Rhythm Becomes First Hemp-Infused Beverage Available at Tufo’s Wholesale Foods
California-based Rhythm has a new partner, recently signing with Tufo’s Wholesale Foods in New York City, marking the first time the Bronx-based distributor has carried a hemp-infused beverage.
Launched in 2020, Rhythm (formerly known as Rhythm CBD Beverages) produces a four-SKU line of ready-to-drink beverages – Hydrate, Energy, Recovery and Sleep – infused with adaptogens and U.S. grown hemp extract. Earlier this year, the brand underwent changes both inside and outside the can, increasing the dosage of hemp from 15mg per to 25mg per 12 oz. can.
Tufo’s Wholesale Foods, a family-owned complete food service that distributes over 3,000 food products directly from manufacturers across the country to restaurants and bakeries, saw the partnership with Rhythm as the perfect opportunity to introduce hemp-infused beverages in its stores as CBD beverages continue to gain mainstream momentum. The global CBD beverages market size is projected to reach $643.9 million by 2026, according to 360 Market Updates.
“As seasoned professionals in food distribution, we’ve seen many trends come and go, but we believe CBD is not a fad and is here to stay,” said Steve Rapillo, President of Tufo Foods, in a press release. “Rhythm’s beverages are truly unique and delicious, and we’re thrilled to add them to our portfolio.”
According to Rhythm, the Tri-State area has been a key market for the brand since its launch and the new partnership with Tufo’s will “allow Rhythm to scale growth while leveraging its existing presence in the market.”
“Tufo’s account base sits squarely in the trade channels that we sell Rhythm into today. I foresee they will not only help us double down on Rhythm’s early success in the Tri-State area, but help us serve our existing retailers more efficiently,” said Neil Aberman, Rhythm VP of sales, independent markets, in the release.
Additionally, Rhythm has announced a new partnership with multi-location co-packer Wildpack Beverage Inc.
“Aligning with a larger co-packer like Wildpack positions Rhythm to fit nicely for its next growth stage, in which we’ll be expanding both our West Coast and East Coast distribution footprints,” said Ian Monat, CEO and founder of Rhythm.
Elmhurst 1925 Splashes into Whole Foods Market Nationwide
New York-based plant-based beverage maker Elmhurst 1925 splashed into Whole Foods Market stores nationwide with three of its products: Chocolate Milked Oats, Unsweetened Milk Oats and Unsweetened Milked Cashews.
According to the company’s website, after closing Elmhurst Dairy’s doors in 2016, owner Henry Schwartz introduced Elmhurst 1925 in 2017 as a plant-based dairy alternative company. As demand for plant-based products surges, Elmhurst 1925 hopes to expand its retail footprint to reach more consumers.
“We’re thrilled to expand the availability of our clean and simple products to Whole Foods shoppers nationally, especially in markets that we have yet to tap into in the U.S.,” said Heba Mahmoud, Elmhurst senior director of brand marketing, in a statement. “We know these three core products will resonate with both plant-based lovers, and consumers who are new to the lifestyle.”
All of Elmhurst Dairy’s products are made with six ingredients or less and pack 4 to 20 grams of protein per serving. The company’s core products can also be found at Sprouts, Wegmans, Publix, Kroger and Ralph’s.
Chlorophyll Water Now Available at Homeland Grocery
Chlorophyll Water announced last week its infused bottled water has entered Homeland Grocery stores throughout Oklahoma. The brand, which has offered spring water enhanced with chlorophyll since 2019, is now available at all 37 Homeland locations in Oklahoma, in addition to select Mother’s Market, Whole Foods Market, Urban Outfitters and Pura Vida stores nationwide.
“Homeland’s commitment to build healthier communities by connecting people with the freshest fruits, vegetables and produce aligns with Chlorophyll Water’s mission in creating community around health and nutrition, living a plant-based lifestyle,” the brand said in a statement.
ROAR Organic Launches in Whole Foods Market
ROAR Organic announced its core line of hydration beverages – Mango Clementine, Cucumber Watermelon, Georgia Peach and Blueberry Acai – is now available at most Whole Foods Market locations nationwide.
The announcement comes on the heels of Roar’s rebrand and reformulation in 2021, during which the brand upped the “juiciness” of its flavors, which now contain 100% daily value of Vitamins A, B5, B6, B12, C and E. The new packaging design speaks to anytime use occasions rather than pre- or post-workout.
“We’re thrilled to expand the availability of our refreshing and delicious vitamin-enhanced products to Whole Foods Market customers across the country, especially beyond the markets we currently reside in,” said ROAR Organic director of marketing, Wendy Derbak, in a press release. “Most importantly, we’re excited to continue on ROAR Organic’s future-forward mission to defy expectations and deliver our Complete Hydration beverages that help replenish our bodies.”
ROAR Organic is also available at natural and traditional retailers across the country, including Sprouts, Wegmans and Safeway/Albertsons.
TEAKOE Expands Fizzy Tea Distribution at Kroger
In conjunction with National Iced Tea Month in June, Colorado-based tea manufacturer TEAKOE has launched in nearly 1,000 Kroger locations nationwide.
“We are excited to expand the distribution of Fizzy Tea with an established conventional partner such as Kroger who values an approachable premium beverage created to truly support the active lifestyles of modern consumers,” said Pete Jokisch, founder and CEO of TEAKOE, in a statement.
Kroger will carry three Fizzy Tea flavors – Elevating (Lemon & Raw Honey), Awakening (Pineapple & Lemon Myrtle) and Uplifting (Pomegranate & Hibiscus) – in 4-packs in-store and online.
“Kroger is the best fit partnership given its reputation for providing high-quality products to its shoppers, and we are honored to join Kroger’s strong portfolio of consumer brands,” said Jokisch.
SkinTe Lands in Select Walmart Stores Across the Country
SkinTe, maker of collagen-infused sparkling wellness sodas, announced it has expanded its retail footprint by landing in 1,289 Walmart stores across the country.
“Offering SkinTe to Walmart’s consumers will introduce the brand to millions of people who previously could not find SkinTe. These new consumers now have an opportunity to enjoy the skin and mood-boosting benefits of SkinTe unique ingredients,” said SkinTe CEO and co-founder, Bassima Mroue, in a press release.
The functional drinks – available in Green Tea, Grapefruit and Hibiscus Vanilla – will be offered in select Northeastern and Southeastern region Walmart stores across 19 states. Over the past year, SkinTe also expanded into more than 4,000 natural and conventional retailers nationwide.
SkinTe is currently available at major retailers such as Publix, Kroger, HEB, Stop & Shop, and Sprouts for $2.78 per 12 oz. can.
Notes
- Hawaii-based kombucha and cold brew maker VitaliTea announced its products will be available at Safeway locations across Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai.
- Flow Beverage Corp. has launched a new 1 L format for two of its most popular flavors, Strawberry Rose and Peach Blueberry, throughout Sprouts Farmers Market stores across the nation. The new format will also be available direct-to-consumer in the United States and Canada.