Freestyle Snacks, Pulpoloco Sangria Among Brands Selected for 7-Eleven’s 2022 ‘Brands with Heart’ Program

Numerous CPG food & beverage brands have taken to social media this week to announce their selection to participate in 7-Eleven’s 2022 ‘Brands with Heart’ program.

For the fourth year, the 7-Eleven, Inc. Brands with Heart campaign will enable brands to enter the c-store retail channel by introducing their products to 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes consumers nationwide. According to a press release, the convenience store giant strives to “diversify its product offerings beyond the traditional c-store assortment and put innovative products on the shelves that meet the needs of its on-the-go customers.”

Selected brands participate in an in-store test at select 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores located in the brands’ respective regions, according to the release. The fan-favorite brands from each market then move on to the Brands with Heart showcase, where they will present their products to a panel of 7-Eleven leaders.

Representatives for 7-Eleven declined to release a full list of selected fan-favorite brands, which will be formally announced closer to the show in November, during which brands will introduce their products at 7-Eleven Headquarters and vie for a spot on c-store shelves. However, several brands have announced their selection on LinkedIn, including PulpoLoco Sangria, Ohza, Agua Bonita, Freestyle Snacks, Honey Bunchies, Chunk Nibbles, and Tosi.

Launched approximately six months ago, Freestyle Snacks offers liquid-free, grab-and-go olive snack packs. The brand’s lineup of gluten-free, vegan snacks has already launched in hundreds of retailers nationwide, including Fresh Thyme, Central Market and Juice Press.

“Freestyle Snacks is so excited to be selected for the 7-Eleven Brand with Heart program! As a product crafted for convenience, we couldn’t think of a better fit,” said Nikki Seaman, founder and CEO of Freestyle Snacks, in an email to NOSH.com.

She continued, “Our products are incredibly versatile, which has allowed us to explore fun and unexpected opportunities – including martini making, charcuterie board prepping and incorporating our product into vegan recipes. We look forward to all that is to come, especially getting the chance to WOW the 7-Eleven team!”

Splash Beverage Group’s Pulpoloco Sangria has also been selected for 7-Eleven’s Brands with Heart showcase. The RTD sangria is crafted and imported from Spain and packaged in an eco-friendly carton, CARTOCAN, according to the brand.

“This recognition is a major milestone in Pulpoloco’s ascent in the emerging brands space. Yes, Pulpoloco has heart; the brand’s liquid is refreshing and complex, reflecting a true Spanish-made Sangria, and its fiber-based CartoCan package is superior to other packaging forms as consumers are prioritizing sustainability in the products they choose,” said Splash Beverage CMO and president, Bill Meissner, in an email to BevNET. “With this news, more consumers will be able to access this great product via one of the nation’s largest retailers and their Brands with Heart Program. There is tremendous retail momentum behind this brand, and this is just the start.”

Winning brands will pair up with 7-Eleven leaders for coaching, mentoring and training to prepare them for the opportunity to secure a spot on participating store shelves across the country, according to a press release.

“The Brands with Heart showcase attracts hundreds of applicants from up-and-coming brands each year and gives us the unique opportunity to scope out new products that might make the perfect addition to our stores’ shelves,” said 7-Eleven EVP and chief merchandising officer, Jack Stoute, in the release. “It is our mission to help these rising brands grow…we’re committed to elevating our product assortment for customers who are always seeking new and delicious items that fit into their busy lifestyles.

7-Eleven’s Brands with Heart showcase will take place this fall at the 7-Eleven Headquarters in Irving, Texas. There, brands will present to and sample category buyers, said Seaman. Additionally, sessions led by industry experts will help brand leaders “sharpen their CPG/retail toolkits.”