Distribution Roundup: KOS Lands at CVS and Walmart; Eclipse Hits Whole Foods

KOS Launches at CVS and Walmart

Plant-based protein brand KOS expanded distribution of the chocolate and vanilla varieties of its Organic Plant Protein to Walmart and CVS locations nationwide. The vanilla flavor has hit 4,450 CVS locations, while the chocolate is on shelves at 4,592 CVS stores. Meanwhile, 1,115 Walmart locations now carry both flavors.

Launched in 2018, KOS offers a wide array of plant-based protein powders, beverage mixes and supplements, which are sold at nearly 23,000 retailer locations. The new distribution builds on a retail push earlier this year that included placements at Vitamin Shoppe, H-E-B, Harris-Teeter and Raley’s, as well as online platforms like Thrive Market and Vitacost. The brand also expanded its portfolio with a spate of new products this year across protein powders and supplements.

KOS chief revenue officer Derek Dearwater told NOSH the omnichannel push comes as the brand works to reach consumers at all shopping occasions from conventional grocery to drugstores.

“Brands that fit into categories like organic, natural [and] plant-protein have rapidly migrated to those types of channels,” he said. “Consumers who shop natural are also frequently shopping at these places as well.”

As it hits more shelves across the country, Dearwater said the brand’s “main appeal begins with its packaging,” which features unique illustrations for each SKU, helping it to stand out in the increasingly crowded protein powder segment.

Eclipse Launches at Whole Foods

Plant-based ice cream brand Eclipse Foods launched three flavors — Cookie Butter, Mint Chip and Vintage Vanilla — to the freezer section at Whole Foods throughout Northern California.

Eclipse makes ice cream using its proprietary production platform which replicates micelles found in dairy milk to create plant-based products. Launched in 2019, the products are sold direct-to-consumer on the brand’s website as well as in retailers like Gelson’s, Foxtrot and New Seasons.

According to co-founder and CEO Aylon Steinhart, the distribution at Whole Foods furthers the company’s mission to provide “a more sustainable and human food system” to consumers.

“Entering Whole Foods Market, a retailer synonymous for offering premium ingredient, high-caliber products, marks an important moment for Eclipse as we continue to grow our retail presence nationwide,” he said in a press release.

Kate’s Real Food Hits H-E-B

Wyoming-based organic snack brand Kate’s Real Food continued its recent retail distribution push with new placement for its energy bars at H-E-B stores throughout Texas. The new gains follow an expansion in October to Giant, Martin’s and Sheetz. The brand has secured 100% sales growth this year, according to CEO Bruce Thaler.

“H-E-B is a premier retailer in Texas, and we’re excited our products are now available in their stores,” Thaler said in a press release. “For our products to be available in H-E-B allows current customers and future fans to conveniently find our bars at their favorite grocery store.”

Kate’s products are also sold in select Whole Foods locations, Harris Teeter, Hannaford, Earth Fare, Gelson’s and H-E-B, as well as Amazon.

LikeMeat’s New Innovation Debuts at Sprouts

LikeMeat, a plant-based meat brand owned by the LiveKindly Collective, grew its presence in Sprouts with a new innovation, Like Chick’n Wings. The soy protein-based wings are sold in the freezer aisle for $16.99 per pack and include a vegan buffalo sauce pouch.

The German brand, acquired by the LiveKindly Collective last year, made its U.S. retail debut in Sprouts in March with its Like Nuggets, Like Grilled Chick’n, Like Chick’n Pieces and Like BBQ Chick’n products. While plant-based chicken continues to gain shelf space, particularly at natural retailers like Sprouts, only a few brands like Field Roast and Morningstar Farms have launched alt-meat versions of chicken wings.

Other distribution news includes:

  • Ready-to-eat Thai sauce maker Watcheree’s launched its Thai red curry sauce and coconut curry sauce at Hannaford.
  • Cuvée Coffee expanded into 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide.
  • Just EGG hit 57 Costco locations in Northern California with a club pack sold for $14.99.
  • Hummus maker Fresh Cravings launched its Classic, Roasted Red Pepper and Roasted Garlic flavors at select Walmart stores, and also added its Roasted Garlic variety at Kroger and Kroger banners nationwide.
  • Hooray Foods debuted its plant-based bacon at 180 Sobeys, Safeway and Thrifty Foods locations in Ontario and British Columbia.
  • Mighty Gum’s Immunity variety is now available at United Airlines Clubs in Denver, Newark, Washington Dulles, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and San Francisco.