ARKANSAS CITY, Kansas -- Kwik Shops in Kansas are carrying a new organic drink line called MADE. Hutchinson, Kansas-based Kwik Shop and Arkansas City, Kansas-based beverage manufacturer KanPak LLC collaborated to introduce the new line of USDA certified organic drinks at the convenience stores. MADE Drinks are produced, packaged and shipped from Ark City to Kwik Shop distribution centers.
"We are thrilled to use an organic drink made right here in the Sunflower State and offer it to our on-the-go shoppers who want a delicious, environmentally responsible option" said Dennis [image-nocss] Abshier, senior category manager for Kwik Shop, a Kroger c-store banner. "The fact that we can source it from a neighboring company is a huge bonus."
MADE becomes the first organic drink line to be carried by Kwik Shop. With a combination of the finest natural and organic green tea and fruit juices, MADE is a unique drink option for Kwik Shop customers who want something that tastes good, but is also produced with a conscience. KanPak packages the drink aseptically, which allows it to be bottled in a way that does not require refrigeration, so energy is saved.
"KanPak clearly has achieved international recognition, it's a great feather in their caps to have a product produced in Kansas' backyard available at local stores," said Charley Snell, founder of MADE Drinks Co., Chicago. "Every penny a manufacturer can save is a price break passed on to the customer and aseptic beverages are one way retailers are finding efficiencies."
Beginning June 1, several flavors of MADE Drinks will be available at most Kwik Shop locations in Kansas. Additionally, it will be available at stores in Nebraska and Iowa.
"Our experience with KanPak's aseptic packaging has been a win-win for us," said Snell. "We feel good about producing our drinks at a company where responsibility to the earth is a manufacturing consideration and we know Kansas consumers will appreciate the accessibility to a great-tasting, organic drink made in their home state"
KanPak is a leader in aseptically packaged coffee, dairy and fruit beverages and desserts.
Cincinnati-based Kroger is the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, with 2,470 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two-dozen local banners, including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 909 supermarket fuel centers and 784 convenience stores in the United States. The c-stores are in 16 states: Loaf 'N Jug in Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming; Turkey Hill Minit Markets in Pennsylvania; Crestview, Fla.-based Tom Thumb Food Stores in Florida and Alabama; Kwik Shop in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska; and Quik Stop Markets in California and Nevada.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.