News Briefs

Sweet Leaf Tea Co., Austin, Texas, announced its products will soon be available through Sam’s Club stores. The company was awarded distribution in 125 of the 500 Sam’s Club locations nationwide and significantly increases Sweet Leaf’s distribution. “The first order was more than our sales for all of 2003!” said Co-Founder and Vice President of Sales, David Smith. Sam’s Club will carry three of the company’s eight flavors — Original Sweet Tea, Mint & Honey Green Tea and Peach Tea — and Sweet Leaf is planning a comprehensive marketing plan catered to the outlet.

Coffee Perks has selected Amy Gais for exclusive rights to own and operate the franchise in the Charlotte, N.C., area., the fourth Coffee Perks territory. Coffee Perks provides corporate, hotel and restaurant clients with a local, single-source vendor for coffee supplies, equipment and services. Gais will be responsible for providing the leadership and strategic direction for the franchise operation in the region, as well as managing the sales, operations and financial success of the territory.

Liberty Imports USA, Allentown, Pa., has selected the RJ Group to manage its Brazil Gourmet drink lines in the natural food, specialty food and drug store channels nationwide. The Ridgewood, N.J.-based group also will represent Brazil Gourmet Nectars and Nectar Teas in foodservice outlets east of the Mississippi. The company also announced that its Brazil Gourmet Nectar Teas have been kosher-certified by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.