Lofty Pops expands retail distribution through Lipari Foods, accelerating national grocery growth. Lofty Pops, a Michigan-based handcrafted ice pop company, today announced a new distribution partnership with Lipari Foods to support the brand's retail growth strategy. Beginning in mid-July, Lipari Foods will distribute an initial lineup of Lofty Pops flavors, making it easier for retailers to stock the fast-growing brand. The initial rollout includes Strawberry Lemon, Blue Razzberry, Piña Colada, and Chocolate Fudge. The partnership represents another step forward for Lofty Pops as the company builds the infrastructure needed to support increasing retail demand and continues to maintain the quality and family-first values that have defined the brand since its launch. "One of our goals has always been to make Lofty Pops easier for families to find," said Natalie Heiter, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Lofty Pops. "Partnering with Lipari Foods allows us to scale thoughtfully beyond the strong adoption that we've enjoyed at our concessions locations across several zoos. No matter where Lofty Pops are available, we will always focus on what matters most, creating organic frozen treats that families trust and making them available in more communities." Lipari Foods will also assume distribution for Lofty Pops' existing retail partners, creating a more streamlined supply chain and expanding opportunities to introduce the brand to new grocery retailers across the region. Nick Lenzi, SVP at Lipari Foods shared, "Natalie and Philip have built something special by staying involved in every part of the business, from product quality to customer relationships. Their passion and work ethic are truly impressive. We look forward to helping more retailers bring Lofty Pops to their customers as the brand continues to grow." As part of this working relationship, Lofty Pops is introducing new shelf-ready retail packaging designed to simplify merchandising and improve the in-store shopping experience. The rip-top display cartons can be placed directly into freezer cases, reducing stocking time while creating a clean, organized presentation. The updated packaging also prominently showcases the brand's USDA Organic certification along with the fact that they are dairy free, gluten free, made with real fruit, and 100 percent natural (no artificial anything). The announcement follows a period of significant momentum for Lofty Pops. Over the past year, the company has expanded to five major Midwest zoos, earned USDA Organic certification, launched into several retail stores, is exploring other partnerships, and opened a seasonal location in downtown Detroit. Founded by siblings Natalie Heiter and Philip Stakich, Lofty Pops creates handcrafted frozen treats made with certified organic ingredients and real fruit. For retail inquiries or to learn more, visit www.loftypops.com. About Lofty Pops Lofty Pops is a Michigan-based handcrafted ice pop brand founded by a brother-and-sister team dedicated to creating better-for-you frozen treats. Each flavor is chef-crafted using real fruit and certified organic ingredients, with no artificial colors or flavors. Lofty Pops are dairy-free, gluten-free and allergen-friendly, making them accessible to families with diverse dietary needs. Since launching at the Detroit Zoo in 2024, Lofty Pops has expanded to premier family destinations across the Midwest and is continuing its national growth in 2026. For more information, visit https://www.loftypops.com or follow @eatloftypops on social media.

Wisconsin Grocers Association: Lipari Foods honored as 2026 WGA Vendor of the Year. Madison, WI - Lipari Foods has been selected as the 2026 Vendor of the Year, one of the Wisconsin Grocers Association's (WGA) highest honors. The news was shared with the company's leadership team, including CEO Stuart Schuette during a company meeting on August 5th. The WGA Vendor of the Year Award recognizes vendors that go beyond sales and product delivery to help WGA members grow, innovate and succeed while contributing to the strength of Wisconsin's grocery industry. In the competitive landscape of grocery retail, few vendors achieve the balance of exceptional service, product variety and strong partnerships that benefit both retailers and their customers. Lipari Foods has long been a trusted partner to independent grocers, offering an extensive selection of international, dairy, deli, bakery, frozen, and specialty products. Its diverse product assortment provides independent retailers with access to products and brands from around the world, helping them meet the evolving tastes and needs of their customers. "We are incredibly humbled, honored and grateful to receive the 2026 Vendor of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Grocers Association," said Nick Lenzi, senior vice president of marketing for Lipari Foods. "We are especially grateful to Piggly Wiggly Midwest for the nomination. We truly value our partnerships with Wisconsin grocers and appreciate their continued support." Since its beginnings as a family market in 1938, Lipari Foods has grown into one of the nation's leading independent food distributors. Its commitment to customer service, product variety and strong retailer relationships has helped establish the company as a valued partner to independent grocers throughout the Midwest. Lipari Foods has also been a dedicated WGA partner for many years, consistently supporting the association's programs and events. Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the WGA, emphasized the significance of the award. "Lipari Foods has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the success of the grocery industry and the membership of the Wisconsin Grocers Association," Semmann said. "Their investment in our events, support of our programs and commitment to independent grocers exemplify what it means to be a true industry partner. Lipari Foods has earned this recognition, and we are pleased to honor them as our 2026 Vendor of the Year." The WGA Vendor of the Year Award celebrates vendors that build lasting partnerships, support independent retailers and contribute to the growth of Wisconsin's grocery industry. Lipari Foods' diverse product offerings, commitment to its customers and longstanding support of WGA make it a deserving recipient of the 2026 award. Lipari Foods will be officially recognized at the 2026 WGA Innovation Expo on August 18 at the Wilderness Resort Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. Media interested in attending may register by contacting WGA Member Engagement Coordinator Michelle Stangler at [email protected]. Photo: Lipari Foods leadership team members, including CEO Stuart Shuette, were notified of the award during a leadership company meeting on August 5. The team gathered shortly afterward for a photo celebrating the recognition. ABOUT THE WISCONSIN GROCERS ASSOCIATION (WGA) The Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) is a non-profit trade association established in 1900 to represent independent grocers and grocery chains, warehouses and brokers, vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers before all levels of government. The WGA provides educational and networking opportunities, leadership training, public affairs, and compliance information for its membership. WGA and its membership have significant economic impact in the state of Wisconsin. The WGA represents nearly 350 independent grocers with multiple locations across the state, more than 200 retail grocery chain stores, warehouses and distributors, convenience stores, food brokers and suppliers. Wisconsin grocers employ over 30,000 people with over $1 billion in payroll and generate more than $12 billion in annual sales in Wisconsin resulting in approximately $800 million in state sales tax revenue (data provided by The Food Institute).