Reading the shelf…
Costco is a discount independent running 1 Bay Area store, large-format at about 134,398 sq ft each, indexing high on established names versus other Bay Area grocers.
Waterloo Sparkling Water is a beverage brand specializing in flavored sparkling water, known for its bold flavors and zero-calorie offerings.
It’s already on the shelf here, with 2 SKUs across 1 category. The growth is depth and breadth: 1 category to widen.
Lead with Black Cherry in Sparkling Water.
Costco stocks sparkling water thinly, so a differentiated snack stands out instead of becoming the Nth option on a crowded shelf. It already earns space at 7 other Bay Area grocers.
Costco merchandises 1 of the 3 categories the brand sells.
non-gmo, vegan against the store's assortment lean.
brand excitement 65/100.
maps onto categories the store already runs.
Every category Waterloo Sparkling Water plays in across the Bay Area grocers we track, and where it stands at Costco. Depth is the distinct SKUs the store carries there versus the fleet median, shown next to the rival brands already on that shelf.
On shelf here, but only 2 of 39 SKUs. Room to widen the line.
The store barely carries this category, so it is a hard sell.
Where it would price in sparkling water. Each dot is a product on the shelf, by its cost per fl oz (hover for which). Waterloo Sparkling Water (orange) sits in line with the shelf.
Waterloo Sparkling Water’s SKUs Costco doesn’t carry yet, ordered by how many other Bay Area grocers already stock them.
Costco typically sources products directly from suppliers, often through category buyers who evaluate new items for their warehouses. For emerging brands, the realistic first step is to contact the local Costco warehouse directly. You can approach the store manager or the department manager relevant to your product category. Bringing samples of your product is essential, as Costco values the opportunity to taste and evaluate new offerings firsthand. When presenting your product, keep in mind that Costco looks for items that offer high quality at competitive prices, with a focus on bulk purchasing. Highlighting unique selling points, such as organic ingredients or innovative packaging, can also help your product stand out in their assortment.
Presence and depth are measured from Costco’s current Bay Area storefront: its online catalog plus our shelf photos, a partial view. A widely-distributed brand shown as a new door may already be carried through channels we don’t index. Costco profile →
The store barely carries this category, so it is a hard sell.
5 named buyer contacts (Assistant Buyer/Procurement, Assistant General Merchandising Manager, Senior Buyer / Category Manager) are on file. Direct contacts are reserved for verified brand partners.