Third Street Launches Sustainable Ice Teas and Lemonades

Third Street has announced the launch of nine new organic, fair-trade and non-GMO ice teas and lemonades that will be available exclusively in Whole Foods Markets nationwide this spring. The 14-ounce single-serve, ready-to-drink beverages include black and green teas from Nilgiri, India, which are then micro-brewed in Colorado, as well as lemonade, and a lemonade and tea blend. The new line will be unveiled at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif. on March 7 at booth #4178. “Ready-to-drink ice teas make up nearly 75% of the entire U.S. tea market, and we’ve formulated our new products to meet consumer demand for variety and flavor combined with sustainability that they can feel good about enjoying,” says John Simmons, founder and president of Third Street. “Whole Foods Market is the ideal partner to help us introduce our new line as an avid proponent of responsible sourcing initiatives, and we’re proud to make their stores the inaugural retailer for these premier teas and lemonades.” Third Street real brewed ice teas and lemonades are certified gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Organic, and Fair Trade Certified. Product details include: Black Tea Unsweetened – Pure black tea that is naturally calorie free. Slightly Sweet – Lightly sweetened with fair trade and organic cane sugar. Peach – Flavored with a hint of organic peach juice and organic cane sugar. Raspberry – With a splash of raspberry juice and dash of organic cane sugar. Green Tea Unsweetened – Pure green tea that is naturally calorie free. Slightly Sweet – Lightly sweetened with fair trade and organic cane sugar. Mint & Honey – Blend of organic peppermint and spearmint leaves with a touch of organic honey. Lemonade Pucker Up – A blend of organic lemon juice and fair trade and organic cane sugar. Half & Half – A balance of iced tea and lemonade. Each variety of tea is between zero and 50 calories per serving, while Pucker Up and Half & Half are 80 and 60 calories per serving respectively. Third Street boasts some of the most stringent sustainability efforts in the industry, including the use of U.S. made bottle and case packaging, company officials say. “We like to partner with brands who share our core values — our commitment to quality, responsible sourcing and to making a difference through business,” says Dwight Richmond, global grocery purchasing coordinator for Whole Foods Market.  “Third Street does just that, while producing natural and organic beverages shoppers can feel good about.” Third Street is also a recipient of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program, a program Whole Foods Market launched to help small, independent suppliers grow their business through low-interest loans. Third Street’s 14-ounce ice teas and lemonades will be available exclusively in Whole Foods Market stores nationwide beginning in April and will retail for $1.99.