Distribution Roundup: Whole Foods Makes It Rain; RNDC Meets CBD

Richard’s Rainwater Goes Nationwide in Whole Foods

Sustainable bottled water maker Richard’s Rainwater has gone nationwide with Whole Foods, expanding from two SKUs in just one region to a full set in seven.

According to CEO Taylor O’Neill, the Texas-based brand previously sold both its still and sparkling water lines in single bottles in Whole Foods Southeast stores, but in March added six additional regions with bottles, cans and 6-packs. Now, the company is introducing its sparkling version in 12-packs nationwide.

“Prior to this year we weren’t in a position to launch the business like this,” O’Neill said. “We’ve built our brand in Austin, in our home state of Texas, primarily through the on-premise channel … and so our brand has really good recognition, where we live and where we work. Then last year during COVID we brought on a real seasoned sales team led by Katie Journeay, Mandy Touchet and Buck Williams, who have prior experience in CPG, and they’ve just knocked the cover off the ball.”

In addition to Whole Foods, Richard’s Rainwater has added H-E-B and Central Market stores with a nationwide footprint of about 2,500 points of distribution, including recently added accounts in Louisiana and upcoming gains in Tennessee and Colorado. The brand is now focused on growing its multipack business and aims to have the products in about 2,000 stores by the end of the year.

“When we look at the data for our 12 oz. glass [bottle] sparkling water product, it’s clearly the case format that consumers prefer,” he said. “It’s the case format that our consumers have been asking us to get on shelves. And we’re really excited about the ability to increase velocities by virtue of offering the consumer the pack size that they want and that they’re the most comfortable buying.”

O’Neill said the brand is focused on an omnichannel strategy and will continue to add on-premise accounts in addition to natural and conventional channel retailers. Richard’s Rainwater is also aiming to expand its sales, marketing and operations teams, with O’Neill noting the company expects to “continue to grow extremely quickly for the foreseeable future.”

Republic National Distributing Partners with CBD Brands

Texas-based wine and spirits distributor Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), announced this week that it has signed four CBD beverage brands — DayTrip, Oh Hi, Sati Soda and Wyld CBD — marking its first partnership with cannabinoid-infused beverage makers. Sales will begin in mid-August.

Though RNDC covers 31 states and the District of Columbia, the company will only distribute the CBD brands in Alaska, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas — all states where the cannabinoid is legal and sales are allowed by the local government.

“Wyld CBD is proud to announce its partnership with RNDC,” said Wyld CBD CEO Aaron Morris in a press release. “RNDC is known for their dominance in wine and spirits distribution and together we look to include our CBD products to that dominating list. This partnership offers strong support to our business as we look to aggressively expand our brands nationally along with our shared commitment to service, transparency, accountability, and professionalism.”

The announcement comes as more wine and spirits distributors begin embracing CBD beverages, despite continued regulatory issues surrounding its use in food and drinks. Last week, Florida-based Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits announced it would distribute Kill Cliff CBD-infused products nationwide, which joined the distributor’s pre-existing CBD beverage portfolio including companies like CENTR Brands and Canopy Growth.

More Distribution News From Around the Industry:

  • Vertical Wellness announced this week it will launch a portfolio of CBD beverages into retail this year, with brands including Taos and Hemp-Moji. Products will include CBD-infused iced teas, sparkling beverages and functional hemp shots.
  • Soylent has launched nationwide in Rite Aid stores, the company announced.
  • Shire City Herbals has launched a direct-to-consumer platform for its Fire Cider line of apple cider vinegar drinks.