Distribution: Mighty Yum Reaches 600 C-Stores; Laoban Launches At Whole Foods

Mighty Yum Reaches 600 C-Stores, Expands Online Channel Presence

Plant-based lunch kits and snack brand Mighty Yum announced new distribution today across channels, including launching at Earth Fare, onboarding with UNFI and entering nearly 600 convenience stores across the Northeast over the coming month. In addition to ramping up its brick and mortar presence, Mighty Yum will also launch on digital grocery platform HungryRoot.

Currently, the brand makes three “munchable” plant-based meal kits in Ham and Cheese, Turkey and Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza varieties as well as three Rice Crispy Treat-like bars in Original, Strawberry Cupcake and Wild Blueberry flavors. The kits feature plant-based meat and cheese squares as well as crackers and are made without any artificial ingredients.

“I am extremely proud of the Mighty Yum team for achieving such rapid success in such a short time,” said Howard Panes, Mighty Yum co-founder, in a press release. “This is a testament to not only the high demand for healthy on-the-go snack options but also the exceptional taste and quality of our innovative, plant-based products. We have successfully solved a real problem for parents, making it easy for them to provide healthy choices for their children, even when they’re on the go.”

Each lunch pack contains between 11 to 14 grams of protein and 232 to 320 calories. The brand’s plant-based protein bars offer 4 grams of protein and are made with rice crisps, pea protein, MCT oil, monk fruit and stevia, among other ingredients. All Mighty Yum products are nut-free and made with entirely non-GMO ingredients. Mighty Yum lunch kits are available for $4.99 per pack while the bars retail for $7.49 per 5-bar box.

Laoban Launches At Whole Foods Nationwide

Frozen dumpling brand Laoban announced its largest retail rollout to-date last week as the Washington D.C.-based brand expands to Whole Foods locations across the country. The scratch made, clean label dumplings will be available in Ginger Chicken, Pork Soup and Livin’ On the Vedge varieties, the latter being its only plant-based option.

“Whole Foods Market is an amazing partner for us because their customers not only prioritize healthier and higher-quality ingredients but are also interested in exploring more global flavors and cuisines,” said Patrick Coyne, founder of Laoban Dumplings, in a press release. “Entering Whole Foods Market nationwide, coinciding with Lunar New Year, is a major milestone for us and will help continue our mission of spreading the joy of dumplings to everyone everywhere.

The company also makes a Pork and Chive dumpling in addition to operating its flagship food service location in Union Market. Last year, the brand made its first foray beyond independent retailers in its home market, launching into The Fresh Market, Earth Fare, Central Market, Bristol Farms as well as numerous other regional outlets. Laoban dumplings are available for $6.99 per 8 oz. bag.

Yasso Expands Channel Reach With CVS Stores

Frozen yogurt novelty brand Yasso made its reach into the drug channel after announcing last week it will roll out four SKUs of its yogurt bars to 7,300 CVS stores across the country. The retailer will carry Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Fudge Brownie and Vanilla Chocolate Crunch bars.

“Earning distribution with CVS Pharmacy is an incredible achievement for our brand as we seek to make Yasso available in all places that consumers are seeking permissibly indulgent snacks,” said Craig Shiesley, Chief Executive Officer of Yasso, in an email to NOSH. “This partnership enables our brand to reach new households where we will deliver Yasso’s delicious, better-for-you snacking experience, something we believe will be incredibly compelling for the CVS Pharmacy shopper.”

According to recent IRI data, Yasso currently has the third largest national distribution footprint of frozen novelty brands and is on track to surpass its $300 retail sales goal after experiencing over 30% growth last year. Yasso products are also available in grocery, club and mass retailers for between $4.89 to $7.00 per 4-bar box.

GUUD Finds Space At Meijer

Muesli maker GUUD announced last week it will roll out its Brain Fuel, Athlete Fuel, and Gut Fuel functional cereal products to Meijer. The functional oat blends feature ingredients like Goji berries, flax seed, cacao nibs, dates and sunflower seeds and are available for $6.99 per 12 oz. pouch

The brand, which was founded in 2014, also makes basic, non-functional Muesli blends and clustered Muesli snacks in both traditional and gluten-free varieties. GUUD products are currently available at retailers across the country including Whole Foods, Erewhon, Hannaford, Wegmans, Gelsons and more.

Atomic Coffee Roasters Rolls Out Across Home State

Family-owned and operated Massachusetts-based coffee company Atomic Coffee Roasters has expanded the reach of its core, 4-SKU lineup to in its home state. The brand will roll out its House, Rocketeer, Black Velvet and Diesel roasts to all 20 Roche Bros supermarket stores across Massachusetts, according to a LinkedIn post last week.

“A family-owned and operated business in Massachusetts for over seventy years, Roche Bros. is one of the most reputable supermarkets in the area, and we’re stoked to have our core four set of blends on their shelves,” said Logan Mahoney, Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, in the post.