The specialty section is in continuous evolution, as bringing new and exciting offerings to the shelves is a boon for building out basket share. Whole Foods Market is leveraging a key partnership to up its prowess in the sector, as Honey Mama’s is expanding its distribution nationwide to all stores. This team-up marks an exciting new growth phase for Honey Mama’s and it is an indication of the increasing consumer demand for premium and nourishing natural offerings.
“Honey Mama’s passionate cult-following is fueled by our ability to offer a uniquely memorable experience in the world of chocolate, and a new way to think about health and indulgence. The past decade has seen a shift to premium natural brands like never before, uplifted by enormous demand for clean ingredients, nourishing whole foods, and a special product experience,” remarked Jared Schwartz, CEO of Honey Mama’s. “Expanding to national distribution affirms what Honey Mama’s has been doing for years, creating the highest quality premium product that leading retailers like Whole Foods know they can count on to thrive at the national level. This vote of confidence unlocks tremendous new potential growth across the business.”
Created by Founder Christy Goldsby in 2013, Honey Mama’s came to fruition to create something both indulgent and good for you. Its truffle bars come in a variety of wildly inventive flavor combinations and are made from a foundation of five organic whole food ingredients: raw honey, unrefined coconut oil, cocoa or cacao powder, Himalayan pink salt, and either sprouted almonds, shredded coconut, or sesame seeds.
With no preservatives or shelf stabilizers, Honey Mama's bars are found in the refrigerated section and are naturally free from refined sugar, gluten, grains, dairy, and soy for a plant-rich, anti-inflammatory alternative.
“When I started the company in 2013, my goal was to become an integral part of the better-for-you food conversation by offering consumers a win-win: an old world, decadent treat that is also incredibly nourishing to the body and mind,” said Goldsby. “Launching nationally at Whole Foods is an exciting amplification of our voice in such an important conversation about taking care of ourselves through our food choices.”
The company’s 2.5 ounce, three-serving packages are available in the following flavors:
Honey Mama’s first made its Whole Foods Market debut in 2014 in the Pacific Northwest region, after a buyer discovered the bars at the Portland Farmers Market. Over the years, the brand has gained an avid following with select flavors launching in two additional Whole Foods regions, a press release explained.
This full national launch expands Honey Mama’s availability in over 500 Whole Foods locations across the country, and makes Whole Foods the largest retailer to carry Honey Mama’s nationally.
“Honey Mama’s invites you to be curious about your food choices. By nature of being a refrigerated treat, we’re nudging people to ask themselves, ‘Why is this here and not in the shelf stable chocolate aisle? What are the ingredients and why?” continued Goldsby. “National expansion at Whole Foods provides the opportunity to pique more curiosity and be more accessible. Years ago, when I started demoing the product at trade shows, one of the most common questions I would get was ‘Are your products in Whole Foods?’ Being a national brand with Whole Foods opens up availability in new distribution centers that so many independent retailers count on and uplifts the natural foods channel as a whole. For the first time in eight years, I am thrilled to answer this question with a resounding YES! A true win-win.”
As Whole Foods continues bringing new specialty players to its stores, Deli Market News will be sure to report.
