Beyond Meat Launches Beyond Chicken Pieces in Kroger
Alt-meat purveyor Beyond Meat has launched Beyond Chicken Pieces at over 1,900 Kroger stores nationwide. Capitalizing on consumer demand for high protein, the unbreaded chicken product features 21 grams of plant-based protein and 0.5 grams of saturated fat per serving.
“The Beyond Meat journey began with a game-changing plant-based chicken product [and] I am thrilled to re-introduce this platform as Beyond Chicken Pieces. [The product] reflects our commitment to ingredient integrity and outsized nutritional benefits,” said Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, in a statement.
The launch comes on the heels of the publicly traded company’s second consecutive quarter of net revenue growth.
Beyond Meat has embraced a wide range of strategies to improve its balance sheet recently, including positioning around its environmental impact and celebrity taste-based endorsements. In February, the company announced an overhaul of its product formulation with the debut of the Beyond IV platform, which included the adoption of avocado oil and a 20% reduction in sodium.
The company’s introduction of Beyond Chicken Pieces at Kroger was driven by consumer requests on its social media platforms for the return of an unbreaded chicken product. To “highlight how versatile and impactful plant-based eating can be,” Beyond has also partnered with the NBA on a digital cookbook titled “Go Beyond the Buzzer.”
Mooski Heads to Pavilions and Roundy’s
Chilled oat bar producer Mooski is rolling out to all Pavilions stores this week, marking the California-based brand’s first Albertsons banner. The distribution partnership was born out of the Albertsons Companies Innovation Launchpad competition at Expo West, according to a LinkedIn post by Mooski founder Robert Broome.
Additionally, Mooski will introduce its products to Kroger’s Roundy’s division – 138 stores encompassing Mariano’s, Metro Market and Pick N’ Save – in May/June. The launch follows a successful test at a Pick N’ Save location.
“This will be our biggest conventional launch to date, so [it will be] a really good test for Mooski in a channel outside of natural grocery,” Broome told Nosh.
Grüns Lands in Walmart
Celebrity-backed nutrition gummy maker Grüns, which has a valuation of $500 million, recently landed its products in 1,900 Walmart stores nationwide with the goal of “bringing comprehensive daily nutrition to even more families.”
The retail giant will carry four of Grüns’ SKUs: Grüns Adult Low Sugar, Grüns Adult Sugar-Free, Grüns Cubs Low Sugar and Grüns Cubs Sugar-Free. Each daily sachet includes eight gummies crafted with over 60 organic fruits and vegetables and more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals.
Founded by Chad Janis in 2023, Grüns is available in over 5,000 stores nationwide, including Sprouts Farmers Market and Target. In February, the company closed a $35 million Series B round led by venture capital firm Headline. The fresh funds will go toward bringing production in-house, as reported by Inc. Magazine.
Mojave Mallows Enters Erewhon
Organic marshmallow maker Mojave Mallows locked in a distribution deal with Erewhon, marking the brand’s first major launch in the SoCal retail market.
The Los Angeles-based specialty grocer will stock three of Mojave Mallows’ flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Dipped and Speckled S’more. The marshmallows – crafted with organic raw cane sugar, agave nectar, tapioca and dates – have a SRP of $14.99 per 4.5 oz. bag.
“We didn’t come to the decision to go into grocery easily. Our roots have been in hospitality, born by the campfire and raised on getaways,” wrote founder Stephanie Chan in a LinkedIn post. “But as we evolved beyond s’more kits, we found that retailers were suddenly interested in our product. I was curious but skeptical about the fit for a bootstrapped brand like ours.”
Ultimately, Chan said, “While all grocery may not be a fit (yet), [Mojave Mallows’] audience is well aligned with Erewhon’s.”
UNLIMEAT Heads to Kroger
UNLIMEAT is rolling out its plant-based Korean BBQ Bulgogi and Pulled Pork Original to more than 300 Kroger banners across the country, including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers and Smith’s. The brand’s meat alternatives are made using surplus grains and legumes.
“We’re excited to bring the bold flavors of Korean cuisine to a broader audience through our partnership with Kroger. Our mission is to make the healthy appeal of Korean cuisine more accessible to American tables, while delivering a balanced, complete Korean meal – all through the lens of sustainable, plant-based innovation,” said an UNLIMEAT spokesperson.
Beyond Kroger, UNLIMEAT’s products can be found at retailers like Sprouts, Albertsons and Safeway.
YumEarth Enters Club Channel
YumEarth has made its first foray into the club channel, launching a 30-count Variety Box at BJ’s Wholesale Club with a SRP of $14.99.
The new offering includes three of the brand’s fan-favorite treats: Organic Giggles, Organic Chewys and Organic Sour Littles. Like the rest of YumEarth’s product portfolio, these candies are free from artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup and GMOs.
More distribution news across the industry:
Lentil-based meal maker Lentiful has taken five SKUs national with Whole Foods Market. The expansion comes less than one year after Lentiful first landed on Whole Foods shelves in the NorCal and Pacific Northwest regions.
Refrigerated mochi bite brand Mochi Love is now available in 200 grocery stores nationwide, including Nugget Markets and Smith’s.
Consumers can now find Protein Pints’ protein ice cream at various Kroger banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Smith’s, QFC, Fry’s, Dillon’s and Mariano’s.
Clean-ingredient meat snack producer New Primal has introduced its Chicken & Maple and Classic Turkey Snack Mates to Target.
Muddy Bites has gone national with Whole Foods Market. The retailer will carry the brand’s Milk and Dark varieties alongside an exclusive Girl Scout Coconut Caramel flavor.
Brune Kitchen has landed its Peanut Butter Chunk and Chocolate Chip Cookies at Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide.
