Green tea producer ITO EN (North America) has partnered with Kimball Distributing (KDI) to expand its direct store delivery distribution in Texas, US.

ITO EN offers a wide range of energy, protein and healthy beverage options to its customers.

The line-up that will be distributed by KDI includes unsweetened and slightly sweetened variants of ITO EN’s brand Teas’ Tea Organic and green tea Oi Ocha.

ITO EN COO Jim Hoagland said: “We have been looking for a strong direct story delivery partner to expand our presence in the Texas market for some time now.

“In Kimball Distributing, we feel we have found that partner given their strong distribution network into convenience and grocery stores. Being a full-service direct store delivery supplier gives us confidence that we can grow our business in these communities.”

Under the terms of the agreement, KDI will distribute ITO EN’s products to 140 Quik Trip stores in North Texas region.

“In Kimball Distributing, we feel we have found that partner given their strong distribution network into convenience and grocery stores.”

Currently, KDI covers 25 counties in North as well as Central Texas and has an established distribution network in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, Wichita Falls and Waco markets.

Kimball Distributing president Kim Smith said: “We are excited to be adding ITO EN teas to our portfolio of premium products. Their expertise in exceptional quality teas is legendary, so we are greatly honoured to be partnering with them to bring healthy options to our customers.”

ITO EN will get considerable growth opportunities in the expansive marketplace where KDI serves including, 7- Eleven, Lone Star Business Co-Op (LSBA) Independent Business Independent Buyer’s Co-Op (IBC), Alon and Race Track.

ITO EN (North America) is a subsidiary of ITO EN (Japan) that creates products that embody the company’s five principles of Natural, Healthy, Safe, Well-designed and Delicious.