Oatly Expands Hospitality Footprint in the U.S.
Oat milk giant Oatly is expanding its hospitality presence in the U.S. through a new partnership with Graduate Hotels slated to begin in January.
As part of the partnership, Oatly’s Barista Edition and Chocolate oat milks will be available at food and beverage outlets across 20 Graduate Hotels properties, including destination and rooftops, Poindexter coffee shops, and grab-and-go stations on premises.
Graduate Hotels’ hotel collection targets university anchored towns across the U.S. such as Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Madison, Wisconsin. Through this new distribution opportunity, Oatly hopes to reach not only hotel guests, but students as well.
“We’re thrilled to bring Oatly to Graduate Hotels locations across the country and reach not only guests themselves, but the students that often gather at these special and truly unique properties,” said Oatly North America president Mike Messersmith in a press release.
Founded in 1994, the Malmo, Sweden-based brand set out to produce a line of plant-based milks using oats, a crop suited for sustainability. Since then, Oatly has grown its portfolio to also feature dairy-free alternatives to ice cream and yogurt.
“This is an exciting step in continuing to make Oatly a part of consumers’ everyday lives, bringing them plant-based options that are better for the planet and incredibly delicious,” said Messersmith in the release. “We’re especially happy to broaden our footprint with a great partner with Graduate Hotels in some of the coolest college towns around.”
SANS Teams Up With Bubble Online Marketplace
Newly-launched SANS has teamed up with online marketplace Bubble for nationwide distribution.
Founded earlier this year by Kevin “Taejin” Kreider from hit Netflix series Bling Empire, SANS is an Asian-themed alcohol alternative. SANS was named after its French root, “without,” and represents Kreider’s own journey with sobriety and his mission to disrupt the non-alcoholic beverage space.
“As we grow, we are very selective of our partners and sales channels to ensure that they represent our core values and mission,” said Kreider in a press release. “I’m proud to announce our launch at Bubble […] I am impressed by their high standards that [are] on a mission to redefine the food system for sustainability and supply chain transparency.”
Most recently, SANS emerged victorious from BevNET’s New Beverage Showdown 24, a bi-annual pitch competition for emerging beverage brands.
Through Bubble, SANS will be available for $49.99 per 12-pack of 12 oz. cans. The drinks are also offered on the brand’s own website.
Alkaline88 Splashes into Gold’s Gyms Across Four States
The Alkaline Water Company is groing its presence in the health and fitness channels through a new partnership with Gold’s Gyms in four states. The brand currently offers three SKUs (700ml sports cap bottle, 1-liter and 1-gallon) at chain’s gyms in Texas, Oklahoma and the Carolinas.
“Gold’s Gym is an international icon in the world of fitness and we’re very pleased to offer three great products on-site for gym-goers,” said The Alkaline Water Company CEO and president Frank Lazaran in a press release. “Alkaline water indexes strongly amongst health and fitness enthusiasts, and we want Alkaline88 to be the brand they choose before, during and after a workout.”
Founded in 2012, the Scottsdale, Arizona-based company offers a line of alkaline waters produced using an electrolysis process to deliver 8.8pH water with electrolytes. Earlier this year, Alkaline88 expanded its portfolio to include a line of sports drinks in four flavors: Jolly Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Very Berry and Lemon Citrus.
Looking ahead, Lazaran said the brand has plans “in the immediate future” to expand into Gold’s Gyms in additional states.
More Notable Distribution News:
- Shroomi landed its cognitive and immune-boosting wellness shot line (Yuzu Honey, Pomegranate Mint and Mandarin Turmeric) in Central Market and Earth Fare stores. Additionally, the brand launched its Focus Coffee with Lion’s Mane in Gelson’s, Earth Fare and Lazy Acres.
- New York City-based craft cocktail tea bag maker SAYSO has launched its products in Boisson and Spirited Away boutiques. Available in four varieties – Skinny Spicy Margarita, Skinny Cardamom Paloma, Old Fashioned Rosemary Honey Moscow Mule – the tea bags can be used to make both cocktails and mocktails.
- Ralph & Charlie’s Juice partnered with F & F Distributors to bring its lineup of Carrot Juices, Fruit Juices and Lemonades to Connecticut.
- Splash Beverage Group has landed its TapouT hydration drink in Publix stores across five southeastern states. The drinks will be merchandised in 1018 stores across Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.