Content about Category Reviews

May 30, 2013

There can't be too many tried-and-true, immediate-action calcium carbonate formulations among heartburn remedies, no matter how many proton-pump inhibitors dot that shelf's landscape. At least that's what Bayer Consumer is counting on with its line extension of Alka Seltzer Fruit Chews.

There can't be too many tried-and-true, immediate-action calcium carbonate formulations among heartburn remedies, no matter how many proton-pump inhibitors dot that shelf's landscape. At least that's what Bayer Consumer is counting on with its line extension of Alka Seltzer Fruit Chews.

May 30, 2013

While cough-cold season 2012-2013 will go down in the record books as one of the better seasons in recent memory, the spring allergy season has been delayed into May thanks to recent storm systems traveling across the central United States into the Northeast that have triggered a "faux spring."

While cough-cold season 2012-2013 will go down in the record books as one of the better seasons in recent memory, the spring allergy season has been delayed into May thanks to recent storm systems traveling across the central United States into the Northeast that have triggered a "faux spring." Temperatures rose briefly and dipped, causing pollen counts to grow and then fall.

For the 52 weeks ended April 21, sales of the three leading allergy tablets were all down: Zyrtec down by 3.8%; Claritin down 1.2%; and Allegra down 14.9%.

May 9, 2013

Cider may be the most exciting new segment in the beer category. A recent report from Mintel indicated that in the United Kingdom, the market penetration of cider is now equal to lager.

Cider may be the most exciting new segment in the beer category. A recent report from Mintel indicated that in the United Kingdom, the market penetration of cider is now equal to lager.

May 9, 2013

Dry shampoos may not necessarily be a new innovation, and usage is far from that of traditional shampoo, but don't underestimate this niche as dry shampoo introductions are on the rise around the globe, according to recent data.

Dry shampoos may not necessarily be a new innovation, and usage is far from that of traditional shampoo, but don't underestimate this niche as dry shampoo introductions are on the rise around the globe, according to recent data.

According to new research from Mintel Beauty & Personal Care, dry shampoo introductions accounted for just 1% of global shampoo launch activity in 2008, but by 2012 it accounted for 3%. It also is on track to surpass 2012 levels in 2013.

May 9, 2013

Meda Consumer Healthcare is quickly developing a reputation for re-energizing iconic brands across new consumer groups. They've done it with Feosol. And now they're looking to reinvent Geritol.

MARIETTA, Ga. — Meda Consumer Healthcare is quickly developing a reputation for re-energizing iconic brands across new consumer groups. They've done it with Feosol. And now they're looking to reinvent Geritol.

"Geritol is a beloved brand that has been in the market for 60-plus years and actually originally targeted stay-at-home moms in their 30s," explained Cigdem Topalli, brand manager for Geritol and Feosol at Meda Consumer.

May 9, 2013

Skin care brand Amlactin from Upsher-Smith has announced that there's a new power couple in town: alpha-hydroxy acids and essential ceramides. Enter Amlactin Cerapeutic Restoring body lotion.

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Skin care brand Amlactin from Upsher-Smith has announced that there's a new power couple in town: alpha-hydroxy acids and essential ceramides. Enter Amlactin Cerapeutic Restoring body lotion.

Making its retail debut at select Walmart and Walgreens stores, Amlactin Cerapeutic contains the patented ultraplex formula to gently exfoliate, as well as three skin-identical ceramides that work together to strengthen skin's protective moisture barrier for softer, more resilient skin.

May 9, 2013

Coca-Cola's Honest Tea brand is expanding its initial launch of Honest Fizz, a line of naturally sweetened zero calorie sodas.

BETHESDA, Md. — Coca-Cola's Honest Tea brand is expanding its initial launch of Honest Fizz, a line of naturally sweetened zero calorie sodas. Honest Fizz comes in four varieties: Lemon Limey, Orange Pop, Professor Fizz, and USDA Organic Root Beer — the only organic zero-calorie root beer on the market. Honest Tea is sweetened with a blend of stevia leaf extract and erythritol, a natural sugar alcohol. Low- and no calorie sodas are a fast-growing segment of the carbonated beverage market. Honest Fizz is available in 12-oz. single cans and six-packs.

May 9, 2013

With the successful launch of Purell Advanced hand sanitizer last year, Purell Consumer has helped bring some excitement back to the category.

AKRON, Ohio — With the successful launch of Purell Advanced hand sanitizer last year, Purell Consumer has helped bring some excitement back to the category.

Sales of Purell's core brand were up 28% to $31.1 million across total U.S. multi-outlets for the 52 weeks ended March 24, according to IRi, with Purell Advanced adding more than $10.3 million.

May 9, 2013

Similasan recently added three heavy hitters to its team, including Haley Ball as product manager, Dora Newlin as director of marketing and Kim Stark, who will direct Similasan's quality assurance and regulatory initiatives.

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Similasan recently added three heavy hitters to its team, including Haley Ball as product manager, Dora Newlin as director of marketing and Kim Stark, who will direct Similasan's quality assurance and regulatory initiatives.

In addition to managing the Similasan brand across the United States and Canada, Ball works as the social media community manager for Similasan USA. Prior, she worked as market category manager for Coca-Cola.

May 9, 2013

Whether it is argan oil, jojoba oil, olive oil or kukui oil, incorporating oil into a skin care regimen is one of the hottest beauty trends.

Whether it is argan oil, jojoba oil, olive oil or kukui oil, incorporating oil into a skin care regimen is one of the hottest beauty trends.

In fact, according to a recent blog post, titled "You Look Like Sisters!" by research company NPD Group, in prestige skin care alone, sales of facial oils in 2012 grew by double digits over 2011, and more than doubled since 2008.

May 9, 2013

Beauty mavens are loving their beauty devices. As untapped potential exists in Asian and European beauty devices markets, the United States has retained its global market share lead with strong double-digit growth in 2012, according to recent research.

Consulting and research firm Kline Group stated earlier this year that the U.S. beauty device market grew nearly 20% in 2012, driven by both new product launches from existing marketers and new players.

April 21, 2013

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy introduced in 2012 its new Natural Beauty Bar at its Pacific Palisades location.

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy introduced in 2012 its new Natural Beauty Bar at its Pacific Palisades location.

Offering a variety of spa services, the Natural Beauty Bar is designed to serve as a key expansion of Pharmaca's beauty offerings, and further establish Pharmaca as the natural beauty destination in Los Angeles. The Bar offers waxing and threading services, as well as makeup and lash applications, along with its collection of natural facial care products and cosmetics.

April 21, 2013

Canadian pharmacy retailer Shoppers Drug Mart is further elevating the beauty experience with its newly opened BeautyBoutique.

Canadian pharmacy retailer Shoppers Drug Mart is further elevating the beauty experience with its newly opened BeautyBoutique.

This BeautyBoutique opened in November 2012 in an existing Shoppers Drug Mart store in Bayview Village in Toronto, Ontario. It is just over 4,000 sq. ft., which is approximately 1,500 sq. ft. larger than a traditional BeautyBoutique.

April 21, 2013

Looking to further tap into the high-growth nail category, CVS/pharmacy unveiled in late 2012 its Nail HQ Kiosk. The Nail HQ Kiosk is available at more than 2,000 CVS/pharmacy locations.

Looking to further tap into the high-growth nail category, CVS/pharmacy unveiled in late 2012 its Nail HQ Kiosk. The Nail HQ Kiosk is available at more than 2,000 CVS/pharmacy locations.

April 21, 2013

Technology has certainly changed the landscape of the drug channel's general merchandise department. As categories shift, electronic accessories have become a crucial addition to the mix.

Technology has certainly changed the landscape of the drug channel's general merchandise department. As categories shift, electronic accessories have become a crucial addition to the mix.

Nearly 40% of all consumer electronic spending in 2012 was on tablets, smartphones, laptops and notebooks, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. "Accessories for these products are the growth drivers for the category," said Chris Ely, a spokesperson for the organization. "They also are margin makers."

April 21, 2013

New technology and types of introductions could bring some heat to the frozen food category. Frozen food sales have been flat to declining for the past few years, according to a recent study from Packaged Facts, with nearly all dollar sales gains coming from higher prices or new products rather than increased consumer demand.

New technology and types of introductions could bring some heat to the frozen food category. Frozen food sales have been flat to declining for the past few years, according to a recent study from Packaged Facts, with nearly all dollar sales gains coming from higher prices or new products rather than increased consumer demand.

April 21, 2013

If fat, sodium and partially hydrogenated oils were yesterday's undesirable ingredients, the substance many Americans are currently looking to avoid is gluten.

If fat, sodium and partially hydrogenated oils were yesterday's undesirable ingredients, the substance many Americans are currently looking to avoid is gluten. A recent NPD survey found that about a third of U.S. adults say they want to cut down or be free of gluten in their diets. More people are being diagnosed with Celiac disease, but even consumers who have no gluten intolerance are opting to eat foods that are free of gluten because they perceive them as healthier.

April 21, 2013

Consumers are snacking more than ever, but they aren't necessarily reaching for a bag of chips and a can of soda.

Consumers are snacking more than ever, but they aren't necessarily reaching for a bag of chips and a can of soda.

"To consumers, a snack can be anything," said Lynn Dornblaser, director of innovation and insight at Mintel. "In fact, when we ask people in the United States what snacks they consume, their top five responses are fresh fruit, cheese, cereal, ice cream and yogurt. As you can see, healthy choices dominate." Chocolate, she said, comes in sixth.

April 21, 2013

UrgentRx's fast powder OTC treatments are beginning to show up at the check-stand. As a brand offering, it represents a unique delivery format with unique merchandising opportunities. DSN sought out founder and president Jordan Eisenberg for the details.

UrgentRx's fast powder OTC treatments are beginning to show up at the check-stand. As a brand offering, it represents a unique delivery format with unique merchandising opportunities. DSN sought out founder and president Jordan Eisenberg for the details.

DSN: What is the point of differentiation for the line?

April 21, 2013

Programs incentivizing health care won't be effective if they're not intuitive and easy to use. That's why Medagate's MasterCard Dual Value Health Card, which enables employers and health plans to combine a member/employee healthcare funding purse with a restricted-spend purse for targeted items and incentives, is so important.

Programs incentivizing health care won't be effective if they're not intuitive and easy to use. That's why Medagate's MasterCard Dual Value Health Card, which enables employers and health plans to combine a member/employee healthcare funding purse with a restricted-spend purse for targeted items and incentives, is so important.

April 21, 2013

Earlier this year Olay's new Fresh Effects skin care line hit retail shelves — but in an unprecedented way for the beauty brand.

Earlier this year Olay's new Fresh Effects skin care line hit retail shelves — but in an unprecedented way for the beauty brand.

"As we were doing a lot of analysis and understanding and looking at trends, overall, we thought that it was important for us to be able to launch a new line of skin care going after younger consumers. There seemed like there was big gap in opportunity to speak to millennials in their own voice for products that are designed for them," said Janine Miletic, associate marketing director for Olay Global.

April 21, 2013

While the recession has caused some pet lovers to cut back spending on toys and treats, when it comes to their pets' health, consumers aren't skimping.

While the recession has caused some pet lovers to cut back spending on toys and treats, when it comes to their pets' health, consumers aren't skimping. A recent Packaged Facts consumer survey shows that 43% of dog owners and 36% of cat owners purchase some type of specialty nutritional formula pet food or supplemental nutritional products. In 2012, sales totaled about $1.3 billion, according to Packaged Facts.

April 21, 2013

The Food and Drug Administration over the past year has been exploring ways to further increase the value of the over-the-counter medicine space through the utilization of technology to support new Rx-to-OTC switches.

The Food and Drug Administration over the past year has been exploring ways to further increase the value of the over-the-counter medicine space through the utilization of technology to support new Rx-to-OTC switches. In-store diagnostic tools that help improve compliance, contribute to a HIPPA-compliant health record and increase interception opportunities between pharmacists and patients, like those fielded by PharmaSmart, are the kind of in-store support tools that the FDA is reviewing.

April 21, 2013

Joel Carden, EVP of Pacific World, recently talked with Drug Store News about the high-growth nail category to share his insights on how retailers can successfully enter the at-home gel polish space and how Pacific World's gel polish technology, SensatioNail, is helping to fuel growth.

Joel Carden, EVP of Pacific World, recently talked with Drug Store News about the high-growth nail category to share his insights on how retailers can successfully enter the at-home gel polish space and how Pacific World's gel polish technology, SensatioNail, is helping to fuel growth.

DSN: In looking at the data, it is clear that nail continues to be the star in cosmetics. Can you elaborate on the growth within the nail segment?

April 21, 2013

Drug chains looking to the future of the food category are likely to be putting more effort behind fresh products.

Drug chains looking to the future of the food category are likely to be putting more effort behind fresh products.

Shelf-stable foods, while still a part of the mix, are shrinking in importance to reflect changing consumer shopping habits. "The need to stock the pantry is lessening since food is everywhere," said June Jo Lee, VP strategic insights at the Hartman Group. "At the same time, customers say they want quicker in-and-out shopping experiences."