Jones Makes the Play for Foodservice
Seattle-based craft soda producer Jones Soda Co. has created a new internal foodservice division to focus on growing the brand in on-premise accounts including bars, restaurants and quick-service locations across the country.
The new division will be led by Victor Petrone, the brand’s managing director of foodservice and hospitality. As the company begins broadening its focus beyond conventional grocery and independent retail accounts, Jones will work with distributor Dot Foods, broker Green Nature Marketing and small-format retail broker Ignite Brand Advisors to quickly grow the foodservice business.
The brand has already launched into STK Steakhouse and Kona Grill restaurants across the country, both of which are owned by The One Group.
“Our partnerships with Dot Foods, Green Nature and Ignite Brand Advisors lay a strong foundation for our expansion to foodservice, with Victor’s in-depth expertise at the helm,” said Jones CEO David Knight in a statement. “STK and Kona Grill with a national footprint are incredible restaurants to launch our new foodservice program.”
Jones Soda said the launch marks the first time it has expanded into the foodservice channel since it was founded in 1986. The craft soda brand has long been a retail mainstay, offering an array of indulgent, unconventional soda flavors like Key Lime Pie and Berry Lemonade, and is available in chains such as Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Circle K and Kum & Go, among others.
The expansion arrives as Jones continues to seek out new revenue opportunities. Earlier this year the brand expanded its cannabis Mary Jones beverage line into the Delta-9 hemp category, allowing it to grow its THC-infused products in mainstream retail accounts.
Last year, Knight became president and CEO of the company, taking over the role from outgoing executive Mark Murray, who had been credited with helping to turn around the brand following years of declining sales.
In its most recent Q3 2023 earnings report in November, Jones reported revenue for the quarter fell to $4.5 million from $4.8 million the prior year. However, gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased 600 basis points to 32.9% in the quarter. The company plans to release its Q4 and full year 2023 earnings on March 7.
Tulua Grows in Whole Foods
Tulua’s line of Botanical Shots is now available in Whole Foods stores across the retailer’s SoPac region covering Southern California, Nevada and Arizona, CEO Zeyad Moussa announced on LinkedIn yesterday.
The expansion will be distributed by HiTouch Libations DSD, which Moussa thanked for helping to secure the expansion.
“This latest launch marks a significant milestone for us at Tulua, as we continue our mission of harnessing nature’s most potent ingredients and crafting them into ultra-clean, delicious, and convenient premium shots,” Moussa wrote.
Betty Buzz Heads to Canada
Betty Buzz, the non-alcoholic sparkling beverage and mixer maker founded by actress Blake Lively, is trekking north to Canada with placement in over 300 Sobeys banner stores, the company announced this week in a press release.
The retailer will carry four Betty Buzz flavors – Meyer Lemon Club Soda, Sparkling Grapefruit, Sparkling Lemon Lime and Ginger Beer – in Sobeys, Safeway and Thrifty Foods stores. The drinks will retail at CAN$10.99 per 4-pack.
The expansion follows a launch into the U.K. last year via Whole Foods stores, alongside being named the official training kit partner of Wrexham AFC, the football (soccer) club co-owned by Lively’s husband, Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds.
“If there’s one thing I know it’s that Canadians do it best,” said Lively in the release. “I couldn’t be more proud that my Betty Buzz baby has dual citizenship. Excited to see Betty Buzz on the shelf in over 300 Sobeys stores. This is a big day in our family.”
Betty Buzz launched in 2021 and has since expanded its business across the U.S. in retail and on-premise accounts.
Backyard Tea Makers Matches with Momentum
THC-infused tea brand Backyard Tea Makers has partnered with wine and spirits distributor Momentum Beverage Partners to service the Chicago market.
Launched last year, Backyard produces a line of 12 oz. canned teas containing 5 mg of Delta-9 hemp-derived THC. The drinks come in Black & Lemon, Peaches N’ Tea and Raspberry flavors.
In a press release, Backyard co-founder Matt Dimmer said the deal marks the brand’s “first major distribution partnership.” While the company appears to be focused on using the deal to expand in Illinois, Momentum also services the Colorado and Wisconsin markets as well.
More Distribution News from Around the Industry:
- Canned chocolate milk and latte brand Slate is now available in Sprouts stores nationwide, the brand announced on Instagram.
- Frozen coffee pod producer Cometeer is adding Whole Foods stores in the Northeast and North Atlantic regions.
- Mooala is launching its on-the-go bananamilk line into Sprouts stores across the country.
- Water brand Smeraldina is now the exclusive water of Time Out Markets in New York, Boston and Chicago.