Tea maker Kite announces rollout into Western Canada and new U.S. debut

Image Credit: CNW Group/Time To Unwind Inc.

Toronto-based beverage maker Kite (Time To Unwind Inc.) has announced a product rollout into more than 170 Save-On-Foods stores across Western Canada, and its U.S. debut into six locations of California’s Erewhon Market.

In a Sept. 3 news release, Kite officials said the deals place it “on a solid trajectory” towards its 2021 North American target store count of 1000+ stores, following an early 2020 launch at the outset of the pandemic.

Kite makes plant-based adaptogenic teas under three brand names: “Rise” Moringa Lemon, “Align” Tulsi Hibiscus, and “Unwind” Ashwagandha Orange. The teas are sugar- and sweeteners-free and are also without “questionable ‘natural flavours’”, the company said.

“Kite has continued to see remarkable growth across Western Canada within both natural independent chains and larger key retail accounts including Whole Foods, Choices, Natures Fare Markets and most recently, over 170+ Save-On-Foods locations,” the company said. “With nearly 600 stores to date, Kite continues to work with distributors Horizon, UNFI & Purity Life towards growth across all regions in Canada. Kehe and UNFI will be distributing Kite across select regions in the U.S.”

Kite’s rollout in the U.S. includes launching with California-based retailer Erewhon Market and mid-west superstore chain Meijer. The company said that further “imminent” launch plans include Harmons Grocery, Better Health, Bubble, Vejii, and more.

Kite is a female-founded outfit that was established in 2018.