Distribution Roundup: WTRMLN WTR, Sipp, Xyience Add New Coasts

wrmln wtrThe latest in distribution news features brands opening new territory on opposite coasts, with Las Vegas-based Xyience heading east while Sipp Sparkling Organics, which operates in Philadelphia, is expanding out west. Meanwhile, other brands such as Texas Tea and Vibrant Earth Juices are strengthening their home markets. The following information is listed chronologically, beginning with the most recent news.

  • New York-based WTRMLN WTR has expanded to the West Coast, beginning with shelf placements in Los Angeles Whole Foods Markets. The initial rollout includes 15 stores beginning on Monday, followed by another 15 stores the following week.

  • To live up to its name, Texas Tea had to beef up distribution in its own state. On Wednesday, the Austin-based tea brand announced that it will have placement in Tom Thumb/Randall’s and Sam’s Club. Tom Thumb/Randall’s has authorized six flavors of Texas Tea. Sam’s will stock three flavors — Sugar Land Sweet Tea, Fredericksburg Peach Tea and the RGV Texas Style Half and Half.

  • Sipp Sparkling Organics announced on Wednesday that its line of sparkling beverages will soon be available in BevMo! stores in California, Arizona and Washington. The retailer will carry Sipp’s Ginger Blossom, Summer Pear, Mojo Berry and Lemon Flower, the newest flavor, in more than 153 locations. Sipp also recently announced that it has signed a distribution partnership with KeHE Distributors, LLC, which will bring the brand to Fairway Markets in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, along with Central Market locations in Texas.

  • Reed’s, Inc., announced on Tuesday that Lowes Foods, LLC, headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., will carry Reed’s and Virgil’s brands in approximately 85 supermarkets throughout the South.

  • Denver-based Vibrant Earth Juices, a cold-pressed juice company, is now available at 15 Safeway stores throughout the Front Range cities, including Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. Green Shoots Distribution will handle the initial launch and Vibrant plans to expand to 17 more Colorado stores and eventually enter the Rocky Mountain region. The Vibrant Juice lineup includes four SKUs — Energy, Immunity, Purify and Glow.

  • Chuice, an edible and drinkable product with more than 40 fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts and seeds, will be available in Whole Foods Markets in the Buckhead and Midtown locations of Atlanta. The recently-launched brand plans to be in all Atlanta Whole Foods Markets by November.

  • Greater Than, which recently revamped its labels, has been rolled out in 70 Costco warehouses covering 12 states in the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan and Iowa. The products are being sold in 12-packs that include four bottles of each flavor, including Tropical Blend, Orange+Mango and Pom+Berry.

  • After selling quickly in Southern California and New York, Juiceology has begun hitting shelves in Whole Foods Markets in Northern California. Juiceology is the only blend of premium juices and whole grain extracts, according to the company.

  • jademay11Jade Monk, a powdered matcha tea product, announced on Aug. 13 that it has landed a national distribution deal with Sprouts Farmers Markets via Nature’s Best. Jade Monk is available in four flavors: Chai Spice, Cranberry Blood Orange, Lime Blossom and Palau Peach.

  • True Drinks, Inc., the parent company of AquaBall Naturally Flavored Water, announced that the kids drink will be sold in New York City through a distribution agreement with Drink King Distributing. The product will be available in the city’s five boroughs as well as neighboring counties in New York and New Jersey.

  • Nuaquos has reached a distribution agreement with Shop Rite. All five Nuaquos flavors — Peach Mango, Pomegranate, Watermelon, Kiwi-Strawberry and Orange, will be available in 20 oz. bottles in more than 250 stores.

  • Rooibee Red Tea Company announced that Rooibee Roo, a line of caffeine-free teas for kids, is now available at all Fresh & Easy stores in California, Arizona and Nevada. Rooibee Roo is also available at Earth Fare stores in the South and Midwest and Kroger locations in Houston and Dallas.

  • The Pulse Beverage Corporation announced that it has reached a partnership with the restaurant chain Smashburger. The burger joint will stock Natural Cabana Lemonade at all 265 locations nationwide. Sysco and The Sygma Network will handle deliveries to the restaurants.

  • Xyience Xenergy, the official energy drink of the UFC, has reached an agreement with Canada Dry New York. The deal will provide Xyience with greater retail availability at grocery chains, convenience stores and independent stores from New York to Washington D.C.

  • Not long removed from signing its distribution deal in China, Vita Coco announced that it has secured a deal with Beverage World Inc., which will distribute the coconut water to Canada’s convenience and food service channels.

  • Aspire Beverage Company, which recently redesigned the packaging for its line of sports drinks, announced on Aug. 4 that its products are available at Target stores in Minnesota and Colorado.