PADUCAH, Ky. -- Ice cream and frozen treat maker Dippin' Dots LLC said that its products will be carried by fred's Super Dollar stores starting this month.
Dippin' Dots, whose products have traditionally only been available to consumers at entertainment venues like theme parks or stadiums, is expanding its points of presence by placing freezers in retail outlets including pharmacies and convenience stores. Since launching this strategy earlier this year, the company has signed close to 1,200 new pharmacies and convenience stores across the country.
"fred's Super Dollar is a leader in the discount store segment that is known for its unique product assortment, customer-centric philosophy and strong customer loyalty. Being affiliated with this well-known and respected chain will help make Dippin' Dots frozen treats more readily available to legions of Dots fans," said Michael Barrette, vice president of marketing and sales at Dippin' Dots. "We firmly believe that expanding our retail distribution network is key to ensuring Dippin' Dots continued growth. To drive retail sales long term, we are currently developing several innovative flavors and products that will appeal to consumers making grab-and-go purchases in convenience stores and similar retail outlets."
Based in Memphis, Fred's Inc. operates discount general merchandise stores throughout the southeastern United States. More than 250 fred's Super Dollar locations will begin stocking Dippin' Dots this summer, with Dippin' Dots treats available in 640 fred's stores in September. In addition to a variety of Dippin' Dots original dots flavors, some fred's locations will be outfitted with larger freezers, allowing them to also stock YoDots yogurt treats, as well as a rotation of new products.
"Starting with our Southaven store, fred's Super Dollar is rolling out an expanded food selection featuring a variety of well-known brands that will enhance the customer shopping experience," said Dave Mueller, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Fred's. "This expanded food assortment will include Dippin' Dots frozen treats, which are known and loved by consumers of all ages. We anticipate that the addition of freezers stocked with Dippin' Dots products will be well received by our customer base."
Dippin' Dots has produced and distributed its flash frozen tiny beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and flavored ice products since microbiologist Curt Jones invented the cryogenic process in 1988. Made at the company's production facility in Paducah, Ky., Dippin' Dots distributes its frozen products in all 50 states and 11 countries and employs 170 people.
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