CPG Distribution Digest: 6,100 New Doors, Target Rollouts and a $20K Grant

By Daniel Okafor

JUNKLESS Foods is adding more than 6,100 new retail doors across Kroger, CVS, Sheetz, BJ's Wholesale Club and Publix — the brand's largest rollout to date, running through early 2027. The expansion, detailed in this week's CPG news roundup from Foodbevy, spans grocery, drug, convenience and club channels in a single phased push.

The numbers break down by retailer:

• 3,500 CVS locations carry JUNKLESS granola bars
• 1,530 Kroger stores stock its protein bars
• 850 Sheetz locations add protein bars
• 286 BJ's Wholesale Clubs carry 24-count granola packs
• Publix introduces additional granola flavors on January 20, 2027

Ernie Pang founded the snack brand. The rollout covers everyday grocery trips and convenience purchases alike.

What does Target's shelf look like this week?

Target is the destination for three emerging brands. Proper Syrup, co-founded by Ryan Schneider and Jeremy Moss, launched Vanilla, Strawberry and Salted Caramel craft syrups in 1,500 Target stores. The two coffee industry veterans, who also co-founded Created Co., built the three-flavor lineup on the brand's existing presence in specialty coffee shops.

Little Spoon debuted Dolphin Divers, its first kids' cereal, nationwide at Target in three flavors: Cinnamon Wave, Fruity Splash and Deep Sea Cocoa. Co-founders Ben Lewis and Angela Vranich positioned the dolphin-shaped pieces around organic whole grain oats, plant-based pea protein, 7g of protein per serving and 33% less sugar than leading kids' cereal brands. The recipe uses date powder and maple syrup instead of artificial sweeteners. It is USDA Organic, Non-GMO, gluten-free and seed oil-free, aimed at children ages four and up.

Javvy Coffee, co-founded by Brandon Monaghan and Justin Kemperman, added Peppermint Mocha Protein Creamer and brought back its seasonal Protein Coffee in more than 4,000 retail locations. Last year's Peppermint Mocha allocation sold out in two weeks, and the brand reports this season is already outpacing that mark. The coffee's first seasonal retail appearance spans Target, Kroger, Rouses, Hy-Vee and Wegmans, with protein, prebiotics, MCTs and zero grams of added sugar.

Which brands are entering new channels?

Meijer picked up two frozen brands. Crafty Ramen, co-founded by Miki Ferrall, expanded its frozen ramen to the retailer — a milestone for a company that grew from a 24-seat family noodle shop into national grocery distribution. Dumpling Daughter, founded by Nadia Liu Spellman, launched its premium frozen dumplings at Meijer across six Midwest states: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and Wisconsin. The line uses Duroc pork, antibiotic-free chicken and real vegetables.

PowerCrème, founded by Marina Pensinger of Wells, Maine, expanded its high-protein, curd-free cottage cheese snacks into four Fairway and three Gourmet Garage locations in New York City, building on placements at Mulberry Market and Westside Market. Pensinger personally visited 17 stores on foot in two days. Each 5.5-ounce jar of Strawberry or Pineapple delivers 26 grams of protein, combining cottage cheese, Greek yogurt and added protein. The brand emerged from a personal nutrition need after Pensinger lost her husband in 2023, followed by two years of product development.

Jindilli Farms, led by CEO Morgan Roy, made its retail debut at all 31 Pavilions stores in Southern California with 100% Australian-grown macadamia cooking oil — a single-ingredient, seed oil-free product from the family behind Milkadamia. Leo & Dragon, founded by Joseph C., brings Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps to more than 500 Sprouts Farmers Market stores in November through the Forager Program, supported by Green Spoon Sales and KeHE Distributors.

RINGA, founded by Stephanie McGregor, placed its tart beverages at Erewhon just as New Hope Network named tart flavors among its 2027 natural products trends.

What's new on the product side?

IQBAR, founded by Will Nitze, launched three bakery-inspired Protein Bites flavors at Costco in Texas, Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest: Cinnamon Roll, Cookies 'N' Creme and Cookie Dough Chip. The 30-count variety packs deliver 5g of plant-based protein, 5g of fiber, 1g of sugar, 2g of net carbs and 100 calories per bite, with magnesium, lion's mane, vitamin E and MCTs. Since debuting in March 2026, Protein Bites have become IQBAR's fastest-growing line.

No Days Wasted, founded by Nishal Kumar, launched its first creatine product: Peach Mango sticks with 5g of creatine monohydrate, sugar-free and using gum acacia instead of maltodextrin. The Toronto debut came with a brunch collaboration with Susie's and Strong Pilates featuring creatine milkshakes; two more flavors are planned.

Baba's, founded by Rana Kamal, introduced hummus snack packs at Whole Foods Market Midwest locations after more than two years of development, pairing hummus with pickles, olives and hot sauce drawn from Arab-American food traditions. Loonen, co-founded by Clara Sieg and David Kimmell, launched 375ml glass-bottled Minis at Happier Grocery, Citarella, Goop Kitchen, Meadowlane and Butterfield.

Where did the money and recognition land?

SIMPLi, founded by Sarela Herrada, partnered with Fishtown Pickle Project on Pickled Gi-Jawn-te Beans — launched October 28, 100 jars only, $10 each for 16 ounces, using Regenerative Organic Certified Gigante beans from Greek family farmers. Sweet Logic, founded by Allison Escovedo Owen, named creator Devin Cordle (6 million-plus followers) co-founder and Chief Brand Officer while debuting Mini Cookies at nearly 500 Whole Foods stores. TUYYO FOODS, founded by Stefanie Garcia Turner, received a $20,000 grant from the Hello Alice and BOTOX Cosmetic Confidence Collective for sales and marketing of its Electrolyte Aguas Frescas. Kidfresh, founded by Matt Cohen, earned Scary Mommy's 2026 Readers' Choice recognition for Best Quick Meal Brands.

The common thread: mid-size CPG brands are buying shelf space with phased, multi-channel rollouts rather than single-retailer bets — and Target, Costco and Kroger are the gateways they're choosing.