7 Beverages Gaining Retail Shelf Space
By Steve Holtz on Aug. 17, 20171. 7-Eleven gets some Xing
The Heartland Division of 7-Eleven Corp., Irving, Texas, is now stocking New Age Beverages Corp.'s XingTea. Ten SKUs of XingTea are available in 7-Eleven convenience stores across the Midwest.
Meanwhile, New Age Beverages Corp., Denver, has also added its wider line of drinks to Loblaw Co. and Sobeys Inc. grocery stores in Canada, and 7 Eleven c-stores in Canada.
2. CVS takes Avitae
Avitae USA LLC, makers of Avitae caffeinated water, has secured national distribution with CVS Health. The drug-store retailer now carries the company’s carbonated caffeine water, Sparkling Avitae, in two fruit flavors: Black Cherry and Raspberry Lime. Sparkling Avitae is available in 464 CVS Health locations nationally.
The distribution news comes on the heels of CVS Health’s move to devote more space to healthy snacks, food and beverage options and less space to junk food and sugary drinks.
Cleveland-based Avitae is the only caffeinated-water brand carried by CVS Health and will retail for $1.77 per 16.9-ounce bottle.
3. Natural Cabana reaches Houston, New York
Houston-based Fiesta Mart has added Pulse Beverage Corp.'s Natural Cabana Lemonades and Limeades to its 60 stores in Texas.
Meanwhile, Long Island, N.Y., grocers, convenience stores and foodservice operations now have access to Natural Cabana Lemonades, Limeades and Coconut Waters via a new distribution deal with J. Kings Food Services Professionals Inc.
Holtsville, N.Y.-based J. Kings Food Services will provide coverage for the New York territories of Nassau and Suffolk counties in Long Island. Pulse Beverage Corp. is based in Northglenn, Colo.
4. Blossom Water grows in U.S. and Canada
Blossom Water LLC is now authorized to sell its line of all-natural flavored waters in more than 750 new locations across the United States and Canada.
This summer's new authorizations are:
- Albertsons Cos.: This includes placement in more than 110 Safeway and 30 Albertsons stores in Oregon and Washington, more than 100 Shaws and 20 Star Markets throughout New England, and more than 70 Acme stores in and around Philadelphia.
- ShopRite: More than 125 stores in New Jersey and New York.
- Price Chopper: More than 130 stores in upstate New York, Pennsylvania and New England.
- Hasty Market: More than 150 stores in Ontario.
Westwood, Mass.-based Blossom Water LLC offers a premium line of floral-enhanced, natural essence waters. Blossom Water is available in four varieties: Lemon Rose, Plum Jasmine, Grapefruit Lilac and Pomegranate Geranium.
5. Icelandic Glacial expands in Canada
Spring-water brand Icelandic Glacial has expanded its distribution across all channels in Canada, opening the door to reach new retailers, hotels and restaurants. To date, retailers that carry Icelandic Glacial across the country include Wal-Mart, Whole Foods Market, Loblaws, Bulk Barn, Giant Tiger, Sobeys and Costco Business Centre.
Reykjavik-based Icelandic Glacial is a superpremium natural spring water, bottled at the source from Iceland’s Olfus Spring.
6. Alaskan Brewing in Illinois
Alaskan Brewing will bring its craft beers to Illinois through a network of 14 distributors. The move into Illinois will mark the 20th state where Juneau, Alaska-based Alaskan Brewing is distributed.
Starting in mid-September, beer drinkers in Illinois can expect to see year-round packages of Amber, White, Husky IPA, Hopothermia Double IPA and the Taste of Alaska Sampler Pack. Alaskan’s Seasonal Winter Ale will follow in October.
“We’ve been looking at expanding into Illinois for many years now,” said Alaskan Brewing Sales Director Merv Boyce. “We’re working with a group of enthusiastic and knowledgeable distributors, we know we already have many fans in the state who are eager for our beer, and our story and the amazing place our beer represents is something that resonates with the people of Illinois.”
7. Tickle Water as a mixer
Tickle Water, a sparkling-water company initially created specifically for kids, is expanding its market to target adults and increase market share in a growing multibillion-dollar industry.
With a new focus on the flavored water as a mixer, as well a healthy, flavorful sparkling-water option, the New York-based company has seen an adoption of the brand by millennials and adults, leading to an increased distribution footprint in wine and spirits stores, as well as employee dining cafes.
The company has signed new distribution agreements with KeHE Distribution Center in Lehigh Valley, Pa., and six distribution centers with UNFI in Howell, N.J.; Sarasota, Fla.; Hudson Valley, N.Y.; Chesterfield, N.H.; Richburg, Va.; and Dayville, Conn.
And recently authorized retail chains include Tops Markets, Food City, Total Wine and King Kullen.