Distribution: ALOHA Rolls Back Into Target; Mid-Day Squares Lands At Costco
How ALOHA Rolled Back Into Target
Plant-based protein bar purveyor ALOHA is expanding its product offerings and availability at Target – seven years after the retailer dropped the brand entirely.
After a multi-year overhaul, ALOHA has landed back on shelves at the Minneapolis-based retail chain, initially rolling out to approximately 600 stores with two items in September, then expanding to more than 1,000 stores across the country with four items this month.
ALOHA protein bars are available at Target in five-count boxes for $10.49. Flavors include Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Coconut Chocolate Almond, Peanut Butter Cup and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Each bar has 14 grams of protein and 5 grams of sugar, and is made with gluten-free and organic ingredients.
“Once you’re out of a retailer, you’re out for a while. So we never even tried to pursue Target again for a number of years,” said Brad Charron, CEO of ALOHA, during an interview with Nosh.
Losing such an important customer – which at the time accounted for half of ALOHA’s sales – prompted a major transformation of the business. The brand focused on improving product quality and execution, gaining traction elsewhere until Target once again took notice.
“Honestly, it was a great gift to get kicked out of Target from the very beginning. It was another validation point for me to blow up the foundation and start again,” Charron said.
Olyra Bears Fruit At Whole Foods Market
Olyra has launched its Fruit Filled Breakfast Biscuits nationwide at Whole Foods Market for $5.49 per four-count box. Available in Blueberry and Raspberry flavors, the soft-baked biscuits are made with grains and legumes and contain 9 grams of fiber and 6 grams of sugar per serving.
“We cannot overstate the significance of this milestone for our team. We are so thankful for this partnership and couldn’t be more energized by what’s to come,” the company said in a LinkedIn post.
Mid-Day Squares Launches in Costco Canada
Mid-Day Squares is hitting the club. The Montreal-based functional chocolate brand inked a deal with Costco Wholesale Canada following a record-breaking six-week Costco Roadshow run last year. A 12-count variety pack retailing for $19.99 and featuring Peanut Butta and Cookie Dough bars will begin appearing on shelves at 43 warehouses across Eastern Canada and 28 warehouses in Western Canada in the coming weeks, per a LinkedIn post.
Bumpin Blends Hits Bullseye
Smoothie cube maker Bumpin Blends has expanded into nearly 1,500 Target stores nationwide. The company’s frozen offerings include Watermelon Prickly Pear, Cinnamon Toast, Peanut Butter Cup and Bumpin Blends x Barbie Strawberry Dream, each featuring functional benefits such as hydration, energy and skin health. A 10 oz package retails for $7.99 and offers two servings.
“Launching in Target nationwide is an incredible milestone for us,” says Lisa Mastela, CEO and founder of Bumpin Blends, in a statement. “We’ve built a community of smoothie lovers who value health, convenience, and taste. Expanding our reach through major retailers is helping us achieve our goal of making functional nutrition accessible to all.”
Other notable distribution news:
- The Only Bean is bringing its Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans to all Costco Wholesale Midwest stores, founder Brian Lai shared in a LinkedIn post.
- Premium Korean tea brand OSULLOC has brewed up a partnership with Erewhon Markets; the upscale Los Angeles chain will carry five exclusive SKUs ranging in price from $14.99 to $35.99.
- Afia Foods is introducing frozen Kibbeh at Bay Area Costco Wholesale stores. Featuring a savory beef croquette with a crispy bulgur wheat shell, Afia Kibbeh is available for $16.79 per 24 oz. bag.
