Distribution Roundup: Big Geyser and Glaceau Split, Whole Foods Welcomes KonaRed and Sipp

Big Geyser COO Jerry Reda
Big Geyser COO Jerry Reda

2015 kicked off with big news from New York beverage distribution heavyweight Big Geyser, which informed suppliers that the company had requested a buyout of its contract with Glaceau from Coca-Cola.

Big Geyser COO Jerry Reda confirmed the news in an email to BevNET, saying “Big Geyser is extraordinarily proud of its commitment and efforts to develop, support and promote the portfolio of Glaceau brands since their inception well over a decade ago, and we believe that the timing is right in the lifecycle of these brands for Coke to move forward directly with the distribution of the brand portfolio within its own system.”

As of March 1, the company will no longer carry Smartwater or Vitaminwater, though there’s no official word which brands in Big Geyser’s portfolio may now get a stronger push.

In other distribution happenings:

  • Whole Foods’ South Region will now carry Sipp Sparkling Organics. The arrangement will bring the Pennsylvania – based company’s line of beverages to Whole Foods locations in North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Sipp is also currently available in Whole Foods’ Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions.
  • KonaRed’s distribution partnership with United Natural Foods Inc. will bring the company’s Hawaiian Coffeeberry powder packs and powder tubs to 12 California Whole Foods locations.
  • VitaminFIZZ is also headed to the Golden State, having secured a distribution agreement that will land the sparkling water brand in 47 Kmart locations throughout Southern California. The
  • Fresh off the heals of a partnership with Kroger, POWERCOCO has announced a new partnership with Publix Super Markets that will land the Carmelo Anthony-backed sports drink on Publix shelves in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, north Carolina, and Tennessee. 
  • True Drinks, makers of AquaBall flavored water, has secured a distribution agreement with Texas-based Inland Beverage that will give the company access to 1,200 retail outlets in 25 Texas counties.