Following Years of Dominance in E-Commerce and Specialty Retail, Bark Bistro Accelerates its Premium Grocery Strategy Amid Surging US Pet Wellness Demand

Bark Bistro Company, the category disruptor behind Buddy Budder, announced today its launch into 50 Fresh Market locations nationwide. This expansion brings the brand’s 100% natural, human-grade peanut butter for dogs to one of the country’s premier destinations for high-quality, ingredient-conscious shopping.

For Bark Bistro, expanding within the premium grocery space was a cornerstone of the brand’s 2026 growth strategy. Following consistent success across major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Chewy, and within 15,000+ independent pet retailers—where the brand has surpassed $20M in lifetime sales—Bark Bistro is now entering The Fresh Market. With this latest rollout, Bark Bistro’s footprint now includes 464 Sprouts Farmers Market stores, 50 Fresh Market locations, and 13 Mother’s Market stores, with plans to expand into even more grocery doors throughout 2026. The move comes at a pivotal time for the industry; the U.S. pet food market is projected to reach $79.71 billion in 2026, with functional treats and health-focused nutrition driving the highest consumer interest.

“Pet care has been shifting toward wellness and enrichment as a non-negotiable daily routine, and grocery retailers are resetting their aisles to reflect that,” said Tamara Coleman, Founder and CEO of Bark Bistro Company. “Our entry into The Fresh Market is a clear signal that Buddy Budder is powering this shift. We’ve built a high-quality product that isn't just a novelty treat—it's a tool for everyday joy and health that shoppers are now looking for in their weekly grocery basket.”

The Fresh Market rollout is a strategic move into locations where pet "humanization"—a market now valued at $346.7 billion globally—is a primary purchase driver. While the brand continues to protect its premium positioning, the move into grocery shelves provides an additional level of accessibility and availability for the busy pet parent.

Beginning this month, The Fresh Market shoppers can find a curated selection Bark Bistro’s top-performing flavors, including:

• Pumpkin Pup ($6.99): A fiber-rich blend for digestive support.
• Superberry Snoot ($6.99): Packed with antioxidants for immune health.
• Awesome Apple ($6.99): A fan-favorite featuring real apples and cinnamon

Since 2017, Atlanta-based founder Tamara Coleman has scaled Bark Bistro from a kitchen experiment into a multimillion-dollar national staple. By pioneering squeeze pouch packaging—which quadrupled the business in a single year—and leveraging her 25,000 sq. ft. vertically integrated Atlanta facility, Coleman has achieved 60% year-over-year growth. Now a category leader in The Fresh Market and Sprouts, the brand’s rapid expansion is fueled by its mission to provide clean, xylitol-free nutrition for the modern pet parent.

About Bark Bistro Company
Bark Bistro Company is the pet-wellness brand behind Buddy Budder, the original peanut butter made just for dogs. Founded in 2017 and entering into market in 2029, the company has grown from a home kitchen into a 25,000 sq. ft. vertically-integrated facility, with products in 15,000+ specialty retailers nationwide, e-commerce partners Amazon, Chewy, and Thrive Market, and leading natural grocery partners including Sprouts and Fresh Market. With a playful spirit, clean ingredients, and innovative seasonal flavors, Buddy Budder has become more than a treat—it’s a bonding ritual for pets and their people. Shop and learn more at barkbistro.com.

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