Distribution: MìLà Goes Wide At WFM; Jackson’s Lands Walmart
MìLà Lands Soup Dumplings In WFM Freezers
Frozen dumpling producer MìLà announced this week it has ramped up its retail efforts and landed its line of soup dumplings in Whole Foods stores nationwide. The move comes just over a year after the brand first ventured beyond its DTC roots.
The brand’s Pork Soup Dumplings, Pork & Shrimp Soup Dumplings and Chicken Soup Dumplings are now stocked in the freezer aisle and available for $7.99. The brand’s dumplings are also sold at retailers including Target, Sprouts and Wegmans, among others.
Over the past 16 months, MìLà has expanded from a viral, restaurant-quality soup dumpling seller to become one of the fastest-growing brands in its category in the U.S., a press release claims. In addition to dumplings, the brand’s portfolio also includes 3 SKUs of chili crunch and dumpling sauces as well as a Dan Dan Noodle kit and ice cream which are all available DTC.
MìLà was founded in 2018 as Xiao Chi Jie (XCJ) and rebranded last February to MìLà ahead of its retail debut. The company raised $21 million in venture funding ahead of the rebrand and retail launch, building on a $10 million round raised the previous year.
Jackson’s Locks In Walmart
Sweet potato kettle chip maker Jackson’s announced this week its brick-and-mortar footprint will expand with the addition of over 800 Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com. The products will be available in Sea Salt and Carolina BBQ flavors for $8.73 per 12-pack of 5 oz. bags.
The chips are made with only three ingredients – sweet potatoes, avocado oil and the flavor-based seasoning – and are non-GMO, top nine allergen-friendly, vegan, paleo and kosher approved.
“This move demonstrates America’s growing demand for accessible snack options with better ingredients featuring quality ingredients, like avocado oil and sweet potatoes. We are proud to partner with Walmart to offer our irresistibly delicious snacks that promise epic flavor and guilt-free enjoyment,” “said James Marino, CEO of Jackson’s.
The brand was founded in 2012 by Megan and Scott Reamer as a low-inflammation snack solution, made without seed oils, for their son Jackson, who suffers from a rare autoimmune disease, and is currently sold in retailers nationwide including Target, Costco, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, CVS, 7-Eleven and more.
Blume Expands With Whole Foods Launch
Superfood latte brand Blume announced this week that its two best selling SKUs – Matcha Coconut and Reishi Hot Chocolate – will now be sold at 270 Whole Foods stores nationwide, bringing its total door count to over 4,000 stores across North America including Target, Erewhon and Anthropologie.
“Whole Foods’ ethos aligns with our vision to create kinder wellness rituals that consumers will feel good about indulging in,” said Karen Danudjaja, CEO and founder of Blume, in a press release. “With our growing consumer demand in the U.S., Whole Foods is the perfect partner to further maximize our reach and enhance accessibility to Blume’s superfood lattes nationwide.”
The products are sugar-free, certified organic, plant-based, and packaged in plastic neutral-plus pouches. The functional beverage mixes feature ingredients including L-theanine, moringa and reishi mushroom powder.
Beyond Meat Ups Presence of New Platform Products
Plant-based meat maker Beyond Meat is working to expand the retail availability of its Beyond IV product line, announcing today that its fourth generation Beyond Sausage will be available at retailers nationwide, including Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Albertsons, Publix, Sprouts and more.
The new alt-meat product platform uses avocado oil and reduces the product’s saturated fat content by 66%. The products will be available in Brat Original and Hot Italian-Style flavors and have adopted a new gold packaging look; Beyond Sausage Mild Italian-Style flavor will launch later this summer.
African Dream Foods Takes Top SKU To Albertsons
African Dream Foods announced this week that its African Ghost Pepper Sauce will roll out to Albertsons stores and banners including Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Pavilions, Carrs, and Andronico’s Community Markets. Portions of every purchase of the sauce are put towards wildlife conservation efforts and promoting biodiversity.
“Bringing our authentic African flavors and conservation message to every American kitchen has always been a goal, and this is a giant step towards that.” said David Schmunk, founder of African Dream Foods, in a press release. “The desire for African flavors in our current food landscape is growing, and we are proud to represent authentic African flavor with our African Ghost Pepper Sauce.”
Pasta Rummo Rolls Out To Sprouts
Legacy pasta maker Pasta Rummo announced this week that its Spaghetti, Linguine, Fusilli, Penne Rigate, Rigatoni and Lasagna products are now available at 410 Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide. The products will be on shelf for $3.99 per 1 lb. bag.
“We are honored to bring over 170 years of history and six generations of pasta-making expertise to Sprouts, and we take the responsibility of delivering perfect pasta every time very seriously. We’re delighted to serve Sprouts customers who seek authentic Italian premium pasta that absorbs more sauce and stays al dente. Pasta Rummo is proud to be the fastest-growing pasta brand in the U.S.”
DeeBee’s Organics Onboards At CVS
Freeze pop producer DeeBee’s recently announced a new distribution deal with CVS, bringing its organic, shelf-stable SuperFruit Freezie Pops to 4,800 of the pharmacy’s locations nationwide. A 10-pack of pops will retail for $5.49.
The pops are made with 100% organic fruit juice and puree and will be available in three flavors: Strawberry Lemon, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Mango Orange. Each freeze pop contains 6 grams of naturally-occuring sugar and are certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, vegan, and free from the top nine allergens, gluten, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
