COMMERCE, Calif. — Los Angeles Distributing (LAD) is expanding into chain grocery stores. Their goal is to provide another option for non-alcoholic brands to get distribution into large retailers such as Kroger, Safeway and Target in Southern California.
Founded in 2012, LA Distributing has quickly become the go-to DSD for many powerhouse new age beverage and snack brands in Greater Los Angeles, including Health Ade Kombucha, Ito En, and Deep River Snacks. But up until now, their focus has been only on independent markets and up-and-down-the-street accounts.
By teaming with other independent distributors, LAD provides a viable distribution option for brands looking for DSD service to Kroger, Target, Safeway, and more. Eternal Water was the first non-alcoholic brand to join this network In May.
“We get asked all the time to distribute into chain stores, but our reputation is everything to us, so if we can’t do it right, we just won’t do it,” said Arthur Flores, co-founder of LA Distributing. “Large grocery stores require a lot of work and maintenance. By partnering with other well-established distributors, we can focus on a much smaller chain footprint, and provide an exceptional level of service across the board.”
LAD will plug a crucial gap that has always existed for non-alcoholic brands wishing to use existing DSD networks – namely, The San Gabriel Valley, Inland Empire, and Temecula Valley.
“The Los Angeles area is tough for brands to get full coverage,” said Flores. “It’s a huge territory. By stepping up and providing another option for NA brands to get into the chain stores we can help solve this problem. Our mission at LA Distributing is to make life easier – for our customers, for our employees, and for our suppliers.”