Jovē Water Adds Kroger, Lowes Foods, and Giant Landover
Florida-based Jovē Water is adding new retail partners across the Southeast as it enters 175 Kroger and 81 Lowes Foods stores, expanding its distribution footprint across Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. In addition, the product is entering 153 Giant Foods stores in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
The functional water brand touts its patented “Advanced Cellular Hydration Technology” — essentially adding essential minerals and charging the water with electrons in order to help the body absorb it. In addition to improved hydration, the drink also claims to promote healthier skin via cellular absorption and contains added liquid silica in the mineral blend. The product is in around 2,000 stores including Publix and Earth Fare stores.
“This expansion marks a huge milestone in Jove’s continued growth,” said Tammy Hobbs, Jove’s CEO, in a press release. “We are proud to be on the shelves of Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, and Lowes Foods, a community supermarket chain where shopping is a unique interactive experience in the Carolinas. At Jove, we believe in the transformative power of hydration and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing Deep Hydration, supporting wellness from the inside out, and spreading Jove joy to all communities.”
The new distribution comes ahead of a new “high-sensory” social and digital marketing campaign for the brand, expected to debut next month.
Sprouts Takes Richard’s Rainwater Nationwide
Richard’s Rainwater has been preaching its message of sustainably-sourced “cloud-to-bottle” water for years now, and it’s winning more converts.
This week, Richard’s announced that Sprouts Farmers Market has taken its waters to all 399 stores nationwide following a successful test with the retailer last year in locations spanning Arizona, California and Nevada.
The Texas-based company is also gaining ground at home: the brand’s sparkling water is now available at Albertsons & Safeway in 12-packs. Richard’s has also entered Fresh Thyme locations in the Midwest, per a press release, while Whole Foods has been a longtime national partner.
8th Wonder Pops-Up In NYC
As seen at Expo West, the sparkling tea category continues to percolate with a range of distinctive takes, including LA-based 8th Wonder Tea, which markets a range of drinks boosted with “superfood” functional ingredients. The week prior to the show, the company announced the launch of its 5-SKU line of adaptogenic teas at Pop-Up Grocer’s (PUG) new permanent location in New York City.
“8th Wonder is beyond excited to join the ranks of other game-changing and disruptive brands in the natural products sector by participating in the Pop Up Grocer event starting in March,” said 8th Wonder CEO & co-founder Reed Rush, in a press release.
Formerly based in Colorado, 8th Wonder has overhauled its glass bottle RTDs which launched in 2018. Now packaged in 12 oz. slim cans, the line is available on Amazon as of last year; prior partners include Whole Foods in the Rocky Mountain region, and Mother’s Market and Kitchen as well as Lassen’s Natural Foods and Vitamins in Southern California.
“Seeking out the first in class, and most intelligent in design, when it comes to our daily choices we can ultimately drive sustainable change in the market while empowering consumers to demand higher standards and better quality from our goods,” Rush added. “As a springboard for brands who are working to bring about these much needed shifts in product development, Pop Up Grocer is the ideal creative outlet.”
On March 3, PUG opened the doors to its first, permanent home, located at 205 Bleecker St in Manhattan. The 1,500 square-foot storefront features a rotating selection of brands, including Ghia, OffLimits, Siesta, and Whipnotic; a cafe, stocked initially with Chamberlain Coffee; and baked goods from local business, Librae.
Alkaline88 Goes National With Whole Foods
The Alkaline Water Company Inc. is taking its flagship 1 gallon water format nationwide, adding 306 Whole Foods Market stores and six new regional divisions of the natural retailer.
“The Alkaline88 1 gallon is now conveniently accessible to organic food shoppers in every Whole Foods Market across the country,” said Frank Chessman, President and CEO of The Alkaline Water Company, in a press release. “Initially available in over 200 stores across five Whole Foods divisions, our 1 gallon product can now be found in a total of 514 Whole Foods Market stores throughout all eleven divisions.”
Pickle Juice Lands in Europe
Pickle Juice is expanding internationally as the brand enters the U.K. and Europe online through Poppin Candy. The brand markets a variety of formats, including a 1 gallon extra strength pickle juice, 16 oz. pickle juice sport, 8 oz. pickle juice sport, and 2.5 oz. pickle juice shot.