Lofty Pops posts 33% growth as family destinations drive expansion

Lofty Pops says sales rose 33% year over year from April through Labor Day across 24 locations as the Michigan organic ice pop brand expanded in zoos, family attractions and retail. The company is now targeting new partnerships and broader distribution for 2027 as it aims to scale beyond the Midwest.

Why it matters: - Lofty Pops is gaining traction in venues where families spend time together, suggesting a path to broader consumer packaged goods growth beyond traditional retail. - The company’s mix of zoo, attraction and retail placements gives it multiple channels to scale heading into 2027. - The brand’s USDA Organic positioning and allergen-friendly recipe are part of its appeal to families seeking better-for-you frozen treats.

What happened: - Lofty Pops reported 33% year-over-year growth from April through Labor Day across 24 locations. - The Michigan-based brand expanded across zoos, family destinations and retail in the Midwest and beyond. - Natalie Heiter, co-founder and chief marketing officer, said the company has several seasons of sales data showing families are responding to the product. - Philip Stakich, co-founder and CEO, said Lofty Pops is shifting from proving the concept to scaling the business.

The details: - Lofty Pops is a USDA certified organic handcrafted ice pop brand. - The company said over 24 zoo, family attraction and retail partners span four states. - 88% of sales came from the five core flavors: Strawberry Lemon, Blue Razzberry, Chocolate Fudge, Orange Dreamsicle and Pina Colada. - Watermelon Bliss was the top new flavor introduction this year, according to the company. - Depending on the partnership, Lofty Pops provides branded kiosks, mobile carts and merchandisers free of charge. - The company says those assets help venues create a more visible branded experience. - Lofty Pops says its products use real fruit and certified organic ingredients, with no artificial colors or flavors. - The brand says its pops are dairy-free, gluten-free and allergen-friendly. - Lofty Pops launched at the Detroit Zoo in 2024 and has since expanded to family destinations across the Midwest.

Between the lines: - Zoo and family attraction partners appear to be a key test bed for Lofty Pops, giving the brand a repeatable model in high-traffic settings. - Retail distribution through Lipari Foods and shelf-ready packaging suggest Lofty Pops is building for broader commercial reach, not just venue-based sales. - The company’s focus on operational support for partners points to a strategy of reducing friction for venues that may want to carry the product. - Lofty Pops is positioning itself as a national frozen treat brand, but the current growth story is still rooted in regional expansion and channel testing.

What's next: - Lofty Pops is actively pursuing new zoo, attraction, foodservice and retail partnerships for 2027. - The company expects to expand its geographic footprint significantly next year. - Organizations interested in carrying Lofty Pops or exploring a partnership can visit the wholesale page. - More information is available at the company website.