08.31.23
Walmart recently awarded Gen Z-focused Clean Age, a woman-founded CPG company that makes personal care products for Gen Z, including deodorant and toothpaste tabs, with the company's Golden Ticket–the highest award in their startup pitch competition.
As the winner, Clean Age will launch in more than 1,800 stores in September.
This launch will take Clean Age nationwide and will increase the total store list to 5,000 stores.
"We are thrilled to have won Walmart's Open Call Golden Ticket,” said Rachel Peters, the CEO and founder of Clean Age. “This is a major milestone for our brand, and we are excited to share our products with teens across the country. We believe that everyone deserves to have better-for-you products at an affordable price, and our retail partners make that possible."
Sustainability, Inclusivity and Authenticity
Clean Age products are gender-inclusive, cruelty-free, vegan and sold in responsibly sourced paper packaging – all assets major retailers and shoppers value, according to the brand.
Clean Age’s brand ethos centers around sustainability, inclusivity and authenticity. With each Clean Age product, the brand aims to inspire young consumers to make conscious decisions about their personal care choices without sacrificing efficacy or quality. With the Walmart partnership, the brand aims to imbue a genuine impact on the way personal care is perceived and experienced.
"We help parents and teens at a highly emotional time in the household. And, we help retailers provide a sustainable, clean product that stands out on the shelf,” added Peters.
According to Scott Gutche, senior director, of US manufacturing for Walmart, the retailer received more than 4,500 applications and over 13,000 products were registered to compete and rigorous vetting process. Finalists from all over the country pitched their products through 30-minute one-on-one virtual and in-person meetings at the retailer’s Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters.
Clean Age launched in 2022 in 128 retail doors. Since then, distribution has grown to include all 50 states and almost 5,000 store locations. Products include natural deodorant, toothpaste tabs and toothbrushes.