Here’s a recap of notable distribution moves from the month so far:
You’re not really a “modern soda” until you’re at Walmart, right? The big-box chain has staked its claim to the burgeoning set by building a dedicated shelf with brands like Poppi, Zevia, Bloom and others. But that’s expanding with “modern Mexican soda” in the guise of De La Calle, now available in over 700 store locations.
Walmart is still keeping an eye on startups, too. Two years after the company was invited to pitch at Walmart Open Call, sparkling drink maker Bollygood is bringing its Lemon Ginger Mint and Lemon Pomegranate Cardamom Lemonades into coolers at 62 locations in the Northeast.
In May, we covered Luna Bay’s evolution from hard kombucha brand to purveyor of better-for-you, yerba mate-based, non-alcoholic cocktails – a journey that now takes its 3-SKU Zero Percent line, launched last November in 12 oz. cans, into over 400 Sprouts locations. Looking for the hard stuff? That’s also growing in Sprouts, with 450 placements in places like California, Georgia, Washington, Florida, Texas and Arizona.
RTD coffee has embraced functionality in recent years, but Everyday Dose Coffee+ continues to fly its flag in packaged varieties, which can now be found at Target stores. Somewhat similar to popular all-in-one powder supplements, but for coffee, Everyday Dose brings java together with Lion’s Mane and Chaga mushrooms, grass-fed collagen, L-theanine, and a “balanced dose of caffeine” in a single scoop. Products include Coffee+ in Mild Roast and Medium Roast and a Sample Kit, all priced at $14.99.
Looking for a more traditional brew? Check Walmart, where you can now find BLK & Bold’s two signature roasts – Rise & GRND (medium) and Smoove Operator (dark) – packaged in ground and whole bean 12-ounce bags ($10.96) in over 600 locations. The new partnership comes after it entered Costco earlier this year.
Vermont-based THC drink maker Upstate Elevator Co. credited Tennessee’s “well-defined regulations” and “stable environment” as the chief reasons behind its move into the Volunteer State. The brand’s 10 mg THC seltzers and sodas are now available at Total Wine & More (Knoxville & Brentwood), Gateway Wine & Spirits (Murfreesboro), 109 Liquor & Wine (Lebanon), R&B Liquor (Nolensville), and Mt Juliet Beer (Mt. Juliet).
Uncle Snoop is also heading to Tennessee via his Iconic Tonics label, producers of the Do It Fluid and Doggy Spritz lines. Those drinks will be moving through Best Brands, Inc., while there’s also expansion on deck in Georgia (with Savannah Distributing Company) and New Jersey (Allied Beverage Group).
Joining the Target shelf, but in the plant-based fridge: Kiki Milk, available in 32 oz cartons ($6.99) in Original, Chocolate, and Unsweetened. As federal regulators take a closer look at food additives and ingredients, the kid-positioned brand is highlighting its credentials as Glyphosate-Residue Free and third-party tested for heavy metals and mold.
Looking for a different take on kid’s milk? We hear Jubilee’s flavored varieties are now in Sprouts, though details are still sparse.
As we’ve seen with brands like AG1 and MUD\WTR, D2C-based supplement makers are building bridges into brick-and-mortar retail, with fiber-focused Bio.me being the latest. The brand is bringing Daily Prebiotic Fiber (Unflavored and Chocolate) and Psyllium Husk Fiber (Lemonade) to Whole Foods Market nationwide this month.
There’s also RAW Nutrition, another supplement brand that has been gaining traction through placements at The Vitamin Shoppe and through a collaboration with Cadence. That momentum is carrying the brand to Sam’s Club, where it will debut an exclusive new RTD protein shake (30 grams grass-fed protein). The brand is also unveiling its new additions, Essential Pre-Workout powder line (Cherry Limeade, Sour Grape and Strawberry Lemonade) and its first-ever flavored Creatine Monohydrate, designed to increase muscular strength and endurance, plus support cognition.
Japanese canned water brand MTN WTR has landed a new partner in Southern California, aligning with Los Angeles Distributing (LAD). The lineup includes Spring, Sparkling Spring and the new Extra Strong Sparkling in 500 mL cans, with premium retailers, wellness-focused stores and on-premise locations the immediate priority channels starting this month.
UFC boss Dana White made headlines this week when he stated negotiations were underway to bring a mixed martial arts bout to The White House for next year’s July 4th celebration. That hasn’t been confirmed yet, but this has: 1st Phorm Energy, the new brand co-created by White, Anheuser-Busch and nutritional supplement maker 1st Phorm, is available at 7-Eleven nationwide as of this week.
Finally, is ‘wet’ water overrated? We’re not sure, but DryWater seems to be making its case. The electrolyte + vitamin powder is entering over 2,000 Walgreens locations this month (including health and wellness aisle endcaps), with another 4,000-plus doors expected to join by the end of the year.