Alcohol-Free, Hemp-Derived WYNK Expands Distribution
WYNK, a hemp-derived, THC and CBD infused seltzer, can be purchased online in over 30 states and is now available in a growing number of traditional adult beverage retailers in Chicagoland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and beyond. Wherehouse Beverage Co.’s, maker of WYNK, strategic expansion into brick-and-mortar stores aligns with the brand’s mission to pioneer a distinct category of alcohol-free, flavorful, precision-dosed cannabis beverages for the mainstream consumer.
Wherehouse Beverage Co’s commitment to product quality includes in-house and independent potency testing as part of its end-to-end production control in its manufacturing and distribution–emphasizing the company’s goal of creating a groundbreaking THC-infused beverage that consumers can trust.
“The WYNK team is focused on creating a new, safe and exciting adult-beverage category that aligns with shifting consumer trends,” said Phil McFarland, general manager, THC Beverages at WHBCo. “By working with age-gated retailers and utilizing precision dosing technology, we are ushering in a cultural turning point where regulations are thoughtfully crafted to provide a sensible framework for this category.”
As the “Cali sober” trend gains traction, WYNK presents a guilt-free alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages, creating a balanced, light and social buzz. With flavors including Black Cherry Fizz, Lime Twist and Juicy Mango, WYNK Seltzer offers a familiar-taste and refreshing experience for consumers. WYNK contains zero sugar and is made with a 1:1 ratio of naturally occurring, hemp-derived THC to CBD. There are two dosage options, 2.5mg and 5mg per can.
“This launch is personally exciting for me—I’ve seen a trend among consumers who are tired of the way alcohol makes them feel,” said Angus Rittenburg, WHBCo co-founder. “WYNK allows for more opportunities to get together socially and enjoy a clean buzz, without the sacrifice of giving up a drink, or experiencing a hangover.”
The expansion of WYNK into new markets allows consumers greater access to low-dose THC products in a format that flows with their social lives. The growing list of adult beverage retailers includes:
Connecticut: Ancona’s Wines and Liquors
Illinois: Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse and Binny’s Beverage Depot
Massachusetts: Luke’s Liquors
New Jersey: select ShopRites, Bourbon Street Wine & Spirits and Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet
In coming months, WYNK will be on shelves in Ohio.
Learn more about WYNK and retail locations: drinkwynk.com.
Available in 32 states, WYNK is the most widely distributed THC seltzer in the United States. The expertly crafted product was created to provide consumers with a light, balanced and social beverage that promotes wellness through social connection. WYNK has zero calories, zero sugar and is made with all-natural flavors and a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD.
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Yerbaé Plant-Based Energy Expands Distribution With Mariano’s
Yerbaé Brands Corp., a plant-based energy beverage company, announced a significant expansion in its distribution channels through a strategic partnership with Mariano’s, a mid-west supermarket chain owned by Kroger.
In a noteworthy development, Yerbaé’s products have been officially authorized by Mariano’s for distribution across all locations in the greater Chicago region. Mariano’s, a subsidiary of Kroger, has become a key player in the supermarket industry in the Midwest since opening its doors in 2010.
Commencing Jan. 10, Yerbaé’s four refreshing SKUs—Mango Passionfruit, Black Cherry Pineapple, Yuzu Lime, and Classic Lemonade—will be available for purchase at all Mariano’s locations. This expansion not only underscores Yerbaé’s commitment to providing innovative and health-conscious beverage options but also reflects the brand’s strategic vision for increased accessibility.
“We are excited to announce our partnership with Mariano’s, a trusted name in the supermarket industry. This collaboration allows us to bring Yerbaé’s refreshing beverages to a wider audience within the third largest domestic market in the United States, and additionally expands Yerbaé’s growing demand in the Midwest marketplace,” said Seth Smith, vice president sales of Yerbaé Plant-Based Energy.
Yerbaé is proud to be part of the Mariano’s portfolio, aligning with the supermarket’s commitment to providing a premium shopping experience. The inclusion of Mariano’s in Yerbaé’s distribution network marks a substantial milestone for the company’s growth and market reach.
Yerbaé Brands Corp., makes great-tasting energy beverages with yerba mate and other premium, plant-based ingredients. All Yerbaé energy beverages are zero calorie, zero sugar, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, keto-friendly, paleo-approved, gluten free and diabetic-friendly.
Founded in Scottsdale, Ariz., in 2017, Yerbaé seeks to disrupt the energy beverage marketplace by offering a no-compromise energy solution, with input and support from its recently-announced Yerbaé Advisory Board, Sports and Entertainment.
For more news of interest to the beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Steeped Offers Alternative as Compostable Gourmet Coffee Bags
Steeped Coffee, a Certified B Corp, is celebrating National Gourmet Coffee Day this Jan. 18 with a non-traditional ask for gourmet coffee lovers: reduce your coffee waste. Steeped is leading a movement to reduce the world’s dependence on non-recyclable, single-serve coffee pods, and has pioneered a revolutionary single-serve brewing method that preserves the full flavor of gourmet coffee while being fully compostable and requiring no brewing machinery.
More than 10 billion single-serve coffee pods end up in landfills each year. The number of pods consumed since 2009 could wrap around the planet more than 500 times. With a process brewed similar to tea, Steeped is helping to make quality coffee from hundreds of top brands accessible and sustainable. Steeped Packs contain craft-roasted, freshly ground pre-portioned coffee that is triple nitro-sealed to guarantee each perfect, “barista-approved” cup. The company’s Guilt-Free Packing is commercially compostable, from the outer packaging to the inner Steeped Brew Bags.
“At Steeped, we are changing the way people view single-serve coffee, delivering all of the benefits with none of the barriers,” said Josh Wilbur, founder and CEO. “We are proud to help drive a global movement to reduce our impact on the planet.”
Steeped was honored in 2023, making the 2023 Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business list, USA Today’s 10Best List and Good Housekeeping’s list of top coffee makers. More than 500 top roasters across the country now use the company’s revolutionary Steeped Brewing Method. Steeped Packs are available for purchase online, at grocery stores or through hospitality, office and other wholesale providers.
“Steeped doesn’t take its barista-approved standards lightly and we’ve worked closely with industry leading experts to validate every aspect of the Steeped Method from freshness, quality, extraction, shelf life, and most importantly, consistent taste to bring the most authentic specialty experience directly to single-serve coffee lovers,” Wilbur said. “We are proud of the incredible partnerships we’ve forged with the industry’s top specialty coffee roasters, including names like Counter Culture, Addictive and Cat and Cloud.”
Steeped Coffee features include:
● 100 percent specialty coffee: quality coffee ethically sourced directly from farmers
● Steeped Brew Bag: non-GMO filters that regulate ideal water-in and maximum flavor-out
● Guilt-free packaging: made using plant-based renewable and compostable materials
● Nitro sealed: removes oxygen, stopping the clock on freshly ground beans
● Pre-portioned single-serve: only brew what you use, reducing wasteful consumption
● Precision ground: consistent water-cooled grinding to the micron
● Just add water: single-serve convenience with no machines required
● Barista approved: tested by multiple independent specialty coffee Q-graders for freshness, quality, and taste
Steeped, Inc. based in San Francisco, is a Certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation focused on every detail from farm-to-cup and beyond, to bring people the most convenient, quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably packaged products available. Steeped is the new standard in coffee helping to make quality coffee more accessible through its proprietary technology and Steeped Brewing Method that is licensed to over 500 of the top specialty roasters around the globe. Steeped delivers 100 percent freshly roasted, precision ground, and nitro-sealed specialty coffee pre-portioned within Steeped Brew Bags. Steeped Coffee is the simplest way to make a perfect cup of coffee by just adding water, with no machine needed. Welcome to Coffee Simplified.
For more news of interest to the specialty beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
