Today’s shoppers aren’t just looking at price—they’re reading labels and scanning for buzzwords like organic, cold-pressed, regenerative, or single origin. But how much do these sourcing stories really impact retail performance?
According to verified reviews on Cohere Commerce, products with a clear and compelling sourcing message often move faster when merchandised well and priced in line with perceived value.
Here’s a roundup of standout brands with sourcing stories that resonate, and what store buyers are really seeing on the shelf.
1. Fishwife
Sourcing Story: Ethically sourced seafood from small-boat fisheries using responsible catch methods.
Retail Perfomance Overview:
Fishwife continues to move strongly across independent retailers, consistently praised for its standout packaging, premium product quality, and strong brand recognition. It sells especially well in gourmet and specialty shops, with Smoked Salmon and Chili Crisp among the top movers. While the premium price is occasionally noted, most retailers find it justified by customer demand and repeat purchases. Opportunities for growth include sampling programs, slight packaging adjustments for retail ease, and variety packs to further drive trial and sales.
2. Graza
Sourcing Story: 100% Picual olives, harvested early and cold-pressed in Spain—single-origin, always fresh.
Retail Perfomance Overview:
Graza’s olive oils receive solid praise for quality and packaging, with consistent sales across a variety of retailers. While some locations note slower movement and a competitive market, many appreciate the product’s balance of price and value. Suggestions include clearer differentiation between varieties (like sizzle vs. drizzle), offering glass bottles instead of plastic, and increased sampling or marketing collaborations to boost awareness and sales further.
3. Kosterina
Sourcing Story: Premium Greek extra virgin olive oil made from early-harvest Koroneiki olives, cold-pressed and organic.
Retail Perfomance Overview:
Kosterina olive oil is generally viewed as a premium, high-quality product with attractive packaging that stands out on shelves. However, its higher price point compared to more affordable or well-known brands limits its sales velocity. While some stores see steady but slow movement, others report that lack of marketing and limited brand recognition hold it back. Customers often prefer local or trending alternatives, and promotional efforts or educational campaigns could help boost visibility and sales.
4. MUD\WTR
Sourcing Story: Organic mushroom-based coffee alternative with adaptogens, herbs, and spices—all ingredients sustainably sourced.
Retail Perfomance Overview:
MUD\WTR shows mixed sales performance across retailers—while some stores report steady interest and repeat customers, others struggle with slow movement mainly due to the high price and niche taste. Sampling helps drive trials, but cost remains a barrier for many. Packaging and brand recognition are strong points, with customers often drawn in by online marketing, though preference tends to be polarizing.
How to Leverage Sourcing Stories in Your Store
If you're already carrying some of these brands, here are a few ways to help their sourcing story stand out:
✅ Use shelf talkers that call out specifics like “Single-Origin,” “Organic,” “Cold-Pressed,” or “From Greece.”
✅ Train staff to explain product sourcing in simple, relatable terms.
✅ Host demos or sampling events—especially for olive oils, snacks, and drinks.
✅ Feature sourcing stories in newsletters, digital signage, or local marketing campaigns.
Retailers don’t just sell products—they sell trust. And trust grows when sourcing is transparent, compelling, and easy to communicate. Whether it’s an olive oil harvested in Greece or mushrooms grown in the U.S., these brands prove that when the sourcing story is strong, customers take notice—and products move.
If you're looking to bring more brands that has great sourcing, go to Cohere Commerce.
