ITO EN (North America) Inc., New York, announced that its Oi Ocha ready-to-drink (RTD) green tea brand, soon will be available in Walmart stores nationwide. Slated for placement in October, the company will launch two unsweetened flavors in the store: Oi Ocha green tea, Japan’s top selling brand, and Jasmine Green Tea, a popular green tea infused with jasmine flowers.

“With a growing number of consumers looking for authentic and healthy beverages, we could not be more excited to expand Ito En’s tea products into Walmart stores nationwide,” says Jim Hoagland, chief operating officer at ITO EN North America Inc., in a statement. “With Walmart responding to the growing consumer interest for high-quality, authentic and better-for-you products, we are confident that our traditional unsweetened green teas are a great fit for Walmart and their customers.”

The RTD teas are non-GMO certified with natural catechin tea antioxidants, natural vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and zero calories, the company says. Each flavor is packaged in 16.9-ounce recyclable PET bottles.

The Oi Ocha brand has been exponentially growing in the U.S. market as consumer demand for authentic and healthier beverages continues to grow across the specialty, mainstream markets, and foodservice channels, the company says. The partnership with Walmart not only broadens ITO EN’s brand awareness and distribution but also will give accessibility to a better-for-you beverage to consumers, it adds.