Distribution Roundup: Dan-O’s Seasoning Launches Nationwide; Planet Based Foods Now On Amazon

Dan-O’s Seasoning Grows From Farmers Markets To Mass Retail, Credits TikTok

Kentucky-based seasoning brand Dan-O’s will roll out to over 7,800 retail stores nationwide this month including Kroger, Walmart and BJ’s. Beginning at farmers markets, trade shows and a handful of grocery stores within its home state five years ago, the seasoning maker credits the brand’s recent distribution wins to its TikTok account which boasts 2.3 million followers to-date.

“It’s crazy how our ‘Plan B’ pandemic marketing strategy resonated with so many people,” said founder Dan Oliver, in a press release. “Social media was one of the only ways to get in front of folks and, once they were able to try Dan-O’s, the quality spoke for itself.”

In addition to Walmart and Kroger, Dan-O’s will also roll out to B.J.’s, Ingles Market and Raley’s Supermarkets, among additional retailers.

The low sodium, zero calorie, non-GMO seasonings are made from a blend of herbs, spices and sea salt and come in three varieties: Original, Spicy and Hot Chipotle. The seasonings come in a range of pack sizes including 3.5 oz. and 20 oz. bottles and an array of multi- and variety-pack combinations.

Prior to the pandemic the product was sold in less than 200 stores, however, after it turned to TikTok, both the product and its namesake Dan Oliver have gone viral. The hashtag #danosseasoning has over 1 billion views and the brand averages over 150 million views a month, it said in the release.

To support its social media success and continue building the brand’s personality, Dan-O’s also sells an extensive range of swag via its DTC platform including koozies, hats, sweatshirts and, most notably, a large magnet of Dan Oliver’s face.

“I grabbed some ingredients and a six-pack and started making videos in my kitchen,” Oliver said in the press release. “People loved it. They responded to our authenticity.”

Planet Based Foods Launches on Amazon

Hemp-based protein maker Planet Based Foods announced it has launched “a curated selection” of its alternative protein products on Amazon, following the debut of its DTC, e-commerce platform last month. The San Francisco-based startup began gaining traction early this year and, since debuting its products in February, it has secured distribution through KeHE, US Foods Inc and online vegan marketplace Vejii.

The rollout includes its The Original Burger, Green Chili Southwest Burger, Breakfast Sausage Patty Hot, The Original Crumble, The Italian Sausage Crumble products in addition to a variety pack offering. To support its Amazon launch, the brand has brought on Omni ePartners, a full-service Amazon agency that focuses on increasing product awareness and driving online marketplace sales, according to the release.

“Launching on Amazon represents a very exciting milestone in the company’s growth journey,” said president and CEO Braelyn Davis in the release. “Much like Google, modern consumers of today use Amazon as their go-to search engine for purchasing products, and our presence on the platform will be highly impactful in boosting brand awareness, achieving sales targets and continuously driving customers to the Planet Based Foods website.”

The company is currently traded on the mid-tier US-based equity market OTCQB, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the Canadian Securities Exchange. In addition to gaining financial support, the brand has named multiple industry veterans to its executive team including Robbie Reich as CFO (former CEO of HOPE Foods) and James Harris as VP of Business Development (former SVP of Sales at Fiji Water).

Cocomels Rolls Out To Walmart

Coconut milk caramel maker Cocomels announced a new partnership with Walmart to bring its Sea Salt Caramels and Chocolate-Covered Sea Salt Caramel Bites to over 1,500 stores nationwide.

“As a brand with a focus on shareability and a mission to deliver candy that all can enjoy, it is critical that we are also accessible to all,” says Mark Maggio, VP of Sales and Marketing for Cocomels, in a press release. “Our recent expansion into Walmart helps us deliver on this mission. We are excited to extend our reach to new consumers and provide them with the opportunity to fall in love with Cocomels.”

The organic candies are vegan-friendly, non-GMO and gluten-free. Cocomels are available in a variety of formats including bites, bars and single-serve candy pieces and flavors such as Toffee, Espresso, Vanilla and Coconut Sugar. The brand also recently launched a low sugar variety that contains less than one gram of sugar per serving.

Cocomels are available at Walmart in 3.5 oz resealable bags for $3.98.

MUSH Signs On For Nationwide Distribution at Kroger

Overnight oats brand MUSH signed a new nationwide distribution deal with Kroger, bringing its single-serve, 5 oz. cups of Blueberry, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate and Apple Cinnamon oatmeal to 1,025 stores across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. The launch comes on the heels of the brand’s expansion into three new Costco regions, bringing its retail footprint to over 11,000 doors.

The refrigerated, ready-to-eat product boasts a short ingredient deck and is dairy-free, gluten-free and contains no added sugar. MUSH is also available in Coffee Coconut and Strawberry flavors.

“Our product line of ready-to-eat oats is a brand new take on an old-fashioned favorite, and it’s here to stay,” said Ashley Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder of MUSH. “By expanding our retail footprint with Kroger, we can effect positive change in America at monumental scale, one cup of MUSH at a time.”

MUSH products are available for $2.79 at Kroger and banner stores including King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Ralph’s and QFC.

Whole Foods Brings In Every Body Eat Snack Thins

Woman and minority-owned snack brand Every Body Eat, announced a new partnership with Whole Foods. The agreement will bring the brand’s Cheese-Less, Sea Salt Chia and Fiery Chile Lime Snack Thins to stores nationwide and brings its retail footprint to 1,300 doors.

The thins are made from a blend of potato starch, brown rice flour, seeds and spices. Every Body Eat’s entire product lineup is vegan-friendly, gluten-free and non-GMO. In addition to snack thins, the brand also sells a line of Crispbreads and will be launching a new “small batch” line soon, according to its website.