Distribution Roundup: GummiShot Expands to C-Stores; ZEGO Oats Roll Out Nationwide

GummiShot Expands To 4,000 C-Stores Nationwide

GummiShot announced it has signed on with six new distributor partners — including CoreMark, McLane, Hackney, VISTAR, Golden Eagle Distribution and Harbor Wholesale — to bring its 3-SKU “energy shot in a gummy” line to over 4,000 convenience stores nationwide.

This announcement marks the first expansion into brick-and mortar retail for the brand, which launched online and on Amazon late last year. According to the company in the four months since its launch, it has established a unique position between two “strong global categories:” energy drinks and gummies.

“The energy category was long overdue for an innovative new product that consumers feel good about putting in their bodies,” said Dante Robinson, Director of Sales, in a press release. “We now have a better-for-you, plant-based energy option available in a gummy format that tastes better, can be personalized to your energy needs, and is more enjoyable across the board.”

The plant-based gummies are made with green coffee beans and contain 75 mg of caffeine per piece. Available in three flavors – Elderberry, Valencia Orange, and Tropical – the gummies also contain antioxidants and vitamin D.

Each pouch contains three pieces, with the recommended serving ranging from one gummy to the whole pack (225 mg caffeine), depending on consumer need. GummiShot pouches are available in single flavor and variety packs for $9.97 for 3 pouches.

ZEGO Oats Rolls Out Nationwide to Sprouts and Tops Markets Locations

Specialty oat producer ZEGO announced last week it will launch its organic, gluten-free Double Protein Oats in Tops Friendly Markets and Sprouts Farmers Market nationwide. The expansion will see the company’s Purity Verified oats reach over 1,000 new markets across the country.

The oats, which ZEGO said contain “double the digestible protein as typical oats and more fiber and iron,” undergo a testing and certification process to ensure they are free from over 400 toxins and heavy metals commonly found in oat-based crops.

The San Francisco-based brand, which also sells protein bars and nut-free trail mix on its online platform, said expanding in retail is a key part of its mission.

“We not only want to bring our Purity Verified products to more people. We also want to expand the reach of our advocacy message to consumers,” said ZEGO’s founder, Colleen Kavanagh, in a press release. “On each package, we encourage them to ask other brands to Purity Verify their products as well. Acting together, we can bring about a cleaner food system.”

Chia Smash Launches At Sprouts

Superfood jam maker Chia Smash announced it has expanded to Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide in a LinkedIn post. The startup food company launched in 2019 out of commercial kitchen Hot Bread Kitchen in Harlem and has secured online distribution with retailers such as Thrive Market and Misfits Market.

However, this new partnership marks the first nationwide rollout for the “jam 2.0” maker which is also available at Foxtrot stores, select independent and regional grocers as well as Whole Foods stores in New York.

“When we started this biz, it was Steven Ford and I going door to door at our local markets in Brooklyn on the side of full time jobs,” said Founder and CEO Anna Peck in a LinkedIn post. “Every account, big & small, is always a win, but to be rolling out across the country in such an incredible set of stores (during possibly the worst year) feels extra special to say the least!”

“We just shipped our biggest PO to a dream retailer, 40,000 jars.” said Chia Smash co-founder and COO Steven Ford, in a post on LinkedIn. “It wasn’t effortless but we got it done and are only going to get better!”

With no added sugar, sugar alcohols or stevia, Chia Smash is sweetened with dates and contains berries, chia seeds and lemon. The upcycled certified product line comes in Raspberry, Cherry Pomegranate and Wild Blueberry flavors which are available for $12.95 per 8 oz. jar.

Harmless Harvest Expands to Canada

Coconut-based food and beverage maker Harmless Harvest announced last week it will begin to roll out a range of products at select Costco and Whole Foods locations across Canada and will continue to partner with additional retailers in the country in the following months. This announcement marks the first international expansion for the California-based company.

“We’ve earned a reputation as an innovative category leader in the plant-based food and beverage industry in the U.S., and we’re excited to bring the energy that fuels that fandom to Canada,” said Heather Cutter, Chief Growth Officer at Harmless Harvest, in a press release. “We endeavor to reach new audiences with our remarkable products while sharing our message of transparency and social accountability in all we do.”

Rowdy Launches Two Bars At All Meijer Locations

Nutrition bar maker Rowdy announced that supermarket chain Meijer has introduced two flavors of its prebiotic, Yacon Root-based line of nutrition bars to all 259 stores across the Midwest. Chocolate Coconut Cashew and Blueberry Almond Tart contain collagen protein and up to 9 grams of fiber per bar. The two flavors are now available in 4-count packs for $9.99.