New Zealand alcohol-free cocktail brand Free AF has secured nationwide distribution in Whole Foods Market and Kroger across the United States.
The move adds more than 1,400 stores to the brand’s US network and takes its total American distribution to over 4,000 stores, including Walmart, Target and Sprouts.
The rollout begins in early March with the following launches:
Whole Foods Market – 520 stores nationwide
- Free AF – Margarita Variety 4-Pack (Margarita, Mango Margarita, Chilli Margarita, Paloma)
- Free AF – Apero Spritz 4-Pack
Kroger – 915 stores nationwide
- Free AF – Margarita Variety 4-Pack (Margarita, Mango Margarita, Chilli Margarita, Paloma)
- Free AF – Apero Spritz 4-Pack
Global momentum
Lisa King, Free AF founder, says: “When we launched in the US, Whole Foods was at the top of our list of retailers we wanted to get into, so it’s exciting to see it finally happening. It’s also a fun coincidence launching into Kroger right as Greg Foran takes the reins as CEO – we worked with Greg when he was at Air New Zealand, so there’s a nice Kiwi connection there.”
The US expansion follows a year of strong international growth, including launches at major UK retailers Morrisons and Amazon UK in December.
Free AF’s range features the proprietary Afterglow botanical extract, designed to replicate the warming sensation of alcohol while remaining entirely alcohol-free.
Today, the brand is distributed across multiple international markets and has received more than 45 international awards.
