🛒 How To LEAP Into Whole Foods

For many emerging brands, shelf space at Whole Foods is not just a dream distribution deal, but also a mode to proving the viability of a novel concept (take The Pizza Cupcake, for example). The natural grocer’s Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP) has helped dozens of retail-ready up-and-comers reach new heights, but how does one get a foot in the door? 

Nosh Insiders can access the full interview and learn more about how program leader Casey Gaston assesses potential participants.

Concentrate on flavor. Request your free sample today! Learn more

B.T.R. Nation was founded on the principle to remake the modern vending machine and started with low-sugar and gluten-free bars. The lion’s share of the business remains in its flagship category, but the company expanded into a new format and founder Ashley Nickelsen said that the brand is “not just a bar company.”

🛒 The better-for-you snack maker has had a big first half of 2024 bringing a club-sized 16-pack of bars to 35 Southeastern region Costco stores as well as an exclusive variety pack to Thrive Market.

🍪 After launching at the end of the 2023 in specialty coffee chain Blue Bottle, B.T.R. just released a LTO co-branded flavor Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. The company also expanded into a new category with chocolate truffle Superfood Nut Butter Cups in 2022. 

💪🏾 It now expects to hit over 800 stores by the end of the year and is moving into high-protein snacking with the imminent launch of its new Protein+ bar formulated with functional mushrooms later this month.

Check out the full story on Nosh for all the details on B.T.R.’s big moves.

Jean-Charles Boisset, the proprietor of globally renowned wine company Boisset Collection and co-founder of luxury tequila brand Casa Obsidiana, explains why taste, not trends, is at the heart of new business ventures and product development, and what drives consumer communication and marketing.

Listen to the episode now.

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