Hank’s Gourmet Beverages Expands Distribution in New York

PHILADELPHIA — Hank’s Gourmet Beverages, one of the pioneers of the burgeoning Craft Soda category, has just signed a distribution deal with Long Island City-based Abraham Natural Foods, one of the leading grocery wholesale distributors of organic, natural and specialty foods in the greater New York Metro area. This deal will greatly expand Hank’s footprint, making its seven gourmet flavors readily available at more supermarkets, health food, specialty grocer, and ethnic neighborhood stores across the New York Tri-State area, and into the northern portions of Pennsylvania. With this greater retail presence, Hank’s also strategically raises its profile among New York’s influential Retail, Restaurateur, Media and passionate Foodie communities.

Arising out of a family beverage business founded 60 years ago in Philadelphia, Hank’s was at the forefront of the craft carbonated soft drink boom when it introduced its much-loved Hank’s Gourmet Root Beer in 1995 – a product that uses a local recipe to remind proud Philadelphians of their city’s heritage as the birthplace of Root Beer. Created with pure cane sugar from the start, Hank’s emphasis on both flavor and the highest quality ingredients has built the brand’s reputation as the richest, smoothest and creamiest sodas available.

A favorite of hip gourmet food devotees, soda fanatics and critics at prestigious media outlets like Eater, Grub Street and the Los Angeles Times, Hank’s Root Beer is the anchor flavor in an offering that has grown to include Diet Root Beer, Orange Cream, Grape, Birch Beer, Vanilla Cream and Wishniak Black Cherry.. This line-up reinforces Hank’s authentic, quality-driven image with upscale, award-winning packaging.

“Though we’re loyal and true to our Philadelphia roots, we’ve always loved New York, and felt like our Root Beer and other flavors belonged there – in the gourmet stores, delis, specialty markets and bodegas scattered throughout the boroughs and surrounding communities,” said John Salvatore, President, Hank’s Beverage Co. “And when we decided to deepen our presence in New York, we knew there was nobody better positioned than Abraham to bring us to market. They are totally street-smart, true experts about this sophisticated and concentrated retail environment. Plus, they have the relationships and a reputation for only partnering with top quality brands. We’re confident their prominence will help make Hank’s top-of-mind with the nation’s most trendsetting consumers and decision-makers in the New York DMA,” Salvatore added.

Since its founding, Abraham Natural Foods has been a leader in offering the highest quality grocery and organic goods, as well as natural products, healthy beverages and name-brand fancy-foods to the growing audience of health and quality conscious consumers. The company has established one of New York’s widest distribution networks and most respected sales forces, servicing a wide variety of retail formats, including supermarkets, health stores and gourmet grocers along with fine, neighborhood and ethnic food shops in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Thanks to its long-term relationships with area retailers including Brooklyn Fare, Westside Market, H Mart, Food Bazaar and Raspberry Farm, among its 3,000-customer universe, Abraham has been a lynchpin to the widespread success of many high-end and specialty brands, ranging from Kind Protein Bars and Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar to Califa Almond Milk and Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Juice.