Bundaberg Partners with PepsiCo
Australia-based Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, which produces a line of ginger beer and fruit-based soft drinks, has strengthened its U.S. business this month after signing a distribution partnership with PepsiCo. The deal, announced earlier this month, will add 400,000 stores, restaurants, and bars nationwide, the company announced in a press release.
Seeking to grow its U.S. business, the company cited overall growth in craft beverage with the sector up 3.1 percent as of January.
“Within PepsiCo’s broad food and beverage portfolio, craft continues to be an important category for us,” said Scott Finlow, PepsiCo Global Foodservice Vice President of Insights and Innovation, in the release. “Bundaberg delivers on what U.S. consumers are seeking, and by leveraging the strength and scale of our national distribution network, we are able to get Bundaberg’s iconic Ginger Beer and other refreshing beverages onto shelves and into the hands of people across the country.”
Kona Deep Signs with Big Geyser, Haralambos
Hawaiian bottled ocean water brand Kona Deep is expanding on both coasts, announcing in a press release last week it has signed with Big Geyser for distribution in the New York City market and with Haralambos Beverage Company to service Southern California.
“Big Geyser and Haralambos are by far the strongest distributors in their respective markets, both with a track record of exceptional execution with many iconic brands,” said Kona Deep CEO Patrick Turpin in the release.
The partnerships, signed in December, come after the brand closed a $5.5 million investment round led by Danone Manifesto Ventures in November.
Elmhurst Milked Enters Whole Foods, Wegmans, Walmart
New York-based Elmhurst Milked, maker of nut and plant-based milk alternatives, has entered several new retailers in the Northeast, according to a press release. The brand is now available in 39 Whole Foods Market stores and numerous independent grocers in the New York area.
In addition, the company’s Milked Peanuts, Milked Peanuts Chocolate, Milked Oats, Milked Almonds, and Milked Hazelnuts SKUs are now available in 345 Walmart stores nationwide. The brand will also launch at all Wegmans locations this month.
TEN Spring Water Now At Food Lion
TEN Spring Water, a brand of alkaline water with a pH of 10, has entered Food Lion stores in 10 states.
“We value Food Lion’s commitment to providing healthy food and beverage choices for their customers,” said Jose Fernandez, CEO of TEN Spring Water, in a press release. “We’re thrilled that consumers will now have access to our ultra-pure tasting water in approximately 1,000 Food Lion stores across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.”
Nomad Trading Co. Launches with Whole Foods and Rainforest Distribution
Brooklyn-based cascara drink maker Nomad Trading Co. has launched in New York area Whole Foods stores, the company announced last month.
The company has also partnered with New Jersey-based Rainforest Distribution to service the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
The company, which launched in 2017, is focused on building up the market for RTD cascara, which is made from the dried husks of the coffee fruit. In the release, Nomad co-founder Jon Epstein said coffee fruit is a healthier source of caffeine and a quality source of antioxidants and potassium.