Distribution

Cereal and snack maker Catalina Crunch is looking to a future beyond the keto-friendly category by appointing a seasoned CPG executive as CEO last week and shifting its positioning from diabetic and weight-conscious consumers to the fitness-focused community.

IQBAR is rolling out new packaging across all three product lines next week that will bring simplified nutrition claims and see the adoption of a new tagline: “For Smart Mouths.”

New York-based startup FFUPs is looking to bring its “bombastic branding” to a wider audience – by getting smaller. The flavored corn puff maker is downsizing its flagship 4 oz. product to a 1 oz. single-serve bag.

Rainforest Distribution Corp. has acquired New England natural and specialty foods distributor Associated Buyers, the companies announced this week. According to a press release, the companies will take roughly two months to transition the Associated Buyers’ network into the Rainforest system.

For over 10 years, Feel Good Foods has steadily grown its gluten-free frozen snack brand but has now for the first time revamped its packaging while also launching several new products to bring it to a broader swathe of retailers and consumers.

Blackbird Foods is utilizing its foundation in foodservice and a self-manufacturing production model to build a frozen vegan food brand that aims to “displace conventional animal products.”

The Spare Food Co. is targeting a new revenue channel with the launch of its first-ever foodservice ingredient, Spare Starter, made from six upcycled vegetables and used as an ingredient and flavor additive for various dishes.

Club chain Costco for years has used roadshow sampling events as a testing ground for new brands being considered for a rotation in-store. The process of planning, staging, executing and following through can be complicated and fraught with risk.

Vacadillos, the meat snack brand owned by beef biltong purveyor Stryve Foods, is now available nationwide at Albertsons Companies stores, the brand announced in a press release today; Dough and frozen pizza maker Yough! – which markets low-carb doughs made from Greek yogurt – is now available in New York City via GoPuff.

In this week’s distribution roundup, B.T.R. Nation lands in CIBO Express airport retailers and GoodSAM expands its partnership with Sprouts by exclusively launching its new coffee blend nationwide with the retailer.