Gluten-free pasta company Taste Republic today announced new distribution in select Costco and Walmart stores in early 2020.
Taste Republic, a Tribe 9 Foods brand, was founded when Chief Creative Officer Peter Robertson created a first-of-its-kind, fresh gluten-free pasta for a friend who was diagnosed with Celiac disease. As demand for gluten-free, grain-free, and plant-based foods continued to skyrocket, Robertson launched Taste Republic to focus exclusively on creating gluten-free and grain-free pastas that offer the same taste and texture as authentic, traditional pasta. The line now includes nine Certified Gluten-Free pastas, many of which offer other benefits such as grain-free, dairy-free, organic, and Paleo Certification to cater to a variety of dietary needs.
Taste Republic items will begin hitting shelves mid-January to early February at Northwest Costco stores in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington and at Walmart stores in Georgia and Florida. This news comes just after the announcement that, with the recent addition of Florida, Taste Republic is also now available at Whole Foods in 8 of its 11 regions.
“We see the trajectory of the well-established conventional fresh pasta category headed toward healthier alternatives, and our strategy is to fill that void with gluten-free options that deliver on taste and texture,” said Robertson. “People are increasingly seeking out gluten-free, grain-free, and plant-based options, and Costco, Walmart, and other retailers are responding to the growing demand.”
Walmart continues to offer opportunities to emerging brands, including an invitation to Taste Republic to participate in Walmart’s Open Call earlier this year, which successfully resulted in the opportunity to test four fresh gluten-free pasta items in Florida and Georgia.
“We intend to use this regional placement in Walmart and Costco as a springboard to larger distribution,” Robertson continued. “Everyone deserves great food - regardless of dietary needs - and it’s always been our mission to make healthier options accessible to as many people as possible. These new distribution partnerships allow us to fulfill that mission on a greater scale.”
