Woman-Owned JAMBAR®, Maker of Organic Whole Food Energy Bars, Expands Retail Presence with Erewhon
Founded by Jennifer Maxwell, creator of the original PowerBar®, JAMBAR certified organic energy bars are now available in all 10 locations of leading natural products retailer Erewhon. Rapidly growing its retail and distribution base, JAMBAR also recently appointed natural products industry sales veteran Darren Wagoner as national sales manager.
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2024) – Independent, woman-owned JAMBAR, the artisan-made, organic energy bar company founded in 2021 by Jennifer Maxwell, is pleased to announce significant expansion of its line of certified organic, whole food energy bars. Maxwell, a food scientist, athlete and musician, together with her late husband, Brian Maxwell, essentially created the entire energy bar category when they launched the original PowerBar® in the mid-1980s.
Consumers can now find JAMBAR organic energy bars in all 10 Erewhon locations. Based in Los Angeles, Erewhon is renowned as one of the most innovative natural products retailers in the U.S. Erewhon will offer three JAMBAR flavors – Malt Nut Melody, Chocolate Cha Cha and Jammin’ Jazzleberry. By supporting local producers, ethical brands and sustainable farming practices, offering exceptional customer service and education, and fostering community, Erewhon has built a reputation that attracts healthy lifestyle consumers, athletes, entertainers and celebrities alike.
“With its commitment to quality, selection and service, Erewhon has become a ‘gold standard’ among grocers who sell natural products. As a mission-based brand committed to providing customers with premium quality organic products at an affordable price, we’re excited to partner with Erewhon,” said Maxwell, JAMBAR’s CEO and founder.
“We are pleased to offer JAMBARs to our customers,” said Vito Antoci, executive vice president of Erewhon. “First, they are simply delicious and nutritious whole food, certified organic energy bars that meet our high standards. Second, we support mission-based brands such as JAMBAR, which donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that promote music and active living.”
JAMBAR Featured in Leading Groceries, Specialty Retailers
In addition to Erewhon, JAMBAR is expanding its retail presence across the U.S. – the company’s artisan-made, organic energy bars are now available in leading grocers and specialty and athletic stores, including Safeway (NorCal Division), Raley’s Supermarkets, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Lazy Acres, Gelson’s Markets, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Good Earth Natural Foods, Mollie Stone’s Markets, Nugget Market, Cambridge Naturals, United Market, Scotty’s Market, Lucky’s Market, Bon Appetit, Fleet Feet and more.
Using only certified organic, whole food ingredients, JAMBARs are crafted in small batches in the company’s own state-of-the-art facility. Made of organic ancient grains, berries, nuts, premium chocolate, proteins from sunflowers and organic dairy, and real syrup, juices and honey as sweeteners, JAMBAR delivers a convenient, incredibly tasty bar you can take anywhere. All four flavors of JAMBAR — Malt Nut Melody, Musical Mango, Chocolate Cha Cha and Jammin’ Jazzleberry — are also available online at JAMBAR.com and via Amazon Prime.
For wholesale accounts, JAMBAR is distributed by leading natural and specialty foods distributors including UNFI, KeHE and Chex Distributing. For wholesale inquiries, contact jammin@jambar.com, tel 877-JAMBARZ.
JAMBAR Appoints National Sales Manager
In related news, JAMBAR recently appointed natural products industry sales veteran Darren Wagoner as national sales manager. Wagoner’s experience includes serving as national account manager and key account manager for such leading brands as Activate Drinks, Purity Organic, High Brew and CB Gourmet Foods. The appointment reflects the company’s focus on building sales in key natural products markets as it expands manufacturing and distribution.
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, Booth N2140
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exhibition, March 13-15, 2024, Booth N2140 in the North Hall’s Hot Products Pavilion at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. In addition, JAMBAR will be sampling its products at all Erewhon Southern California locations the week before Expo West.
About JAMBAR
In 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and about the positive impact they can have on their local communities. A mission-based brand, JAMBAR donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support music and active living. Runner’s World named JAMBAR the Best Protein Bar for runners in 2022 and also recognized JAMBAR with its 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
JAMBAR Signs Running Power Couple Joe & Sage Hurta-Klecker
Kleckers Call Organic Energy Bar Created by PowerBar Founder a ‘Training Tool’
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2023) – Organic energy bar maker JAMBAR announced today that it has signed a sponsorship deal with runners Joe Klecker and Sage Hurta-Klecker. The married couple ran track together at CU Boulder and now are teammates and pro runners for On Athletics Club. As new members of Team JAMBAR, the Kleckers join athletes including Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley, Stroller Mile world record holder Neely Spence Gracey, pro cyclist and Gravel Hall of Famer Ali Tetrick and pro freestyle skier Ryan McElmon.
The son of an Olympian and a record-breaking ultramarathoner, Klecker and his five siblings grew up as competitive runners. He advanced to the 10,000-meter finals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and in 2022 won the US Championships at that distance. Klecker is currently preparing for the indoor track season and has his sights on the Olympic Team trials in June. His favorite JAMBAR flavor is Chocolate Cha Cha, and he uses the bars to keep his energy up between training sessions.
Joe and Sage Hurta-Klecker
"Coming from a running family myself, I really connect with the history and authenticity that Jennifer brings to JAMBAR,” said Klecker. “You can tell this was a product created by an athlete -- it's digestible, has a great nutritional profile, but doesn't sacrifice taste.”
Hurta-Klecker was also born into a family of runners. A four-time All-American NCAA Champion in cross-country, she won the indoor NCAA Mile in 2021. Her current focus is to build momentum going into 2024, with a goal of qualifying for the US Olympic Team. When it comes to JAMBARs, Hurta-Klecker’s favorite flavor is Malt Nut Melody. Her nutritional philosophy focuses on adequate fueling and quality ingredients. “It’s invaluable to have a high-quality energy bar on hand to keep me fueled for training and competition,” she said.
"I spend a lot of time traveling to races around the world and love that JAMBARs are so easy to pack — they don't melt or crumble. These bars have become an important part of my training routine both at home and on the road,” Hurta-Klecker continued.
“Joe and Sage both had incredible collegiate careers. It’s been really exciting to watch them now competing at international events, and we are thrilled to help fuel their journey to the Olympic trials,” said Jennifer Maxwell, creator and CEO of JAMBAR and co-founder of the original PowerBar.
Each certified organic JAMBAR packs 10 grams of protein, natural sweeteners and premium ingredients. JAMBARs include vegan and gluten-free options and come in four flavors: Malt Nut Melody, Chocolate Cha Cha, Musical Mango and Jammin’ Jazzleberry. The name is inspired by Maxwell's passion for music, and the bars are crafted in a dedicated, state-of-the-art production facility in San Rafael, California.
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and about the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, the bars feature ancient grains, authentic natural sweeteners and high-quality proteins. The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. Runner’s World named JAMBAR the Best Protein Bar for runners in 2022 and also gave JAMBAR a 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award. JAMBAR is the official energy bar of the Collegiate Running Association and is proud to sponsor hundreds of races and events. JAMBARs are available at jambar.com, on Amazon.com and at select grocery, running and sports specialty stores. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
JAMBAR Inks Sponsorship Deal With Neely Spence Gracey, Stroller Mile World Record Holder and 4x Olympic Trials Qualifier
Organic Energy Bar Created by PowerBar Founder Helps Fuel Gracey’s Active Lifestyle
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (July 18, 2023) – Organic energy bar maker JAMBAR announced today that it has signed distance runner and four-time Olympic Trials qualifier Neely Spence Gracey as a sponsored athlete. Three weeks ago, Gracey shattered the Stroller Mile World Record by more than 30 seconds, coming in at 5 minutes, 24 seconds while pushing her 2-year-old son. On Team JAMBAR, Gracey joins athletes including Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley, pro cyclist and Gravel Hall of Famer Ali Tetrick and pro freestyle skier Ryan McElmon.
“JAMBAR was created by someone like me – a lifelong runner and a mom,” said Gracey. “It’s my go-to energy bar, and since JAMBAR has only clean ingredients, I can also feel good about giving them to my kids.”
Neely Spence Gracey
Gracey is currently training for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in the marathon, which will be held in February 2024. She has represented Team USA five times, including at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships and at the Pan American Games. In college, she was an eight-time NCAA DII National Champion. In 2016, she was the top American woman at the Boston Marathon. Gracey serves as head of running for Guava Family, the stroller brand she used to set the stroller mile world record.
She is the founder of Get Running Coaching and is celebrating 10 years as a coach for her business. She recently co-authored Breakthrough Women’s Running: Dream Big and Train Smart.
“Neely is an inspiring example of how motherhood and elite athletic performance aren’t mutually exclusive,” said Jennifer Maxwell, creator and CEO of JAMBAR and co-founder of the original PowerBar. “We’re so excited to be working with her and cheering her on as she trains for the Olympic Trials.”
Gracey said she was drawn to JAMBAR due to its commitment to organic nutrition and the fact that the company gives back. JAMBAR donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support active living and music. The name is inspired by Maxwell's passion for music, and the bars are crafted in a dedicated, state-of-the-art production facility in San Rafael, California. Each certified organic JAMBAR packs 10 grams of protein, natural sweeteners and premium ingredients. JAMBARs include vegan and gluten-free options and come in four flavors: Malt Nut Melody, Chocolate Cha Cha, Musical Mango and Jammin’ Jazzleberry. “My favorite JAMBAR flavor? It’s chocolate,” said Gracey. “But my kids are all about the peanut butter taste of Malt Nut.”
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and about the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, the bars feature ancient grains, authentic natural sweeteners and high-quality proteins.The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. Runner’s World named JAMBAR the Best Protein Bar for runners in 2022 and also gave JAMBAR a 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award. JAMBAR is the official energy bar of the Collegiate Running Association and is proud to sponsor hundreds of races and events. JAMBARs are available at jambar.com, on Amazon.com and at select grocery, running and sports specialty stores. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
Collegiate Running Association and JAMBAR Announce Partnership
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (May 17, 2023) – The Collegiate Running Association (CRA) and JAMBAR are excited to announce their partnership, with JAMBAR becoming the official energy bar of the association. JAMBAR is an organic energy bar crafted with high-quality protein and fiber, and naturally sweetened for a healthier alternative to traditional energy bars.
Jennifer Maxwell, the founder and CEO of JAMBAR, has been a pioneer in the energy bar industry since 1987, when she founded PowerBar with her husband, Brian Maxwell. After Brian’s death in 2004, Maxwell took time to heal and raise her six children before crafting JAMBAR for a new generation of fitness enthusiasts.
JAMBAR is more than just an energy bar – it promotes community and healthy organic nutrition, with a purpose that goes beyond fueling optimum performance. The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support active living and music. The name is inspired by Maxwell’s passion for music, and the bars are crafted in a dedicated, state-of-the-art production facility in San Rafael, California. Certified organic JAMBARs include vegan and gluten-free options and come in four flavors: Malt Nut Melody, Chocolate Cha Cha, Musical Mango and Jammin’ Jazzleberry.
Both Jennifer and Brian Maxwell were competitive collegiate runners, Brian was an Olympic marathoner, and all of their six children are also runners. “As a lifelong runner, I wanted to create a great-tasting, highly digestible bar with a texture and nutritional profile that is perfect for training, as well as pre- and post-race,” said Maxwell. “The CRA is a natural match for JAMBAR and we are honored to fuel the next generation of runners with them.”
The CRA is thrilled to partner with JAMBAR, providing their athletes with a premium energy bar option that aligns with the association’s values of promoting a healthy lifestyle and community engagement. The partnership will include JAMBAR’s participation in CRA events and promotions, as well as exclusive offers for CRA members.
“We are excited to partner with JAMBAR and provide our athletes with a high-quality, organic energy bar option that is not only delicious but aligns with our values as an organization,” said Steve Taylor, president and co-founder of the Collegiate Running Association. “Jennifer Maxwell’s dedication to promoting healthy nutrition and community engagement is inspiring, and we look forward to working with JAMBAR to further promote these values within the running community.”
About the Collegiate Running Association
The Collegiate Running Association (CRA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy living and active lifestyles among college students through distance running. It organizes national championship events in road, mountain, trail and snowshoe running and hosts a diverse range of races and events throughout the year. Notably, the CRA is the first and currently the only running organization that offers prize money races exclusively for college athletes. It was established in 2013. Visit them at www.CollegiateRunning.org.
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, JAMBARs feature ancient grains, authentic natural sweeteners and high-quality proteins. Runner’s World named JAMBAR as the Best Protein Bar for runners in 2022 and also gave JAMBAR a 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award. JAMBARs are available at jambar.com, on Amazon.com and at select grocery, running and sports specialty stores. Learn more at www.jambar.com.
For more information about the partnership or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural: steve@compassnatural.com, (303) 807-1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR: debbie@jambar.com, (206) 669-3580
Steve Taylor, Collegiate Running Association: steve.taylor@collegiaterunning.org, (804) 349-3367