Jamba Juice, Nestle launch ready-to-drink beverages in grocery stores

Jamba Juice has partnered with Nestle USA to launch a line of ready-to-drink beverages through retailers that include Safeway Inc., Ralph's, Raley's and others.

Emeryville-based Jamba -- which sells smoothies and fruit juice blends at its Jamba Juice stores -- said Tuesday that its Jamba Smoothies and Jamba Juices are now available in grocery stores, convenience stores and some Jamba Juice locations, in eight Western states: California, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Washington and Colorado.

Retailers selling the products, made with fruit and added nutrients, include Pleasanton-based Safeway, Target, Albertsons, Ralph's, 7-Eleven, Raley's and Walgreens.

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In its announcement, Jamba said this was a first step in its partnership with Nestle and that the two companies would work together on future product extensions.

Shares of Jamba Juice parent Jamba Inc. (NASDAQ: JMBA) closed Tuesday up more than 13 percent, at $2.50.

In March, Jamba Juice also introduced a breakfast menu with yogurt blends, granola blends, and baked goods at its stores.

Jamba Juice was founded in 1990 and as of April operated 726 stores, 515 of them company-owned and operated.