Elmhurst Innovates Into Whole Foods
Plant-based milk brand Elmhurst 1925 is launching its three latest innovations into Whole Foods Market stores across the country.
The extension includes placements for Elmhurst’s Pistachio Barista Edition, Unsweetened Coconut Cashew Milk and Maple Walnut Barista Edition plant milks, which come packaged in 32 oz. cartons.
“We’ve long enjoyed a successful collaboration with Whole Foods Market, and we’re excited to continue to grow together following overwhelmingly positive customer feedback,” said Heba Mahmoud, Senior Director of Brand Innovation at Elmhurst 1925, in a press release.
“The Whole Foods Market shopper is looking for the tastiest, high-quality, and most wholesome plant-based products available – that’s exactly what Elmhurst delivers,” Mahmoud added. “As we continue to set the standard for what plant-based alternatives should be, we look forward to customers nationwide discovering an even greater variety of Elmhurst 1925 offerings.”
Elmhurst has long offered a wide array of milk alternatives, including almond, oat, cashew, hazelnut and walnut based drinks. The new innovations build on that broad approach with two Barista editions which can play to both on-premise customers and consumers seeking at-home coffee additives.
Aside from Whole Foods, the brand’s drinks are sold in retailers including Sprouts Farmers Market, Wegmans, Publix, Kroger, The Fresh Market, Roundy’s and Fairway, and online via Thrive Market, Hive, Amazon, and direct-to-consumer.
Culture Pop(s) Into Target
It’s been a big week for probiotic soda brand Culture Pop: along with a $15 million investment, it’s going nationwide with Target.
The Massachusetts-based modern soda brand initially launched into northeast Target stores in September. Now, Culture Pop is expanding into other regions with the mass retail chain and on Target.com. Target will carry eight out of nine flavors including the newest variety, Grape.
The retail partnership represents a “milestone” in Culture Pop’s goal to garner more brand awareness as demand grows for better-for-you soft drinks.
“We want people to read our ingredient statement because we’re proud of how we make Culture Pop,” said founder and CEO Tom First. “No other soda is doing it the way we are — no refined sugars, no sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or aspartame — just the real stuff.”
Tru Adds Kroger, H-E-B
Energy drink brand Tru is adding Kroger accounts in Nashville and the Mid-Atlantic, as well as H-E-B stores in Texas, according to founder and CEO Jack McNamara.
McNamara announced the new accounts on LinkedIn last week, calling them a “major milestone” for the brand’s team.
He also noted that Tru utilizes broker On-Shelf Marketing Group and distributes via KeHE and thanked them in helping to make the Kroger’s launch possible.
As well, McNamara said that adding H-E-B had “been a goal of ours over the past few years” and that he and his wife relocated to Texas “to improve the odds and support the expansion.”
“Today, we couldn’t be more excited to see it come to life,” he wrote. “[H-E-B’s] commitment to innovation, quality, and supporting better-for-you brands is truly inspiring.”
Nurri Goes to Sam’s Club
Protein shake Nurri is entering Sam’s Club stores, its second retail partner after Costco, the brand said in a press release.
The club account will carry Nurri’s Chocolate and Vanilla flavors in 12-packs of 11 oz. cans, retailing for $19.98 each.
“We’re thrilled to expand our reach to Sam’s Club, bringing our delicious Protein Milk Shakes to more people than ever before,” said Adam Tollefson, Director of Marketing at Nurri, in the release. “Nurri’s mission is to bring smiles to nourishment, and expanding to more retailers helps us bring that vision to even more people — it’s a very exciting moment for the brand!”
Bizzy Cold Brew Heads North
Bizzy’s been busy. The cold brew coffee brand is branching into the Northeast via Stop & Shop stores, announced CEO Alex French on LinkedIn this week.
“We’re thrilled to continue growing and partner with awesome retailers like Stop & Shop who’ve been a staple in the Northeast for over 100 years,” French wrote. “Look for us in the refrigerated section on your next Stop & Shop run!”
BRĒZ Flows Into Raley’s
Functional beverage maker BRĒZ might be known for its hemp-derived-THC infused drinks primarily sold DTC, but in the last year, it has also built a retail presence for its non-intoxicating line FLOW.
Yesterday, the brand announced its functional mushroom-spiked RTD drink will be sold in Raley’s locations in California and Nevada. The deal marks the brand’s first major retail partnership on the West Coast and builds on its success in ecommerce.
BRĒZ has been busy in 2025. In January, it launched on Doordash with its hemp-infused options. Most recently, the brand launched two new intoxicating products to round out its portfolio: a 10mg THC Extra Strength in 12 oz. cans and a 750mL multiserve SPIRIT for mixing.
BUBBL’R Adds Walmart
Wisconsin-based sparkling water brand BUBBL’R is expanding nationwide with Walmart, launching its antioxidant canned drinks across the country in 3,800 doors this week.
The mass retail will carry a number of BUBBL’R flavors, including Twisted Elix’r, Triple Berry Breez’r, Tropical Dream’r, Wild Cherry Chill’r, Watermelon Lime Smash’r, and Peach Raspberry Dazzl’r.
In a release, BUBBL’R director of marketing and brand development Tyler Hartmann said the company will support the expansion with an omnichannel strategy that includes retail sampling, ecommerce promotions, influencer partnerships and social media campaigns.
Plink! Plops Into CVS
PLINK!, an electrolyte drink tablet brand, is rolling into CVS stores this month. Its Pomegranate Berry and Watermelon flavors will be available in 12-packs for $14.99 online and in stores.
Each tablet contains just 10 calories and 1 gram of sugar and is vegan, keto friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and non-GMO.
“We are jazzed to see that a major retailer like CVS is noticing that hydration doesn’t have to be reactive in only high-stress or hardcore situations like a marathon or a hangover, but can be an enjoyable and easy solution to everyone’s daily lives,” said co-founder Luke Montgomery-Smith in a release.