Bawi Hits Whole Foods
Sparkling agua fresca brand Bawi has landed in select Whole Foods Market stores in its home market of Texas, as well as Chicago and Northern California locations.
The expansion marks the three-year-old brand’s first big push into a national grocery chain, with the retailer stocking Bawi’s El Limón, La Piña, La Maracuyá, and La Guayaba flavors. Each 12 oz. can contains less than 10 grams of sugar and 40-60 calories.
“Getting into Whole Foods Market is more than a retail win—it’s a full-circle moment,” said founder Victor Guardiola in a press release.
“We started Bawi at local farmer’s markets and always wanted to bring the vibrant, refreshing flavors of aguas frescas to more people, in a way that honors our heritage and fits today’s lifestyles,” he added. “To now be on shelves at one of the most respected retailers in the country—starting with regions that mean so much to our story—is a huge milestone, and a powerful step forward for Latino representation in the beverage aisle.”
Last year, Bawi raised $3.5 million in an institution-backed seed round, with Guardiola at the time teasing an impending launch in a “major natural channel retailer.” Speaking to BevNET last year, Guardiola said the round would also be put towards hiring for sales and upper-level management roles.
Brands like Agua Bonita, Frescos Naturales, TUYYO and Salud Refresco have sought to build an agua fresca category, while top-down confidence from strategics with Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid and BlueTriton’s Frutitas brand have helped to accelerate mainstream adoption, while Taste Salud partnered with legacy Mexican soda brand Jarritos for a new co-branded powdered beverage line.
This month, fast food chain Taco Bell announced it was adding six flavors of its Refrescas line to its stores nationwide as a permanent menu item, following a successful test launch.
Bawi now hopes that being in one of the biggest tastemaker retail chains the country will help to charge its own growth, along with the strong tailwinds propelling agua frescas en masse.
HOP WTR Extends Sprouts Set
Functional non-alc beverage maker HOP WTR is expanding its presence in Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide, adding its Double Hopped and Iced Tea & Lemonade flavors to all of the natural retailer’s 400+ locations.
The beer-like beverage brand is already sold in Sprouts with its Blood Orange, Mango and Ruby Red Grapefruit flavors, so the extension is a show of confidence in the zero calorie, zero carb drink.
“We’re excited to bring our newest innovations to Sprouts shoppers across the country,” said Hop WTR co-founder and CEO Jordan Bass in a press release. “Sprouts is a natural fit for our brand values; they’re committed to wellness, innovation and helping customers find products that support a healthier lifestyle. We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership and offer unique non-alc choices to their wellness focused community.”
The new innovations aim to broaden HOP WTR’s appeal to consumers, with Double Hopped leaning into the beer flavor profile as an alternative to an IPA, while the Iced Tea & Lemonade is a much sweeter, lightly carbonated option.
Both flavors will sell at Sprouts with an SRP of $9.99 per 6-pack.
More Distribution News from Across the Industry:
- PLEZi, the wellness-minded beverage brand co-founded by Michelle Obama, is launching its FiZZ and Hydration lines at Sprouts stores across the country, with placement in the retailer’s New For You Destination set.
- Nixie’s better-for-you sodas are now available in Stop & Shop locations on the East Coast.
- Functional beverage brand Cadence is rolling out into over 900 GNC stores across the country, available in Cream Soda and Melonberry flavors.
- Lucky Energy is now in the cold box at Albertsons stores in 11 states across the Western U.S.