Distribution: Mason Dixie Expands Costco Partnership; Stellar Snacks Soars With Southwest
Mason Dixie Deepens Partnership With Costco
Frozen baked goods producer Mason Dixie announced today it has launched a new Chicken & Waffle Sandwich at Costco stores across the Midwest, deepening the brand’s partnership with the warehouse club chain. The Baltimore-based brand first landed on Costco’s radar in 2021, launching in stores across the Northeast with a 24-pack of Buttermilk Biscuits.
Mason Dixie’s new sandwich, based on what was the restaurant’s top-selling recipe before it closed in 2020, is priced at $16.49 per 8-count box. The product features savory breaded chicken sandwiched between caramelized maple-infused liège waffles and has 13 grams of protein.
Since launching in 2014, Mason Dixie has evolved from a food hall stall to a multimillion-dollar CPG brand. According to founder Ayeshah Abeulhiga, sales have increased 87% over the past three years and its products are currently offered in more than 6,000 doors, including Sprouts, Giant, Harris Teeter and Whole Foods Market, among others.
“When I say things are coming full circle – this [Costco] launch takes the cake! We were the first QSR to serve hormone-free chicken fried in non-hydrogenated oil, and people thought we were crazy – but it was our fried chicken that kept doors open and our cult following alive, holding 80% share of our sales six years running,” said Abeulhiga in a LinkedIn post.
Stellar Snacks Takes Flight With Southwest
Wheels up! Thanks to Stellar Snacks’ new partnership with Southwest Airlines, consumers can now munch on the brand’s vegan pretzel snacks at 30,000 feet in the air.
The airline will stock the Carson City, Nev.-based brand’s bestselling Maui Monk Pretzel Braids. The snack is loaded with the savory taste of Maui onion and finished with a hint of sweetness from monk fruit extract.
“This decision isn’t just a shift in snacking options; it’s a redefinition of the passenger experience. Southwest is aligning with consumer trends by providing a new snack, curating in-demand offerings, thoughtfully sourcing suppliers, and empowering a family-owned bakery,” said Stellar Snacks in a statement.
In addition to Southwest, Stellar Snacks’ products are also available during in-flight snack service on Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines and at more than 5,000 grocery and retail stores nationwide.
The non-GMO snack brand was founded in 2019 by mother-daughter duo Elisabeth and Gina Galvin. Stellar Snacks bakes from scratch daily in its two Nevada facilities; This fall, the brand will also begin baking products at its new 434,000 sq. ft. pretzel bakery in Louisville, Ky.
Yaza Lands in Select Whole Foods Stores
Late last month, Mediterranean labneh producer Yaza launched two flavors – Za’atar & Olive Oil and Plain – in the refrigerated dip departments of select Whole Foods Market stores across the country.
According to the brand, Yaza’s labneh is made using a traditional recipe of only whole milk and salt from a creamery in New York’s Catskill Mountains. Labneh is traditionally made by straining pasteurized cultured milk and salt through a cheesecloth overnight to remove the liquids and create a thick dip, which Yaza does at scale.
Since launching its Plain labneh in 2022, the brand has expanded its product range to include flavors like Spicy Chili and Roasted Garlic & Mint.
In addition to Whole Foods, Yazah’s labneh can be found at retailers such as Better Health, D’Ag NYC, Feel Rite Fresh Markets, Lassens, and Pavilions.
Feel Good Foods Ups Partnership With WFM
Feel Good Foods, which markets a portfolio of gluten-free comfort foods, has announced the availability of its three burrito varieties – Pinto Bean & Cheese, Chicken Chili Verde and Chicken Bean & Cheese – in Whole Foods Market. According to the brand, the launch highlights its dedication to providing craveable foods with real, simple ingredients.
The Austin, Texas-based natural grocery chain also carries Feel Good Foods’ potstickers, pizza bites, mac and cheese bites, pancake bites and spring rolls.
“At Feel Good Foods, we believe in crafting delicious, convenient food using simple, high-quality ingredients, all without gluten, fillers or preservatives. Our burritos reflect this commitment by offering delicious meals that can be ready in minutes,” said Vanessa Phillips, co-founder of Feel Good Foods, in a statement. “We are excited to partner with Whole Foods to make our delicious burritos available to even more consumers.”
The partnership expansion comes after the New York City-based company unveiled refreshed packaging and a slate of new product innovations earlier this year to “open up and unlock some channels” where the brand has struggled to gain a foothold thus far. Feel Good Foods’ products are currently available in over 17,000 doors.
Fishwife Hooks Erewhon
Trendy tinned fish producer Fishwife took to Instagram to announce the brand’s launch in L.A.-based cult grocer Erewhon, growing the brand’s West Coast footprint. All 10 Erewhon locations will carry Fishwife’s Cantabrian Anchovies, Sardines with Hot Pepper and Sardines with Preserved Lemon.
According to the retailer’s website, each 4.2 oz. tin of fish will sell for $9.99.
WFM Makes a Deal with the Devil[ed WunderEggs]
Crafty Counter, the company behind plant-based Hard Boiled WunderEggs, has announced the nationwide launch of Deviled WunderEggs, now available at all Whole Foods Market stores across the U.S.
WunderEggs unveiled its deviled egg alternative – made with almonds, cashews, and chickpeas – at Expo West in March. Each Deviled WunderEgg includes a ready-to-squeeze “Devilish Wunder Mix” featuring Fabalish Foods’ Classic Vegan Mayo, which is made with aquafaba.
Consumers can also purchase Deviled WunderEggs via the brand’s website for $49.99 for 6 trays. The refrigerated product has a shelf life of up to 135 days.
