Casey’s Picks Up New Class of Brands from Innovation Summit
Casey’s, a convenience channel chain operating roughly 2,900 stores nationwide, has selected 13 food and beverage brands for placement in its stores, following the conclusion of its first Innovation Summit program last year.
The inaugural class includes emerging beverages such as Health-Ade Kombucha, recently-acquired sparkling water brand Spindrift, sparkling yerba mate drink Yerbae, Hop Water and Alc-a-Chino RTD cocktails, as well as food lines Country Archer Meat Snacks, Neuro Gum & Mints and Sweet Chaos Popcorn.
“The enthusiastic response from emerging and innovative suppliers exceeded our expectations. Casey’s was thrilled to see their business plans and productive discussions aimed at adding their offerings into our stores,” said Chris Stewart, VP of Merchandising at Casey’s, in a press release. “Our guests love seeing new, diverse, and exclusive products alongside the brands and items they have come to love.”
The Summit, held at Casey’s Store Support Center included more than twenty brands and will be held again this Fall, the company said.
A full list of the 13 brands was not immediately available, but the company said that consumers will be able to find the fresh assortment in its stores “in the coming months.”
Luna Bay Brings Zero to 1
Luna Bay, known for its canned hard teas and kombuchas, will be launching its non-alc Luna Bay Zero line to 1 Hotels locations this Spring, CEO Bridget Connelly announced last week.
“We are pumped our premium drinks have landed in [our] first national hotel opportunity,” Connelly wrote on LinkedIn. “It shows that consumer trends are continuing to look for beverages that are high quality, flavor forward, low in sugar and have functional, real ingredients.”
Luna Bay Zero is a line of yerba mate tea-based mocktails available in Raspberry Rambler, Mint Mojito and Mango Mule flavors in 12 oz. cans.
Mushroom Elixir High Ground Hits Target via Sèchey
High Ground Elixir, a self-described “zero-proof mushroom seltzer” brand, has joined with Sèchey to enter nearly 700 Target stores nationwide as part of the NA retailer’s partnership to develop the mass channel chain’s adult non-alc beverage sets.
High Ground will also now be sold on Sèchey’s online direct-to-consumer site.
The functional drinks come in Strawberry Peach and Yuzu Lime flavors at a price of $5 per 12 oz. can.
“Our partnership with Sèchey allows us to connect with a growing community of health-conscious consumers looking for elevated zero-proof options,” said High Ground founder Jessie Zachowski in a release. “We’re thrilled to see our brand alongside Sèchey’s carefully curated collection, which now includes top-tier names like De Soi, Kin Euphorics, and more. It’s an exciting time for the non-alcoholic beverage space, and we’re proud to be part of this movement.”
Nurri Into Costco
Dairy protein milk shake brand Nurri is adding 12-packs of its Vanilla flavor to Costco stores in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Alaska, with the Bay Area, Midwest and other regions expected to come online in the near future, the brand announced last month.
Nurri previously launched its Chocolate Protein Milk Shake flavor in Costco stores in September. The Vanilla flavor contains 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar and 150 calories in each 11 oz. can. The 12-packs will retail for $19.99 each.
Plant-Based Pick-Ups
Several plant-based beverage brands have also announced new distribution gains.
- Koia added its flagship line of Vanilla Bean, Cacao Bean and Chocolate Banana protein shakes to Target shelves nationwide. The beverages, which contain 18 grams of protein per 12 oz. bottle, are refrigerated and made with almond milk.
- Milk alternative MALK is now nationwide in Kroger stores with its Unsweetened, Vanilla Almond and Original Oat varieties.
- Also new to Kroger banners is Laird Superfood’s 25.4 oz. Coconut Superfood Creamer line, in Sweet & Creamy and Vanilla flavors, available at King Soopers, Ralph’s and City Market locations.
Pistachio milk startup Táche is going into over 1,300 Albertsons locations, reported founder and CEO Roxana Saidi last week.