Distribution Roundup: JUST Infused Launching in Whole Foods

JUST Infused Launching in Whole Foods

Debuting its new Infused line of flavored waters, JUST Water announced last week that several of its products will be available in all Whole Foods Market stores nationwide this September.

Whole Foods will stock the brand’s Lemon and Tangerine flavors, in addition to already stocking the core, unflavored JUST Water SKU. The infused products will sell for between $1.69-$1.79 per 16.9 oz. carton.

“Whole Foods Market remains a key partner in JUST’s mission to create products that are sustainably sourced and ethically packaged,” JUST CEO Ira Laufer said via a press release. “From day one, we’ve deeply appreciated the support from the Whole Foods Market team and the fact that they’re willing and eager to champion not only JUST, but many, many brands with similar sustainability goals.”

Waterloo Hits Walmart

Waterloo Sparkling Water launched this month in Walmart stores across 22 states, the company announced in a press release. The retailer will stock four SKUs from the Austin, Texas-based brand, carrying 8-packs of Lime, Black Cherry, Watermelon and Grapefruit flavors.

“This is yet another exciting milestone for Waterloo,” CEO Jason Shiver said in a release. “Walmart’s leadership has placed faith and confidence in our brand and we look forward to reciprocating by driving growth in the sparkling water aisle.”

 

 

Royal Cup Brings New RTD to Walmart

Joining Waterloo in Walmart is Royal Cup Coffee, which launched its new shelf-stable, ready-to-drink cold brew line in more than 280 Walmart stores this month.

Walmart has taken on the brand’s French Roast Lightly Sweetened and Rain Forest Bold SKUs in stores nationwide. The announcement comes after Royal Cup, primarily a business-to-business coffee and tea provider with a focus on beans, acquired cold brew maker Icebox Coffee in August. At the time, Icebox founder Bebe Goodrich told BevNET that the deal would open up RTD opportunities for Royal Cup.

“After 50 years operating with an exclusively B2B business model, this news marks a significant step forward for the company,” Anne Pritz, CMO of Royal Cup, said via a release. “We foresee this as only one of many exciting developments for the future of Royal Cup, as consumers now have the opportunity to purchase our products in a retail environment.”

In addition to cold brew coffee, Royal Cup also announced the launch of a line of ready-to-drink teas earlier this year, which are currently only sold in supermarkets in the Southeast.

 

Me & The Bees Enters Whole Foods

Much like its “Kidpreneur” founder and CEO Mikaila Ulmer, Me & The Bees Lemonade is growing up fast. The brand launched earlier this month in Whole Foods Market’s Mid-Atlantic region, expanding its retail presence in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

The lemonade line, which includes Mint, Prickly Pear, Ginger and Half & Half SKUs, will retail for $3.49 per bottle, according to the company. Demos are planned at Whole Foods throughout the region to promote the launch.

Hydrive Energy Gains Presence In Southeast Grocers

Hydrive is continuing to make gains in the Southeast. The Big Red, Inc.-owned energy water is adding 276 Southeast grocers from North Carolina down to Florida, including Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, and Harveys, the company announced in a press release this month.

“Hydrive is one of the fastest growing enhanced waters in the Southeast,” Tiny Nelson, SVP of sales at Big Red, said in a press release. ”We appreciate great retail partners such as Winn Dixie, Bi-Lo and Harveys for helping us make Hydrive available to their customers.”

The product retails for $1.79 and contains 160 mg of caffeine per 16 oz. bottle. The line is available in Kiwi Melon, Grape Fusion, Black Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Triple Berry and Citrus Burst flavors.