Distribution Roundup: Clio Expands Retail Reach and Refrigerated Offerings; Mason Dixie Brings Biscuit Sandwiches To Sprouts
Clio Snacks Expands Retail Reach and Refrigerated Offerings
Greek yogurt bar brand Clio Snacks announced it has begun the roll out of three of its core SKUs to 1,200 Kroger stores nationwide. In addition to the new distribution, the refrigerated snack maker introduced three new flavors: Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bars, Vanilla Less Sugar Greek Yogurt Bars and Vanilla Almond Granola & Yogurt Parfait Bars.
The Chocolate flavor will enter Kroger stores alongside Clio’s existing Vanilla and Strawberry flavors. All three of the new SKUs will also be available at Whole Foods for a suggested retail price of between $1.49 to $2.49 per bar, depending on the flavor.
“The snacking trend has emerged as an incremental and dynamic force within refrigerated CPG, and our goal is to provide delicious solutions which deliver on the promise of guiltless indulgence,” said John McGuckin, newly appointed CEO of Clio Snacks, in a press release. “With the nutritional profile of Greek yogurt, these new bars are the perfect choice for all-dayparts. From crunchy breakfast parfaits to afternoon cravings to lower sugar options, Clio’s portfolio is an anytime, anywhere, hand-held snacking sensation.”
The new flavors are also available online in 10-count boxes for $18 (Chocolate), $22 (Vanilla Less Sugar) and $28 (Vanilla Almond Granola & Yogurt Parfait). The better-for-you snack maker’s products can be found in the yogurt or refrigerated aisles of retailers nationwide including Walmart, Target, Vons, Albertsons, Sam’s Club and Costco, among others.
Mason Dixie Expands Reach of Breakfast Sandwiches
Scratch-made breakfast brand Mason Dixie announced it has expanded the reach of its ready-to-eat line of breakfast sandwiches, launching at Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide. This new partnership brings the product to a total of over 8,000 doors nationwide, including Whole Foods, Costco, Publix, Kroger and Target.
“We are thrilled to be launching our breakfast sandwiches nationally at Sprouts,” said Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Mason Dixie Founder & CEO. “As a leading natural retailer changing how the grocery industry operates, their stamp of approval on bringing in our ready to eat line demonstrates their commitment to changing breakfast for good and we are proud to stand by them in this shared mission.”
The breakfast sandwiches are available in two varieties of egg and pork sausage biscuit varieties – Buttermilk and Cheddar. Mason Dixies breakfast sandwiches are available for a suggested retail price of $6.99 per 2-pack.
With a focus on clean, traceable ingredients Mason Dixie also has a line of standalone frozen biscuits which can be prepared in the microwave and include a range of limited edition seasonal flavors such as savory herb and pumpkin spice. However, the brand may be turning focus to expanding its ready-to-eat line: according to its website, Mason Dixie has plans to introduce an eggless version of the sandwich line in the same flavors, while many of its biscuit flavors are marked as out of stock.
Sprouts Farmers Market Adds CHKN Not Chicken To Frozen Aisle
Four varieties of CHKN Not Chicken have been added to the frozen aisle of over 370 Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide. The plant-based chicken alternative is made with a pea protein base containing 20 grams of protein per serving and is available in Naked CHKN (original), Zen CHKN (Asian spices and ginger), Fiesta CHKN (Mexican spices and citrus) and BBQ CHKN (sweet and savory barbecue).
“Our mission to help consumers live healthier and more sustainably by eating less meat is perfectly aligned with Sprouts’ commitment to wellness-oriented products. We are thrilled to join them as innovators in the food industry.” said Brian Pope, the co-founder and CEO of CHKN Not Chicken, in a press release.
The BBQ CHKN flavor was launched alongside the new distribution and is sold exclusively at Sprouts. CHKN Not Chicken comes in a shredded, “ready-to-cook” format and is packaged in an 8 oz. pouch which are available for a suggested retail of $7.99.
Brave Good Kind Brings Tender Chicken Bars to Sprouts
Boston-based protein snack brand Brave Good Kind (BGK) announced last week that its Tender Chicken Bars will roll out to over 350 Sprouts Farmers Market locations nationwide. The antibiotic-free, shelf-stable meat snacks are available in Original, Teriyaki and Hot Honey flavors and contain 8 grams of protein and less than 6 grams of sugar per bar.
“We share a common goal to serve health-conscious consumers with better-for-you products that are good for them and good for the world,” stated Prabal Chaudhri, President and Founder of K2 Ventures, parent company of BGK, in a press release. “Not only do our Tender Chicken Bars provide consumers with a better snack choice to power them through the day, they are also the perfect sustenance snack that provides portion control… these are ideal on-the-go snacks where every bite is filled with positivity.”
BGK’s Tender Chicken Bars are also available online and at select retailers for $2.99 per bar.
Chopt and Omson Team Up On Limited Edition Menu
Southeast Asain-inspired condiment and seasoning brand Omson announced it has teamed up with quick-service salad restaurant Chopt to unveil a range of collaborative menu items for a limited time. Offerings include Omsom Lemongrass Chicken Salad and Omsom Thai Chili Meatball Bowl and each dish comes with the co-branded Chili Coriander Vinaigrette dressing. The menu is available at Chopt locations nationwide.
Undercover Snacks Launch At Costco
Indulgent better-for-you snack maker Undercover Snacks announced last week that select Costco stores in the Bay Area are now carrying 13 oz. club sized bag of its Dark Chocolate + Sea Salt Quinoa Crisps. The expansion brings the plant-based, allergy-friendly sustainably sourced snacks to over 10,000 stores nationwide, spanning grocery, drug and club retailers.
Oryx Desert Salt Launches At Whole Foods
Sustainably sourced from saltpans in the Kalahari desert in South Africa, Oryx Desert Salt announced it has expanded the reach of its mineral-dense, additive-free, unprocessed salt to the U.S. through a partnership with Whole Foods. The salt comes in Coarse, Black Pepper, Smoked and BBQ varieties in addition to a range of formats, including grinder refill kits.