Distribution Roundup: Bowlcut Lands At Central Market

Next generation Asian-American sauce brand Bowcut announced it will roll out its two core products to all Central Market locations across Texas this month. The brand’s stir fry sauces are now available at the H-E-B-owned grocery store banner in Classic and Spicy Lemongrass flavors for $9.99 per 10 oz. squeeze bottle.

“Central Market has been at the top of our list since we launched,” founder and CEO Crystal Ung told Nosh. “Their commitment to quality and curation of new and innovative products have always caught our eye. It was incredibly exciting to land this account, particularly because of our shared values and their reputation in the natural foods channel.”

The company, which sells additional sauce varieties and condiments on its website, debuted at in 2021 and will be on shelf in about 700 retail locations by the end of Q4 2024, according to Ung. The brand aims to grow across channels with a focus on brick-and-mortar retail “as most people are still buying food products in grocery stores.”

Concurrent with those moves, the brand is in the early stages of building a strategy for in-store demos to continue meeting its consumer base, gathering feedback and sharing its story.

“When people taste our products, visualize the versatility, and see our differentiation they are sold! Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People love our origin story and our mission to reimagine what eating well tastes like for a new generation.”

Stryve Expands In Club

Meat snack maker Stryve Foods announced a slate of new retail commitments including placements at numerous club stores following the completion of a rotation at Costco’s Southeast locations. Alongside that announcement, the brand will also roll out to select BJ’s Wholesale Club stores.

“Our brands – Stryve, Vacadillos, and Kalahari – are all seeing impressive growth in retail velocity, consistently outpacing the broader meat snack category,” said Chris Boever, CEO of Stryve Foods, Inc. “We believe this momentum, paired with our focus on superior product attributes and strong consumer demand, positions us well to continue securing new distribution opportunities, driving quality growth.”

In addition to the club channel, Stryve has recently added a range of new retailers while expanding existing relationships spanning across natural, drug and convenience including Sprouts, CVS, The Fresh Market, Jimbo’s, Circle K Coastal, Wawa and more.

Doughlicious Lands In Target

London-based frozen dessert snack maker Doughlicious announced its first new national account this month since making its stateside debut at Whole Foods Market earlier this year. The frozen cookie dough and gelato bite brand will now roll out to Target stores across the U.S.

The brand’s lineup features classic flavors like Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Truffle, Cinnamon Churro and Mint Chocolate Chip. Each bite contains only 100 calories or less and is made with gluten-free oats, natural ingredients and no refined sugar, according to the announcement. The products will be available at Target for $6.99 per 6-count box.

“Starting with our launch earlier this year, we’ve seen firsthand how much American consumers love cookie dough and gelato, and this expansion is a step for the category,” said Kathryn Bricken, founder and CEO of Doughlicious The London Dough Co., in a press release. “We’re passionate about creating indulgent and better-for-you frozen snacks that taste amazing and are made with the highest quality ingredients. We can’t wait to share our Frozen Cookie Dough and Gelato Bites with even more snack lovers as we grow in the U.S. market.”

Blackbird Foods Brings Seitan Wings To Wegmans

Plant-based food purveyor Blackbird announced the launch of its Seitan-based alternative chicken wings at over 100 Wegmans stores nationwide this month. The wings will be available in Buffalo and Korean BBQ flavors.

“Partnering with Wegmans is especially exciting, as it highlights our shared dedication to providing high-quality, plant-based food options,’ said Emanuel Storch, CEO of Blackbird Foods. “With comfort food season in full swing, we’re confident that our Buffalo and Korean BBQ WINGS will quickly become a go-to favorite.”

The hand battered products are made with the wheat-based protein and come with a sauce packet depending on the flavor. The products are also available at retailers including Whole Foods, Target and Sprouts for an SRP of $7.99 per 3-serving (12 oz.) pack.

Spiceology Rolls Flavor Blends Into Target

Spiceology is expanding the physical store footprint of its spice blends with a new agreement to distribute its Smoky Honey Habanero, Greek Freak, Black & Bleu, and Buffalo Lemon Pepper blends to select Target stores nationwide as well as launching on Target.com.

“As a beloved discovery retailer, Target provides an incredible opportunity for more shoppers to try and fall in love with Spiceology,” said Eric Anderson, CMO at Spiceology, in a press release. “We want to create and drive real cross-aisle and online in-cart behavior since Spiceology elevates any dish.”

In other distribution news:

• Brooklyn Delhi announced the rollout of its Sweet Potato Coconut Dal, Chickpea Tikka Masala and Sweet Mango Chutney to over 300 Target stores nationwide this month.
• Rudi’s Bakery announced its new Sando’s line – including both the classic peanut butter and nut-free varieties – will be on shelf at select King Soopers stores across Colorado this month.
• Honey purveyor Local Hive will roll out its USDA Certified Organic Hive Honey to Albertsons stores as well as its banner stores – Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, and Kings Food Markets – nationwide beginning in March where it will be available for an SRP of $9.99 per 12 oz. bottle.
• Supergut will launch its fiber-forward bars, shake mixes and dietary fiber-based GLP-1 Booster products at Target stores nationwide this month where they will be on shelf for $29.99.
• Wine-infused jam brand Jam Vino has secured placement on Walmart shelves after receiving a Golden Ticket at the retailer’s one-on-one Open Call pitch event in September.
• LiveMore Superfoods has locked in a deal with Walmart to bring its frozen smoothie blend cups to select locations nationwide.