Distribution Roundup: Premium Water Brands Pick Up the Pace

700 groupApril was packed with distribution news from entrepreneurial beverage companies spanning a range of categories. Premium water brands made significant traction this month, adding new placement at natural, conventional grocery and convenience store retailers.

Givn Water, a bottled water brand whose tagline is “Infused with Good Karma,” is now available at 185 Jewel Osco locations across Illinois. Naturally alkaline and high in electrolytes, Givn water is carried at 300 retail locations across the Midwest, South and New England. For each bottle of Givn Water sold, the company funds a day of clean drinking water for a person in need.

AQUA Carpatica announced that its nitrate-free spring waters are now carried by select Whole Foods Market stores in Northern California. Available in still and sparkling varieties, the spring water is sourced from the Carpathian Mountain region in Eastern Europe.

The Alkaline Water Company announced that its Alkaline88 waters have been accepted for placement at Albertsons-affiliated Tom Thumb Food and Pharmacy Stores across the greater Dallas/Fort Worth region. Created using a proprietary electrolysis process, the alkaline waters are available in a variety of package sizes, including 500 mL, 1 L and 3 L bottles.

JUST WaterJUST water, which markets a spring water that is packaged in an innovative paper-based bottle, has partnered with two Los Angeles-based distributors: Ace Beverage and Mission Beverage. The water, which is sourced from the Glens Falls watershed in upstate New York, is currently sold in several retail accounts serviced by Ace Beverage, one of the largest Anheuser-Busch distributors in the U.S., and Mission Beverage.

Reliant Recovery Water has added new distribution at Safeway stores in the Pacific Northwest. Reliant is made with purified water that is modified by stabilizing increased oxygen, electrolytes and natural flavors. The functional beverage contains more oxygen than regular water and can help reduce physical stress and accelerate muscle recovery, according to the manufacturer.

In other distribution news:

The Pulse Beverage Corporation announced that its Natural Cabana coconut waters is now carried by King Soopers/City Market, a Kroger-owned supermarket chain with locations in the Rocky Mountains. Both the natural and pineapple-flavored varieties of Natural Cabana are available at all 117 locations of King Soopers/City Market.

High pressure processed coconut water brand Sri Lanka Gold announced a distribution deal with supermarket chain Giant Eagle. Sri Lanka Gold, which uses coconut water sourced from golden-colored King coconuts, is available in 10 oz. and 16 oz. sizes in the refrigerated section at select Giant Eagle stores.

Chimp Food’s high pressure processed fruit and vegetable blends are now carried at KeHE’s distribution center in St. Augustine, Fla. The center services retailers in the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Puerto Rico.

Steaz’ line of organic and fair trade iced green teas will be sold across all 525 Sheetz convenience store locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia. Steaz products are now available in more than 1,500 convenience stores across the country.

Avitae Caffeine Water’s Blackberry, Tangerine and Pomegranate Açai flavor varieties are now authorized for sale at 49 Whole Foods Market locations in the retailer’s Mid-Atlantic region. Avitae is distributed by DPI Specialty Foods. Made with natural caffeine derived from green coffee beans, the caffeinated waters contain no calories or sugar.

Cherry juice maker Cheribundi has announced that two of its top-selling juices, Tart Cherry Juice and Black Cherry Juice, are now available at Food Lion Stores. The products are packaged in 32 oz. bottles and can be found in the shelf stable juice aisle at Food Lion.

rk_adults_carton_330ml_coffee_front_us copy 2Rebel Kitchen’s dairy-free coconut mylks are now carried at 15 Whole Foods Market locations in the retailer’s Northern California region. Sweetened with only date nectar, Rebel Kitchen products are certified organic and non-GMO Project Verified. The beverages are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. The brand is available nationwide in natural grocery stores and independent retailers.

BAWLS Guarana energy drinks are now distributed in Hawaii. The brand recently signed a distribution agreement with Koha Oriental Foods, a wholesaler based in Honolulu. BAWLS Guarana caffeinated soda products are available across Hawaii.

Caliwater Cactus Water is now available in the Northern California division of Whole Foods. Available in three flavor varieties, Caliwater is made with prickly pear cactus juice and contains fewer calories and less sugar than leading coconut waters and aloe juices, according to the manufacturer.

Energy drink brand Positive Energy is now available at all Sprouts Farmers Market locations. Made with a blend of organic juices and 100mg of organic caffeine from green coffee beans Positive Energy beverages are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, gluten-free and vegan.

PepsiCo has released Mtn Dew Black Label nationally. The carbonated soft drink is made with real sugar, crafted dark berry flavor and herbal bitters. The beverage is intended to “represent a lifestyle and state of mind that’s just a bit more refined,” according to the manufacturer.