Kos signs listing agreement with Whole Foods

The US distribution deal is the start-up’s first in-store contract since its launch in 2018

All-plant protein and functional ingredient start-up Kos has signed a stocking agreement with healthy eating retail icon Whole Foods Market.

The US distribution deal, Kos’ first in-store contract since its launch in 2018, results from the collaboration between United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), KeHE and C&S Wholesale Grocers.

Allan Stevens, Kos co-founder and co-chief executive, commented: “Our partnership with Whole Foods and amazing distributors including UNFI, KeHE, and C&S comes at an exciting time within the brand’s history. We are prepared to reach new consumers nationally and empower them to live a healthier, plant-based lifestyle.”

For Stevens, this is just the start for what’s to come for the plant-based food company in 2020. “We look forward to bringing even more excitement and innovation within the plant-based category.”

Functional superfoods

Kos entered the US market in 2018. The company produces protein and functional ingredients — spirulina goji berry, and rhodiola root among others — made entirely of natural superfoods, supporting customers’ journeys toward plant-centric nutritional lifestyles. Kos claims to use “transparent ingredients, responsibly sourced and additive-free”.

Since January 2020, Kos products are available for purchase in more than 400 Whole Foods Market stores across the US.

“In just two years, we have gone from distributing solely online to occupying shelves of the most highly-regarded grocery chain in the world,” said Kos’ Tony Stahl, co-founder and co-chief executive. “We are committed to providing people with the most convenient and best-tasting form of nature-powered nutrition on the market, and are excited at the prospect of reaching new consumers through our distributor partnerships and the incomparable Whole Foods Market,” he concluded.