Startup CPG Newswire:
New food category for fighting cravings makes the jump from family business to the Walmart soup aisle – Millie’s Sipping Broth™ selected by Walmart for distribution at nearly 2,000 stores
PRESS RELEASE — NEWS PROVIDED BY LLance Kezner for Millie’s Sipping Broth
BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Thanks to a “golden ticket” from Walmart, a new product dreamed up by a former teacher looking to combat mid-afternoon cravings has hit the shelves at Walmart. Millie’s Sipping Broth™ is broth in a tea bag, sipped out of a mug, and prepared in seconds.
“This is a dream come true that came to life at our kitchen table,” said Keep Life Tasty owner and co-founder Lori Peha Kezner. “Reaching customers at Walmart will help us achieve our mission of supporting people’s wellness goals with a comforting, low-calorie, fast snack.”
Millie’s Sipping Broth™ was selected in Walmart’s tenth annual Open Call event, where 7,000 products were reviewed for distribution. Just 130 were given “golden tickets,” a term that represents deals with the retailer on the spot.
“Securing a golden ticket at Open Call grants entrepreneurs an invaluable chance to reach new customers, grow their businesses and create jobs in their communities,” said John Furner, president and chief executive officer of Walmart US, in Food Business News.
“This moment is a mix of emotion and incredibly intense work, due to the transformation required to scale up our business,” said co-founder Llance Kezner. “We have reshaped our operations alongside partners to produce more product in a week than we previously made in a year.”
He adds that their product fits consumers’ current wave of interest in healthier comfort foods. As Food Navigator reports, the rise in demand for comfort foods began during the chaos of the pandemic, which brought a new emphasis on mental health. As the pandemic eased, interest grew in foods that allow people to “reconnect with one another, away from devices and busyness of everyday lives.”
Millie’s Sipping Broth™ is formulated for drinking out of a cup and are made with real vegetables and herbs. The packets also function as food seasoning. The Kezners are often found on Instagram using the product to craft recipes as diverse as Fiery Citrus Lemon Drops and Chili-Kissed Watermelon Feta Salad. They post food and drink recipes on their website.
In addition to Walmart, Millie’s Sipping Broth™ can be purchased at leading retailers, such as Wegmans, Food City, and Amazon. Learn more at https://milliessippingbroth.com.
About Millie’s Sipping Broth
Millie’s Sipping Broth is a new and innovative approach that transforms a fresh broth into an every day savory snack solution in a tea bag. Just prepare with a mug and hot water. Millie’s was created by a teacher who needed a smarter snack for her short breaks between classes. The recipes were inspired by Lori’s mom Millie.
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