Content about Agriculture

October 9, 2012

Sales of ready-to-drink teas may have slowed, but new introductions will continue to fuel the category. A recent Mintel report forecasts a sales increase of 18% from 2012 to 2017 for the segment.

Lemonade-and-tea drinks — sometimes called “Arnold Palmers” — have become more popular with consumers. Arizona Beverage Co.’s Arnold Palmer line had strong growth last year, and Snapple and Sweet Leaf both launched lemonade-and-tea beverages.

September 28, 2012

Bayer hires Wendy Diamond for cat health campaign

Bayer HealthCare has signed a deal with a pet expert in a campaign focused on cat health, the company said Friday.

NEW YORK — Bayer HealthCare has signed a deal with a pet expert in a campaign focused on cat health, the company said Friday.

Bayer's animal health division announced that it had hired Wendy Diamond and her Russian blue cat, Pasha, to dispel popular myths about cats and promote its flea treatment, Advantage II. Diamond has appeared on television shows such as "Good Morning America" and "The Today Show" as well as in other media outlets.

June 27, 2012

Gerber introduces Good Start Soothe formula

Gerber has introduced a new infant formula that is designed to reduce excessive crying and colic in healthy infants.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Gerber has introduced a new infant formula that is designed to reduce excessive crying and colic in healthy infants.

Gerber Good Start Soothe formula is milk-based and contains the probiotic L. reuteri, which aims to reduce crying time among colicky babies. The formula features the Comfort Proteins Advantage, which makes it easy for babies to digest, and also has a carbohydrate blend with 30% lactose for fussiness and gas in infants with lactose intolerance.

April 17, 2012

Bigs sunflower seeds line gets ranch treatment

Thanasi Foods has expanded its Bigs sunflower seeds line with a new flavor.

BOULDER, Colo. — Thanasi Foods has expanded its Bigs sunflower seeds line with a new flavor.

Bigs Hidden Valley Ranch-flavored sunflower seeds joins the Bigs lineup of salted and roasted original, Vlasic dill pickle, Bacon Salt sizzlin' bacon, Frank's RedHot buffalo wing and sea salt and black pepper flavors, the company said.

Bigs Hidden Valley Ranch sunflower seeds will hit store shelves nationwide in June and will be available 0.7-oz, 2.75-oz. and 5.35-oz. sizes.

April 13, 2012

Sprout Foods introduces organic toddler meals

Sprout Foods is broadening its current pouched baby food portfolio with the launch of a line of organic toddler meals.

ATLANTA — Sprout Foods is broadening its current pouched baby food portfolio with the launch of a line of organic toddler meals.

The company said the toddler entrées offer a variety of nutritious, organic ingredients, including meats, whole grains, beans and fruits and vegetables, but are free from preservatives and additives. The lineup includes eight varieties, including:

Pasta, zucchini and tomato sauce with beef;
Vegetable and potato stew with beef;

March 16, 2012

Green Giant launches SteamCrisp line

Green Giant has introduced a new line of canned corn.

MINNEAPOLIS — Green Giant has introduced a new line of canned corn.

Packaged in an 11-oz. can that features vacuum-packing technology, new SteamCrisp corn is 100% natural and perfectly steam-cooked in the package and offers the same amount of corn as Green Giant's standard can of corn with less water and less packaging.

January 30, 2012

'70s Chia Pets coming back as a weight-loss supplement aid

Joseph Enterprises is looking to find a home for its ubiquitous Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia slogan among dietary supplement aisles with the presentation of the company's Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Omega-3 in both seeds and softgel formats in 2012, according to company officials presenting at the ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition EPPS conference in Atlanta in January.

ATLANTA — Joseph Enterprises is looking to find a home for its ubiquitous Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia slogan among dietary supplement aisles with the presentation of the company's Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Omega-3 in both seeds and softgel formats in 2012, according to company officials presenting at the ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition EPPS conference here earlier this month.

January 27, 2012

Mead Johnson announces ad campaign to restore trust in Enfamil

Mead Johnson Nutrition CEO Stephen Golsby on Thursday announced that the company will be deploying a significant ad campaign to recapture any lost trust among moms because of an Enfamil "pull-and-hold" in December.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Mead Johnson Nutrition CEO Stephen Golsby on Thursday announced that the company will be deploying a significant ad campaign to recapture any lost trust among moms because of an Enfamil "pull-and-hold" in December.

Retailers had pulled the product off their shelves out of an abundance of caution — the product had been consumed in the days prior to a child's death — but both the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later vetted Enfamil from having any link to that tragedy.

January 3, 2012

FDA, CDC affirm safety of Mead Johnson's Enfamil; tests for Cronobacter negative

Mead Johnson's infant formulas, including Enfamil Premium Newborn, are safe, according to results of testing by both the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Mead Johnson's infant formulas, including Enfamil Premium Newborn, are safe, according to results of testing by both the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These tests confirmed that the Mead Johnson products were safe, and no presence of the Cronobacter (Enterobacter sakazakii) bacteria was detected.

December 23, 2011

Retailers pull infant formula off shelves ahead of any possible recall

So far two retailers — Supervalu and Walmart — have pulled lots of Emfamil Premium Newborn powdered formula before any recall has been issued after learning of an infant's death this past weekend, according to published reports.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — So far two retailers — Supervalu and Walmart — have pulled lots of Emfamil Premium Newborn powdered formula before any recall has been issued after learning of an infant's death this past weekend, according to published reports.

November 15, 2011

Perrigo gains approval for new store-brand infant formula offering

Perrigo on Tuesday announced it received Food and Drug Administration clearance to market and distribute infant formula that contains 100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Perrigo on Tuesday announced it received Food and Drug Administration clearance to market and distribute infant formula that contains 100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein. The store-brand Comfort Care infant formula is designed for babies with fussiness or gas and will be sold as a nutritionally comparable version of Gerber Good Start gentle infant formula at leading retailers in 2012.

Sales of the national brand are estimated to be $55 million for the latest 52-weeks, as measured by SymphonyIRI Group.

November 11, 2011

Joulebody introduces meal replacement bar to complement meal delivery service

Joulebody on Thursday announced the launch of its Jouledetox Bar, a vegan whole food bar, to complement the company's meal delivery offering with a retail component.

NEW YORK — Joulebody on Thursday announced the launch of its Jouledetox Bar, a vegan whole food bar, to complement the company's meal delivery offering with a retail component, beginning Dec. 1.

November 2, 2011

Study: Global natural, organic beauty products sales hit $9B

Global sales of natural and organic beauty products are projected to reach $9 billion this year, and although consumer demand for natural and organic products remains buoyant, new research finds the growth rate is slowing because of the weak economic climate.

LONDON — Global sales of natural and organic beauty products are projected to reach $9 billion this year, and although consumer demand for natural and organic products remains buoyant, new research finds the growth rate is slowing because of the weak economic climate.

October 25, 2011

Dole introduces fruit smoothie shakers, frozen fruit single-serve cups

Dole has boosted its frozen fruit offerings.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Dole has boosted its frozen fruit offerings.

Dole fruit smoothie shakers and Dole frozen fruit single-serve cups are designed to provide consumers with new ways to enjoy the great taste of fresh fruit right from the freezer, Dole said.

September 20, 2011

Margaret Holmes Peanut Patch debuts BBQ flavor

A line of canned boiled peanuts has added a new product to its lineup.

EFFINGHAM, S.C. — A line of canned boiled peanuts has added a new product to its lineup.

Margaret Holmes Peanut Patch said its barbecue-flavored boiled peanuts are available in a 27-oz. can and join the brand's lineup of original and cajun flavors.

September 8, 2011

Changing Channels — Hemp Hearts, SunButter spread and Krispy Kreme coffee

Seeds of revolution
Manitoba Harvest has introduced Hemp Hearts — shelled hemp seeds that can be sprinkled on salads, cereal and yogurt that are packed with protein and omegas.
Price: $2.99 to $14.99
ManitobaHarvest.com

September 8, 2011

Near East brings quinoa blends to market

Near East has introduced a new line that combines quinoa and brown rice to promote the goodness of whole grains.

CHICAGO — Near East has introduced a new line that combines quinoa and brown rice to promote the goodness of whole grains.

New quinoa blends, available in rosemary and olive oil and roasted red pepper and basil flavors, offer 7g to 8g of protein and 34g of whole grain per one cup serving, Near East said.

August 11, 2011

Manitoba Harvest rebrands, repackages hemp seeds product

A hemp foods maker has rebranded its hemp seeds product with a refreshed look.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — A hemp foods maker has rebranded its hemp seeds product with a refreshed look.

Manitoba Harvest said it has renamed its shelled hemped seeds product Hemp Hearts to reflect its heart-healthy attribute, as well as being a Omega-, protein- and fiber-rich product. To reflect its new name, Hemp Hearts also touts new packaging, the company said.

August 3, 2011

Land O'Lakes introduces cinnamon sugar butter spread

Land O'Lakes has expanded its line of butter products with a cinnamon sugar butter spread.

NEW YORK — Land O'Lakes has expanded its line of butter products with a cinnamon sugar butter spread.

The company said that the product, which comes in a 6.5-oz. tub, contains seven all-natural ingredients — cream, sugar, canola oil, water, cinnamon, salt and citric acid. Land O'Lakes said that its cinnamon sugar butter spread is versatile and can be used on a variety of foods and for cooking.

August 1, 2011

CytoSport receives FDA warning letter around use of 'milk' in Muscle Milk

CytoSport recently reported its receipt of a letter from the San Francisco office of the Food and Drug Administration alerting the company to concerns about its use of the word “milk” in its Muscle Milk trade name and to questions about the language used to describe Muscle Milk to consumers.

SAN FRANCISCO — CytoSport recently reported its receipt of a letter from the San Francisco office of the Food and Drug Administration alerting the company to concerns about its use of the word “milk” in its Muscle Milk trade name and to questions about the language used to describe Muscle Milk to consumers.

July 13, 2011

Hain Celestial Group announces transition to NSF/ANSI 305 standard

The Hain Celestial Group, a maker of natural and organic personal care products, has announced its transition to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products Containing Organic Ingredients.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — The Hain Celestial Group, a maker of natural and organic personal care products, has announced its transition to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products Containing Organic Ingredients.

Two years ago, Hain Celestial began a program of reformulation and relabeling to adhere to the NSF/ANSI 305 standard, the American National Standard for personal care products containing organic ingredients.

July 13, 2011

Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care launches new frizz-fighting hair serum

Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care is launching in August its new Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum at Ulta and at select Duane Reade and Ricky's NYC locations.

NEW YORK — Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care is launching in August its new Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum at Ulta and at select Duane Reade and Ricky's NYC locations.

This treatment penetrates the hair to deliver instantly smooth and defined frizz-free style without weight or residue, the company stated. This multipurpose serum can be used to fight frizz, smooth hair, protect again sun damage and even as a deep-condition treatment to hydrate dry hair.

July 7, 2011

North American Hemp

Positioned as the first all-natural line made with certified organic hemp seed oil is the North American Hemp line of personal products. The collection includes bath, body and hair care products all made with certified organic hemp seed oil. According to the manufacturer, hemp has excellent healing and moisturizing properties, and hemp seed oil in hair care products provides rich omega-3, -6, and -9 essential fatty acids.

June 24, 2011

Bolthouse Farms' carrot products get certified by American Heart Association

Bolthouse Farms has announced that the American Heart Association has certified its 100% carrot juice, baby carrots and cello carrots.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bolthouse Farms has announced that the American Heart Association has certified its 100% carrot juice, baby carrots and cello carrots.

The products now will tout a heart checkmark on each label, the company said, which indicates the products meet the nutritional standards the American Heart Association sets for foods and beverages.

June 21, 2011

EZ Gluten gains certification from AOAC Research Institute

Elisa Technologies recently announced that its EZ Gluten test kit has earned Performance-Tested Methods certification from the AOAC Research Institute, a private, not-for-profit association that helps establish testing standards.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Elisa Technologies recently announced that its EZ Gluten test kit has earned Performance-Tested Methods certification from the AOAC Research Institute, a private, not-for-profit association that helps establish testing standards.

EZ Gluten was developed to help the food industry and consumers detect gluten in food and beverages, and delivers results in about 15 minutes. The kit is sensitive enough to detect levels of gluten as low as 10 parts per million.