Scoot Frozen Lemonade Reaches Nationwide Target Launch

By Mary Michael Wood
NC Department of Agriculture

SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. – Target shoppers will soon find a Got to Be NC product on shelves nationwide.

Scoot Frozen Lemonade, launched in 2022 as a brand of Mary Mack’s by Gary Mac Herring, will launch in Target stores across the country in April. This debut marks a major milestone for the Sampson County-based company.

Herring was 19 when he began mixing syrups in his mother’s kitchen for a roadside Hawaiian shaved ice stand. Customers quickly began purchasing extra syrup to enjoy at home, leading him to create household shaved ice machines and syrup. His entrepreneurial spirit later led to Scoot Frozen Lemonade, a premium frozen treat packaged in a convenient, resealable pouch.

Scoot is dye-free, dairy-free and gluten-free, with just 80 calories per pouch. It ships shelf-stable and can be frozen and refrozen at home, offering a convenient option for families. Scoot Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade flavors will be available at Target in packs of five.

Scoot’s early success began locally, launching first at the Burgaw Piggly Wiggly and selling at the Burgaw Blueberry Festival. Trade shows soon followed, including the Summer Fancy Food Show, where the brand generated significant buzz.

“Scoot is usually the talk of the show,” said Brittany Taylor, senior brand portfolio manager.

The Giant Company became the company’s first major retailer, an early indication that the product was ready for national attention.

Still, a nationwide Target launch once felt out of reach.

“Target was always the far-fetched goal we didn’t think was possible,” said Trey Murawski, director of sales and marketing. “Now we are here.”

For the company, the Target launch represents more than expanded distribution.

“This launch says a lot about us, you have an original small company from Newton Grove, that nobody knows much about, now doing big things in Target nationwide,” said Murawski.

The team credits their growth to the culture instilled by their founder.

“It is a testament to what Gary Mac has instilled in us, that you can accomplish big things with hard work and a team that is dedicated to success.”

After building momentum through trade shows and early retail partnerships like Piggly Wiggly, the nationwide Target launch marks the company’s biggest milestone yet for Scoot Frozen Lemonade. “We are just getting started,” said Taylor. “We plan to expand into additional retailers, even international markets and introduce new flavors in the future to expand our product line.”

What started with homemade syrup and a roadside stand has become a nationally distributed brand, proving that small-town ideas can make a big impact. Be on the lookout for Scoot Frozen Lemonade at Target this spring!

Reprinted with permission from the NC Department of Agriculture