#USA #Chicago #Black Buffalo #Herd Preferred #smokeless tobacco

Black Buffalo Announces 2025 Herd Preferred Award Winners

In a significant announcement made on March 3, 2026, Black Buffalo, the leading brand in alternative smokeless tobacco, revealed the winners of its prestigious Herd Preferred Awards for 2025. This annual recognition celebrates retail partners who have demonstrated exceptional performance across key performance metrics within the smokeless tobacco category.

Black Buffalo has built a reputation for innovation and consumer engagement, focusing on offering modern alternatives to traditional smokeless tobacco. The Herd Preferred Awards highlight retail partners that excel not only in sales but also in fostering responsible consumption among adult nicotine users. Each year, the winners are determined based on objective performance metrics such as total can volume and cans-per-week (CPW), utilizing data gathered from Management Science Associates, Inc. (MSAi).

2025 Total Can Volume Leaders

The brands that led the way in total can volume this year include:

• - Sheetz Inc.
• - Wawa Inc.
• - Pilot Company
• - Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores

These retail chains showcased remarkable growth and commitment to expanding the smokeless tobacco alternative category.

Top Convenience and Tobacco Store Performers

Additionally, the top convenience stores ranked by average cans per week (CPW) are:

• - Town Pump
• - Weigel's
• - Newcomb Oil Co. (dba FiveStar)
• - GetGo
• - Rutter's

In the tobacco store segment, the top performers were:

• - Smoker Friendly (CO)
• - Jackson BevCo
• - Smokin' Joe's (IA)
• - Puff Cigarette Discount Stores (PA)
• - Discount Tobacco Outlet (TN)

These retailers not only achieved high sales but also provided exceptional customer service, therefore earning the respect of Black Buffalo and loyalty from adult consumers, referred to as 'The Herd.'

Conclusion

Matthew Spillane, VP of Sales at Black Buffalo, emphasized the importance of these retailers in connecting the brand with adult consumers. He stated, “Comfort doesn’t drive growth — evolution does. These exceptional retailers embrace where the back bar is going, not where it’s been. They’ve earned the respect of our team and, more importantly, the loyalty of our adult consumers.” This commitment is evident as many members of The Herd travel significant distances, averaging almost 13 miles, to access stores that carry Black Buffalo products, highlighting the brand's resonance with its audience.

Black Buffalo, which was founded in 2015, has emerged as a prominent player in the smokeless tobacco alternative market, backed by extensive research and development. The company is proud to have been recognized multiple times in the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The firm offers an array of products sold both online and in retail locations, further establishing its dedication to providing innovative tobacco alternatives.

For those interested in carrying Black Buffalo products, the company encourages potential retail partners to reach out via their contact email to explore opportunities. As the brand continues to grow, their focus remains on responsibly serving adult nicotine consumers and evolving the smokeless tobacco landscape.

For more information about Black Buffalo and its products, visit their official website or use their store locator to find retailers nearby. Remember, Black Buffalo products are strictly intended for adults aged 21 and older who are consumers of nicotine or tobacco.

About Black Buffalo

Founded in the heart of America, Black Buffalo has created a line of smokeless tobacco alternatives that stand out in the industry. Their dedication to the craft has led to multiple awards and accolades, affirming their position as a leader and innovator in the market.