Distribution: Laoban Dumplings Adds 250 Doors Nationwide; Mylk Labs Lands in Select Whole Foods Market and Target Stores

Sacred Serve Hits Whole Foods Market Nationwide

Chicago-based gelato brand Sacred Served announced today that it is rolling out into Whole Foods Market nationwide.

The brand’s Salted Caramel pints will be available at all locations, while Matcha Chip and Chai Latte varieties will be available depending on region.

“We are thrilled to be rolling out on a national level with Whole Foods, allowing us to bring our health and sustainability initiatives to a much broader audience,” said CEO and founder, Kailey Doneweld, in an email to NOSH. Our gelato is not only good for the body with its nutrient-dense ingredients, but our planet as well with organic, upcycled ingredients and the world’s first certified plastic-free packaging.”

In preparation for the launch, Sacred Serve said it spent the past three months developing new packaging, outsourcing manufacturing and adding a new distributor. Additionally, the brand opened 10 new distribution centers, changed its pricing and built a new website interface.

Sacred Serve Salted Caramel will be available at Whole Foods Market for $6.99 per pint. The brand’s gelato is also available at major retailers including Mariano’s in the Chicagoland area and Earth Fare along the East Coast.

Chuza to Launch in Central Market, Meijer and Stater Bros

Spicy dried fruit maker Chuza will launch in Central Market, Meijer and Stater Bros this month. The new accounts will add 300 doors, bringing the brand’s total doors to 800.

Last month, Chuza launched its lineup of snacks in Bristol Farms and Ralph’s. The brand was also named one of 7-Eleven’s Brands with Heart and became a finalist in Whole Foods Market’s LEAP initiative for emerging brands.

The brand’s snack line includes Spicy Mango, Spicy Pineapple, Spicy Apricot, Spicy Strawberry and Spicy Cranberry. Based on consumer feedback, Chuza switched from pineapple rings to bite-size pineapple pieces. Mango continues to be its bestseller.

Looking ahead, Chuza told NOSH.com in an email that “a couple of chains [also] committed for later in the year.”

Mylk Labs Launches Regionally in Select Whole Foods Market and Target Stores

Better-for-you oatmeal brand Mylk Labs landed in Whole Foods Market in the Northeast and Target stores in California, according to a press release.

The CPG company, founded by entrepreneur and fashion model Grace Cheng in 2018, first made a name for itself in the foodservice channel. However, when the hospitality industry took a hit amid the onset of the pandemic, Mylk pivoted to retail to continue growing and expanding accessibility for consumers nationwide.

Available in five varieties – Strawberry, Blueberry, Almond, Coconut and Apple – Mylk’s grab-and-go oatmeal is made with just four to six ingredients.

In addition to Whole Foods Market in the Northeast and Target in California, Mylk’s products can also be found in Bristol Farms, Mother’s Market, The Fresh Market, Central Market and Erewhon.

Laoban Dumplings Further Expands Retail Footprint

Washington, D.C.-based frozen dumpling brand Laoban has further expanded its national retail footprint with a slate of new retail placements.

All four flavors from the brand’s core set of dumplings – Ginger Chicken, Livin’ on the Vedge, Pork Soup and Beijing Pork – have entered a variety of stores in the past few months, including: King’s & Balducci’s, Earthfare, Tony’s/Woodman’s/Sendik’s, Plum Market, Central Market, Met Market, New Seasons and Bristol Farms/Mother’s Market.

In March, Laoban announced it had expanded beyond its home market through a partnership with Rainforest Distribution in New York. The pact landed its frozen dumplings in retailers including Union Market, Brooklyn Fare, City Acres Market and DeCicco & Sons. The brand also entered c-store chain Foxtrot’s Chicago locations in May.

“All of these retailers have a customer base that appreciate high quality products with uncompromising ingredients and a compelling story behind the brand,” a Laoban representative said in an email to NOSH.com. “These retailers are recognized as leaders in their regions for identifying the next generation of leading products and showcasing them on their shelves. Their customers take delight in walking their aisles, for these folks grocery shopping isn’t a chore but a joy.”

Laoban, which started as a dumpling shop four years ago, first launched its frozen retail line last summer.

Looking ahead, the brand plans to launch its dumplings in over 100 co-ops nationwide. These new retail launches will add an additional 250 doors, bringing Laoban’s total retail sales to approximately 750 doors.

Fire Ox Foods Lands in MOM’s Organic Market

Fire Ox Foods has landed its complete frozen veggie meal lineup – Braised Ethiopian Greens, Massaman Coconut Curry, Mushroom Oat Risotto, Provencal Ratatouille and Chipotle Red Bean Pozole – in all 22 MOM’s Organic Market locations.

“Seeing demand from more natural and specialty food chains is a big win for us since it shows us there is a fair amount of demand for better quality and more variety in the frozen meal set,” the brand said in an email to NOSH. “Working with MOMs will enable us to continue increasing access to good food as well as get the sales traction we need to successfully fundraise.”

Fire Ox Foods is currently in 65 stores, including Central Market in Texas, FreshDirect online grocer, and Decicco & Sons in Westchester County.

The brand’s frozen veggie meals are slated to hit MOM’s shelves this month.

Other notable distribution news:

• Bean Box has landed its Coffeegram line of grab and brew coffees in Walmart stores, marking the brand’s big box retailer debut. The launch comes on the heels of Bean Box’s 240% D2C sales growth.
• In conjunction with national ice cream day, GoodPop announced a 15-count box of its new Chocolate Vanilla Sandwiches is exclusively available at Costco’s Los Angeles locations.
• Mighty Spark partnered with Costco to launch its first frozen chicken patty offering. The brand’s Bruschetta Chicken patties are mixed with diced tomatoes, basil and garlic.
• Innovative food company Egglife Foods, which uses cage-free eggs in place of flour, expanded its presence in the Club channel with Sam’s Club nationwide. The stores will carry 12-packs of Egglife’s Everything Bagel Egg Wraps.
• Plant-based seafood company Good Catch expanded its offerings with Plant-Based New England Style Crab Cakes and Plant-Based Classic Fish Burger at Whole Foods Market across the country. The natural retailer also carries the brand’s Plant-Based Tuna and Deli-Style Tuna Salad.