Following strong consumer demand and the rapid sell-through of its 25-count packs, GateDrop is expanding through Carlson Distributing in Utah and Global Partners across the Northeast, as the brand prepares for its next phase of national and international growth.
MANCHESTER, N.H., June 30, 2026 — GateDrop, the rapidly growing natural energy gummy brand, today announced a new distribution agreement with Carlson Distributing Co., one of Utah's largest beverage distributors, with majority coverage of Utah’s growing population base, in a move that significantly expands the brand's retail footprint. The news comes alongside an expanded relationship with Global Partners, a chain of U.S. convenience store brands, adding GateDrop to additional locations including XtraMart, Jiffy Mart, Mr. Mike's, Honey Farms, T-Bird, Fast Freddie's, Alltown, and Convenience Plus. This momentum follows a recent sell-through of GateDrop's online 25-count packs at getgatedrop.com, driven by surging consumer demand.
"This speed of growth has always been the plan, and we're just getting started," said Tim Near, GateDrop Co-Founder and CEO. "Carlson is the leading distributor in Utah, with a proven track record of building consumer brands across the state. We're proud that GateDrop will be its first non-liquid energy product and see a tremendous opportunity to grow the category together. Utah is a natural fit for our brand, with its deep roots in action sports, outdoor adventure, hard work, and people constantly moving toward what's next. We're excited to expand our retail presence and athlete initiatives here while becoming part of Utah's 'Life Elevated' culture. These partnerships represent the beginning of our plan to expand GateDrop as a global CPG energy platform, and we look forward to sharing additional distribution news in the months ahead."
Carlson Distributing directly services 98% of the state’s population, and the agreement marks the first time Carlson has added a non-liquid energy product to its portfolio. This move reflects Carlson’s confidence in the emerging energy gummy segment. Combined with the broader Global Partners footprint, the deals give GateDrop a direct path into a large swath of additional convenience, grocery, and specialty retail locations across the country, with international distribution conversations already underway as the brand looks toward its next chapter of growth.
“We are excited to introduce GateDrop as our first functional caffeinated non-beverage concept,” said Dane Carlson, CEO of Carlson Distributing. “We are seeing consumers gravitate toward non-liquid caffeine formats that deliver convenient, readily consumed energy. When approached with the opportunity, we were impressed with the product and are really looking forward to bringing GateDrop to all retailers across Utah.”
The retail momentum comes as GateDrop continues to build out its broader brand presence, including its recently announced partnership with UFC veteran and outdoorsman Chad Mendes, who joined the company as its inaugural Founding Brand Partner. Mendes has been a hands-on collaborator from the start, advising on everything from flavor profiles to what energy needs to do in the field.
Near and the team are expecting to announce additional distribution partnerships in the coming months, as they continue to expand GateDrop’s reach within and beyond the U.S.
About GateDrop
Built for people in motion, GateDrop is a natural energy gummy brand inspired by action sports. Founded to challenge traditional energy drinks, the brand delivers clean, precisely dosed caffeine in a convenient, portable gummy, positioning itself as a true challenger in one of the fastest-growing categories in consumer products.
GateDrop is not just a name; it's a universal moment. In motocross, the “gate drop” is the start of the race, the single second where preparation meets action. GateDrop's gummies, which the team calls "drops," are purpose-built for exactly that moment and other moments like it: portable, microdosable, and made with natural caffeine and functional vitamins. On-demand energy, ready for whenever the gate drops.
Learn more or get more at getgatedrop.com.
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