Here’s the latest in distribution news across the beverage industry:
Sparkling ICE is heading to Canada by way of a new distribution partnership with Sun-Rype, western Canada’s largest food and beverage manufacturer. In a company press release Kevin Klock, CEO of Talking Rain Beverage Co., called the brand’s entry into Canada “a critical first step in our strategic plan to make Sparkling ICE an international brand.”
Also heading north is True Drinks, which announced a partnership with Loblaws Supermarkets to bring AquaBall naturally flavored water to the retailer’s locations throughout Canada.
While their recent appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank could have gone smoother, the Parisian founders of Victoria’s Kitchen do have some good news to report. The brand’s flagship Almond Water and Almond Water Coconut flavor have been picked up at all of Fresh & Easy’s 167 locations throughout California, Arizona and Nevada. It bodes well for the company, which was rebuffed by Shark Tank’s investors due to concerns surrounding distribution.
Kill Cliff is making its entry into Walmart next week, in what the company’s founder Todd Ehrlich is calling a “small dive” into the retail giant. The company will make its Walmart debut in 300 stores in Florida. Kill Cliff also recently released ‘Berry Legit’, its fourth flavor profile in its line of recovery sports drinks, which Ehrlich expects to become the brand’s number one selling flavor.
Additionally:
- Cheribundi is now offering a 12-pack assortment of its Fruit Refresh juice blends at Sam’s Clubs in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. The variety pack will include three of ‘Refresh’ four flavors – Cherry Lemonade, Cherry Cranberry and Cherry Blueberry, and will be available at 108 locations. Cheribundi CEO Steve Pear said the company plans on “bringing Cheribundi to even more Sam’s Clubs throughout the year.”
- ULIVJava, the Martha Stewart-backed ready-to-drink coffee brand, is expanding its territory in the New York Metro area. Upon its official debut in September, the company was picked up for distribution by Manhattan Beer Company, making it available in Whole Foods, King Kullen, Fairway and several other major retailers in New York. The company will also be selling its line of organic Fair Trade ground coffees at the recently opened Martha’s Cafe.
- Jones Soda Co.’s recently launched cane sugar fountain program will land the company’s craft sodas in an array of food retailers, including Glaze Teriyaki, Jack’s Franks and Fries, and Sumo Salads.