Sample research report · Confidential example

Goldenscope Launch Plan

Premium Protein Beverage, Midwest Market Entry.

Delivered within 72 hours of submission. This is the actual format of a Goldenscope launch plan. Buyer names and direct emails are redacted in this preview. Full contacts are included in the plan we deliver for your product.

The brief we received

What the founder told us.

Product: Clean-formula RTD protein shake. 20g whey + pea protein hybrid. 150 calories. 5g prebiotic fiber. Zero artificial sweeteners. Three flavors (Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry Cream). 12oz bottle.
Pack: Case pack 12. MSRP $3.99/unit. Wholesale $2.20/unit. Shelf-stable 18 months.
Certifications: Non-GMO. Gluten-free. rBST-free dairy. Clean label.
Audience: Grocery retail buyers. Natural channel buyers. Fitness/gym channel. Distributors.
Goal: 50 new retail doors + 2 distributor relationships in 90 days.
Geography: IL, MI, OH, IN, MN, WI, IA, MO.
Current state: 8 independent gym pro shop placements in the Chicago metro. No distributor. Active on RangeMe. Sample inventory ready. Sell sheet current.

The Research agent pulled market data, Midwest retail velocity benchmarks, distributor submission timelines, and buyer intent signals for the protein and functional beverage category across the eight target states. The 10 prospects below are ranked by fit score, timing advantage, and realistic probability of a first meeting within 30 days.

The market you are entering

Real data, before the first outreach goes out.

The RTD protein beverage category grew volume 11.5% and retail dollars 16% in the 52 weeks ending April 2025 (Circana). That is the fastest growing functional beverage sub-category in US food retail. Faster than energy, faster than sports drinks, faster than enhanced water.

Current US household penetration for protein drinks sits at 30%, compared to 75% for sports drinks. That gap is the opportunity. Two out of three US households have not yet adopted protein beverages, and the category is in active conversion mode with better flavors, cleaner formulas, and lower price points pulling new buyers in every quarter.

The GLP-1 tailwind is real and it is Midwest-specific. UNFI's 2026 category intelligence projects that by 2030, households with GLP-1 users will account for 35% of all food and beverage consumption. KeHE's 2026 Macro Trends report (released November 2025, headquartered in Naperville, IL) named protein the number one category priority. Hy-Vee, your highest-priority Midwest account, launched its own high-protein private label line ('Nothing But The Truth') in January 2026. That launch signals category conviction, not competitive threat. That is your opening.

At Expo West 2026, NielsenIQ reported high activity in functional beverage aisles with protein appearing in categories that historically had little reason to feature it. The window for emerging brands to establish before consolidation by Premier Protein, Fairlife, and private label is the next 18 to 24 months.

Your formula. 20g hybrid protein, 5g prebiotic fiber, clean label, 150 calories. Positions exactly where the market is going. This is not a trend you are chasing. You are in the right formulation lane at the right time.

Top 10 prospects

Named accounts. Ranked by fit, timing, and probability.

Sample preview. Buyer names, direct emails, and personalized outreach drafts are redacted on this page. Full contacts and outreach copy are included in every plan we deliver. Submit your brief on the homepage to get yours within 72 hours.

Hy-Vee, Inc. · HealthMarket Division

560+ stores · 9 Midwestern states · $14B+ annual sales · HQ West Des Moines, IA

Fit97/100

Hy-Vee's HealthMarket team launched 'Nothing But The Truth' in January 2026, a high-protein clean-label private label built for the GLP-1 and wellness shopper. That signals category conviction, not competition.

HealthMarket buyers have independent purchasing authority. Faster path than the conventional grocery set. Lower slotting pressure. Protein2o is already listed, confirming the category is approved.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

D▇▇▇▇ H▇▇▇

d•••••@hy-vee.com

Category Manager, HealthMarket Beverages

Channel
Email + LinkedIn + physical sample case to West Des Moines HQ.

Entry path
HealthMarket new vendor submission (rolling 30 day review). RangeMe profile active.

Timing edge
No category freeze. Submit within the next two weeks for the next review cycle.

KeHE Distributors

Naperville, IL HQ · Natural and specialty distributor · 30,000+ retail locations

Fit95/100

One KeHE approval unlocks hundreds of Midwest natural and specialty doors. Serves Fresh Thyme, Sprouts regionally, naturals, co-ops, specialty grocery in all 8 target states.

KeHE's 2026 Macro Trends named protein priority #1. Their CARETrade brand-acceleration program grows partner brands an average of 25%.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

M▇▇▇ N▇▇▇▇▇▇

m•••••@kehe.com

Director of Growth Solutions

Channel
Email + LinkedIn + formal KeHE supplier portal submission in parallel.

Entry path
KeHE supplier application (portal) + Growth Solutions outreach + CARETrade application.

Timing edge
Quarterly beverage reviews. Next window in 6 weeks. Submit portal application immediately.

Meijer, Inc.

268 supercenters · MI, OH, IN, IL, KY, WI · $21.95B revenue · HQ Grand Rapids, MI

Fit92/100

Meijer already carries Protein2o, confirming protein RTD is active, approved, and performing. That is your reference comp.

Three new stores opened in May 2026 (Rochester Hills MI, Brownsburg IN, Bainbridge Township OH). New store openings mean the nutrition buyer is in active onboarding.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

J▇▇▇▇▇ B▇▇▇▇▇▇

j•••••@meijer.com

Category Manager, Nutrition and Functional Beverages

Channel
Email + sample case to Grand Rapids HQ + LinkedIn connection.

Entry path
Meijer supplier portal (meijer.com/vendor) + direct buyer outreach + optional broker introduction.

Timing edge
New store openings mean the nutrition buyer is actively filling sets. The window is now.

Fresh Thyme Market

82 stores · IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI · HQ Downers Grove, IL

Fit90/100

The Midwest's primary natural grocery channel. Clean-label, prebiotic fiber, no artificial sweeteners is exactly what their shopper buys.

KeHE-distributed account. If you land KeHE (Prospect 02), Fresh Thyme doors unlock significantly faster through that existing relationship.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

M▇▇▇▇ A▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

m•••••@freshthyme.com

Category Manager, Beverages and Functional Nutrition

Channel
Email + RangeMe (Fresh Thyme uses RangeMe actively) + KeHE introduction once established.

Entry path
RangeMe profile + direct buyer outreach + KeHE path.

Timing edge
Rolling new-vendor reviews. No reset calendar gating. Typical response 2 to 4 weeks if the product fits.

SpartanNash / Family Fare / Martin's Super Markets

200+ stores · MI, IN, OH, MN, NE, WI · HQ Grand Rapids, MI

Fit85/100

Single category buyer approval can activate product across multiple banners simultaneously (Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, Martin's, Piggly Wiggly).

$3.99 RTD is accessible enough to convert the value-conscious Midwest shopper while premium enough to sit in the nutrition set.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

R▇▇▇ H▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

r•••••@spartannash.com

Category Manager, Grocery and Functional Beverages

Channel
Email + broker introduction (Midwest broker active with SpartanNash is the fastest path).

Entry path
SpartanNash supplier portal + direct buyer outreach + broker.

Timing edge
Scheduled category reviews. Nutrition and functional beverages typically reviewed Q3. Submit now.

Schnucks Markets

100+ stores · MO, IL, IN, IA · Family-owned · HQ St. Louis, MO

Fit82/100

Dominant grocer in Missouri and Southern Illinois. Markets where your brand has zero presence today.

Family-owned. Known for working with emerging brands more readily than national chains. Buyers respond to direct outreach.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

A▇▇▇▇▇▇ B▇▇▇▇▇

a•••••@schnucks.com

Buyer, Center Store Beverages

Channel
Direct email + sample send + LinkedIn.

Entry path
Schnucks vendor portal + direct buyer outreach.

Timing edge
Accessible buyer. Typical response 2 to 3 weeks. No hard reset window for functional beverages.

Cub Foods

80+ stores · Minnesota and Illinois · HQ Minneapolis area

Fit80/100

Dominant conventional grocer in Minnesota (top grocery visits per Placer.ai). Twin Cities over-indexes for premium functional beverage adoption.

Cub is SpartanNash-distributed in segments. A SpartanNash relationship accelerates this conversation.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

T▇▇▇▇▇▇ V▇▇▇

t•••••@cubfoods.com

Category Manager, Beverages and Health and Wellness

Channel
Email + LinkedIn + physical sample send to Minneapolis HQ.

Entry path
Direct outreach + portal submission.

Timing edge
Minnesota health and wellness category reviews typically align with Q3 resets.

Planet Fitness · Midwest Regional Operations

1,700+ US locations · Publicly traded · 40+ Midwest locations

Fit78/100

Your current 8 gym placements are your proof-of-concept. The Black Card cooler program at select clubs carries protein beverages. Regional ops managers have purchasing authority.

A 12 to 15 club regional placement gives you real consumer purchase data and a 'sold in Planet Fitness' proof point retail buyers respect.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

B▇▇▇▇ C▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

b•••••@planetfitness.com

Regional Operations Director, Midwest

Channel
Direct phone + email to regional operations + franchisee GMs for independent groups.

Entry path
Direct outreach. Offer 30 day consignment or trial basis to reduce risk.

Timing edge
Gym channel is faster than grocery. A decision can happen in 2 to 3 weeks.

UNFI (United Natural Foods Inc.)

National distributor · 57 distribution centers · Major Midwest presence

Fit76/100

Distributes to Whole Foods, natural co-ops, and thousands of independent natural retailers. Midwest DCs including Chicago area.

Announced 50 new private-label SKUs focused on high-protein, high-fiber in 2026. Their own category intelligence is bullish on protein.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

S▇▇▇▇▇ L▇▇

s•••••@unfi.com

Regional Category Manager, Midwest Functional Beverages

Channel
Portal submission + direct outreach to regional category buyer.

Entry path
UNFI portal + 'Better For You' accelerator application if brand qualifies.

Timing edge
Quarterly new supplier reviews. Submit now for Q3 activation.

Woodman's Market

19 stores · WI and Northern IL · Employee-owned · HQ Janesville, WI

Fit73/100

Wisconsin institution. Highest-volume independent grocery operator in the region. Deep assortments and SKUs other chains pass on.

Direct vendor relationships preferred. No portal, no broker required. $3.99 price point fits the value-oriented shopper.

Buyer (redacted in preview)

K▇▇▇ R▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

k•••••@woodmans-food.com

Category Buyer, Beverages and Nutrition

Channel
Direct email + phone call + sample send.

Entry path
100% direct outreach. No portal, no broker.

Timing edge
Typically responsive to cold outreach within 1 to 2 weeks. Fastest path on this list.

Sample outreach · Prospect 01 (Hy-Vee HealthMarket)

The exact message Scope OS drafts.

Subject

Clean protein RTD for the HealthMarket set, aligned with your Nothing But The Truth direction

Hi [Buyer first name],

I noticed Hy-Vee launched 'Nothing But The Truth' in January with a high-protein, clean-label thesis built by your dietitian team. That launch told me you are exactly where the better-for-you protein market is heading.

We make a 20g hybrid whey and pea protein shake. 150 calories, 5g prebiotic fiber, no artificial sweeteners, clean-label. $3.99 MSRP, 12oz bottle, shelf-stable. Three flavors.

We are currently in eight Midwest gym locations with 1.8 units per location per week in velocity. No demo support, just pull. We are on RangeMe and have sample inventory ready to ship this week.

I would like to send a sample case to your West Des Moines office for your team to taste. If it fits alongside your HealthMarket functional beverage set, I can have a full line review package to you within 48 hours of your request.

Worth a taste?

[Founder name]
[Brand name]
[Phone] · [Website] · RangeMe profile: [link]

165 words. Personalized to the Nothing But The Truth launch. References real velocity from current gym placements. Specific sample offer with a timing commitment. One clear ask. No pitch deck on the first message.

72 hour cadence and beyond

Every touch. Every channel. Tracked.

Day	Action	Channel	What it does
0	Initial outreach	Email	Personalized, specific, sample offer.
0	LinkedIn connection request	LinkedIn	One line context referencing Hy-Vee's functional nutrition direction.
2	RangeMe profile update	RangeMe	Ensure profile matches the outreach. Buyers check RangeMe after email.
4	Sample follow-up	Email	Samples ready, delivery by Thursday if they reply today.
7	Category value email	Email	Share one piece of real category data. Helpful, not pitchy.
10	LinkedIn message	LinkedIn	Different angle. Reference the Orangetheory HealthMarket format.
14	Physical sample drop	Mail/courier	Sample case + hand-written note + one-page sell sheet. No pitch deck.
16	Sample arrival follow-up	Email	Ask what the dietitian team thinks of the formula.
21	Social proof touch	Email	Share press, gym velocity, or third-party validation.
30	Reset-window check-in	Email	Ask where you can be most helpful in the next 30 days.
45	Final structured touch	Email	Set up a Q3 re-engagement if timing isn't right.
Ongoing	Quarterly re-engagement	Email + LinkedIn	Re-enter at 90 day intervals with new velocity or news.

Realistic response timing for this buyer type. Day 7 to Day 14 if there is category interest. Day 16 to Day 30 if samples generate internal conversation. After Day 30 typically means a no for this cycle. Flag for Q3 re-engagement and move on. Hy-Vee runs in parallel with KeHE, Meijer (3 day offset), Fresh Thyme and Woodman's (5 day offset). All tracked in Scope OS. No spreadsheet.

What we run. What you run.

Clear lines. Setup in 72 hours.

Goldenscope runs

Buyer identification and contact research across all 10 targets
Personalized outreach drafted in your brand voice
Email and LinkedIn sequencing across all 10 targets simultaneously
RangeMe profile optimization and buyer connection
Sample logistics tracking (who received what, when)
Reply triage. Route warm replies to you within the hour
Portal submission for KeHE and UNFI in parallel
CRM tracking of every touch across all 10 accounts
Re-engagement at quarterly intervals for non-responders
Expansion of the prospect list to accounts 11 to 30

You run

Take the sample requests and ship the cases
Walk buyers through the brand story on the call
Negotiate terms, pricing, and promo allowances
Close the account and sign the PO
Fulfill the first orders
Be the founder that buyers want to buy from
Attend trade shows Goldenscope books meetings at

The real numbers

Anchor data for your first buyer call.

Category growth. RTD protein drinks grew retail dollars 16% in the 52 weeks ending April 2025 (Circana). Fastest growing functional beverage segment in US retail.

GLP-1 tailwind. By 2030, UNFI projects GLP-1 households will represent 35% of all food and beverage consumption.

Penetration gap. 30% of US households buy protein drinks today. 70% do not. Your $3.99 clean-label price point is built to convert.

Your gym velocity. 1.8 units per location per week without demo support. That number in a grocery buyer email is worth more than any pitch deck.

The market window

18 to 24 months. The Midwest is the right beachhead.

Brands that build distribution and velocity in the next two reset cycles will defend against Premier Protein, Fairlife, and retail private label. Brands that wait will find the sets are full.

Hy-Vee and Meijer are more accessible to emerging brands than Whole Foods or Target today.
KeHE's Naperville HQ makes Midwest brands a natural priority in their new vendor pipeline.
Your gym proof in Chicago gives a regional story buyers can verify.
The GLP-1 trend is hitting Midwest grocery harder than coastal markets.

What happens next

Want a plan like this for your launch?

Tell us what you are launching. Sequences go live across all 10 targets within 72 hours. Warm replies route to your phone the moment they come in.

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This plan reflects real market data sourced from Circana, KeHE's 2026 Macro Trends Report, UNFI's 2026 category intelligence, NielsenIQ's Expo West 2026 analysis, Placer.ai's Midwest grocery market share data, and Progressive Grocer's 2025 regional grocer reporting. Prospect fit scores are based on category activity, public buyer signals, and comparable brand placements. Buyer contact names referenced in delivered plans are publicly available via LinkedIn and company press releases. Names and emails on this preview page are redacted.