recurring basis. Financial assets recorded at fair value are categorized by the level of subjectivity associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Accounting Standards Codification Section 820 defines the following levels of subjectivity associated with the inputs:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions.

The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities, such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term bank loans, accounts payable, notes payable and other payables, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying values of capital lease obligations and long-term financing obligations approximate their fair values because interest rates on these obligations are based on prevailing market interest rates. The Company’s derivative liabilities are considered Level 3 inputs.

Segments

During the year, the Company consolidated and restructured its operations. The Company now operates in one segment for the manufacture and distribution of our products. In accordance with the “Segment Reporting” Topic of the ASC, the Company’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer and President, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire Company. Existing guidance, which is based on a management approach to segment reporting, establishes requirements to report selected segment information quarterly and to report annually entity-wide disclosures about products and services, major customers, and the countries in which the entity holds material assets and reports revenue. All material operating units qualify for aggregation under “Segment Reporting” due to their similar customer base and similarities in: economic characteristics; nature of products and services; and procurement, manufacturing and distribution processes. Since the Company operates in one segment, all financial information required by “Segment Reporting” can be found in the accompanying financial statements.

Concentrations

The Company’s cash balances on deposit with banks are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000. Generally, the Company’s policy is to minimize borrowing costs by immediately applying cash receipts to borrowings against its credit facility. From time to time, however, the Company may be exposed to risk for the amounts of funds held in bank accounts in excess of the FDIC limit. To minimize the risk, the Company’s policy is to maintain cash balances with high quality financial institutions.

Gross sales. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company reported no customers that accounted for 10% of gross sales. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company reported no customers that accounted for 10% of gross sales.

Accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had accounts receivable from two customers that comprised 27% and 20% of its gross accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had accounts receivable from two customers that comprised 36% and 24% of its gross accounts receivable.

Co-Packers. The raw materials used in the production of the Company’s products are obtained by the Company’s co-packers and consist primarily of materials such as the flavors, caffeine, sugars or sucralose, taurine, vitamins, CBD, and hemp seed protein contained in its beverages, the bottles in which its beverages are packaged, and the labeling on the outside of its beverages. These principal raw materials are subject to price and availability fluctuations. The Company currently relies on a few key co-packers, which in turn rely on a few key suppliers. The Company continually endeavors to have back-up co-packers, which co-packers would in turn depend on their third-party suppliers to supply certain of the flavors and concentrates that are used in the Company’s beverages. The Company is also dependent on these co-packers to negotiate arrangements with their existing suppliers that would enable the Company to obtain access to certain of such concentrates or flavor formulas under certain extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, in a limited number of cases, the Company’s co-packers may have contractual restrictions with their suppliers or the Company’s co-packers may need to obtain regulatory approvals and licenses that may limit the co-packers’ ability to enter into agreements with alternative suppliers. Contractual restrictions in the agreements the Company has with certain distributors may also limit the Company’s ability to enter into agreements with alternative distributors. The Company believes that a satisfactory supply of co-packers will continue to be available at competitive prices, although there can be no assurance in this regard. With respect to Gold Leaf’s operations, the Company continually endeavors to contract with additional beverage vendors to ensure the Company has adequate inventory. The Company believes that a satisfactory supply of vendors will continue to be available at competitive prices, although there can be no assurance in this regard.

Purchases from vendors. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s largest one vendor accounted for approximately 34% of all purchases, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s largest three vendors accounted for approximately 13%, 11%, and 10% of all purchases, respectively.

Accounts payable. As of December 31, 2022, two vendors accounted for more than 10% the total accounts payable. The Company’s largest two vendors accounted for 31%, and 18% of the total accounts payable, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, four vendors accounted for more than 10% the total accounts payable. The Company’s largest four vendors accounted for 20%, 14%, 12%, and 11% of the total accounts payable, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a forward-looking approach based on current expected credit losses (“CECL”) to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. This may result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2023, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the potential impact of the new guidance and related codification improvements will be material to its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.

NOTE 3 – INVENTORY

Inventory is valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value, and net of reserves is comprised of the following:

 SCHEDULE OF INVENTORY

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, inventory presented above is net of a reserve for slow moving and potentially obsolete inventory of $80,000 and $150,000, respectively.

NOTE 4 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment is comprised of the following:

 SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT