Content about Category Reviews

While SoloHealth is placing advanced healthcare technology in stores, Ford Motor Co. recently announced that it is introducing healthcare technology into cars with IMS Health’s Allergy Alert app, now compatible with Ford SYNC AppLink. The in-dash access to the Allergy Alert app gives drivers a safe way to check the potential for scratchy eyes, sore throats and runny noses while on the go.


The U.S. healthcare system presents a paradox: It’s the most expensive system in the world, and yet it produces among the worst results among developed countries. According to the most recent report from the National Health Expenditure Accounts, spending on health care reached $2.6 trillion in 2010, or more than $8,400 per person and around 18% of the country’s gross domestic product.


The recent launch of a number of new probiotic products from several large suppliers should be a boon to the popular digestive-support supplement, sales of which were up 16.5% to $169.2 million for the 52 weeks ended July 8 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI Group data.


SUPPLIER NEWS — The maker of Splenda has introduced a new zero-calorie sweetener. McNeil Nutritionals said Nectresse, made from monk fruit extract, is 100% natural. As part of the product launch, the brand has tapped journalist Lisa Ling to serve as its spokeswoman. Nectresse sweetener is available in both single-serve packets (40 servings) and canisters (140 servings) for suggested retail prices of $3.99 and $6.99, respectively.


SoloHealth recently announced a new relationship with WellPoint to help provide consumers with convenient access to information about their health and wellness through the next-
generation SoloHealth Station consumer kiosks.


The news comes on the heels of SoloHealth Station’s recent Food and Drug Administration approval in June, as well as its announcement of an aggressive rollout to retail locations nationwide to begin this fall.


Showing up on CVS shelves is Mission’s Maximum Strength Muscle Rub touting its “athlete-engineered, arnica enriched” formulation. The new external analgesic rub joins a category that is trending up 3% to $70.4 million in sales across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) for the 52 weeks ended July 8, according to SymphonyIRI Group data. 


The pet category remains strong. The American Pet Products Association expected that consumers will spend $52.87 billion on their pets this year. About $12.56 billion of that will be spent on supplies and over-the-counter products.


Bob Vetere, president of the organization, said the category’s next big area will be health-related products, treats and foods. “We are keeping our pets longer and are looking to keep them healthier right from the beginning,” he said.

Jarden Corp., a Germany-based condom manufacturer, will be attempting to carve out a space in mass retail with a grassroots marketing effort targeting college-age men with a message that its Billy Boy brand of condoms is not only fun, but it’s the “better built” condom.

Cereal sales are suffering as consumers resist rising prices and increasingly turn to other options, such as yogurt or frozen foods. The category also is taking a hit from an expanding menu of value-priced, on-the-go options offered by quick-serve restaurants.

Faced with higher costs of raw materials, manufacturers have been forced to pass the increases along to consumers, and it has hurt sales. Cereals with the healthiest profiles, such as granola, are one strong category segment.

While still a relatively small piece of the overall intimacy health offerings, sales of intimacy enhancement devices continue on an upward trajectory, reaching $15.5 million in overall sales on 21.8% growth for the 52 weeks ended June 10 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI Group data.

Apparently less is more when it comes to mouthwash. According to SymphonyIRI Group data, the mouthwash segment has essentially been flat for the 12 weeks ended June 10, yet there proved to be one shining star in the mix: Listerine Zero.

The old adage “less is more” comes to mind when thinking of the Listerine Zero mouthwash by Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products division of McNeil-PPC. The mouthwash offers a less intense mint flavor and is an alcohol-free formula. It contains four essential oils found in Listerine Antiseptic for bad-breath protection.

While most people treat nasal allergy symptoms, they often ignore their itchy, red, watery eyes. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 40 million Americans have indoor/outdoor allergies as their primary allergy, and approximately 4% of allergy sufferers have eye allergies as their primary allergy. 


Already with a strong pedigree across eye care and ear care, Similasan recently launched its Kids Irritated Eye Relief for multisymptom relief from redness, burning, stinging and grittiness.