Content about Category Reviews

August 17, 2012

Kraft’s Honey Maid brand has launched Grahamfuls, a line of filled graham crackers. The new snack comes in three flavors: Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter and Chocolate, and Banana Vanilla Crème.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — Kraft’s Honey Maid brand has launched Grahamfuls, a line of filled graham crackers. The new snack comes in three flavors: Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter and Chocolate, and Banana Vanilla Crème. Honey Maid Grahamfuls are made with honey and 100% whole grain, offering 10 g of whole grain per serving. They do not contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavorings and are a good source of calcium. Suggested retail for a box of eight individually wrapped Grahamfuls is $4.19.

August 17, 2012

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.

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.


August 17, 2012

Procter & Gamble’s Prilosec OTC still is the best-selling antacid on the market, with more than $252.7 million in annual sales for the 52 weeks ended July 8 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), followed by fellow proton-pump inhibitor Novartis’ Prevacid 24HR ($104.1 million).


Procter & Gamble’s Prilosec OTC still is the best-selling antacid on the market, with more than $252.7 million in annual sales for the 52 weeks ended July 8 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), followed by fellow proton-pump inhibitor Novartis’ Prevacid 24HR ($104.1 million).


Both of those antacid heavy hitters are losing dollar share to their generic-
equivalent competitors, however, leaving GlaxoSmithKline’s venerable Tums brand as the largest growth brand within antacids ($91.3 million in sales, up 2.5%).


August 17, 2012

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.

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.


August 17, 2012

With summer officially under way, it comes as little surprise that sales of sun care products rose during the most recent 12 weeks available from SymphonyIRI Group.

With summer officially under way, it comes as little surprise that sales of sun care products rose during the most recent 12 weeks available from SymphonyIRI Group. Product innovation and greater consumer education on how to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays also helped fuel growth.


According to SymphonyIRI Group, sales of suntan lotions and oils rose more than 2% to $388.67 million during the 12 weeks ended July 8 at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).


 

 

August 17, 2012

The recent launch of a number of new probiotic products from several large suppliers should be a boon to the popular digestive-support supplement.

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.


August 17, 2012

At-home gel manicure system Red Carpet Manicure has unveiled new limited-edition nail art kits, which hit Ulta Beauty stores this summer and will launch nationally in the fall.

SUPPLIER NEWS — At-home gel manicure system Red Carpet Manicure has unveiled new limited-edition nail art kits, which hit Ulta Beauty stores this summer and will launch nationally in the fall. There are three kits available — Tips and Tricks, French Manicure, and Gems and Jewels — which provide users with the necessary tools to get creative and customize their manicured nails. A QR code on the packaging directs consumers to Red Carpet Manicure’s video website for more information and tips.


August 17, 2012

The maker of Splenda has introduced a new zero-calorie sweetener. McNeil Nutritionals said Nectresse, made from monk fruit extract, is 100% natural.

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.


August 17, 2012

Energizer is showcasing the company’s new Light Fusion Technology line.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Energizer is showcasing the company’s new Light Fusion Technology line. Sparked by consumer demand for more versatility, flexibility, durability and overall performance from their flashlights and lanterns, Light Fusion Technology lights transmit light throughout slim acrylic panels manufactured through a laser-etching process. The result is clean, uniform light and a more compact form for easier packing and carrying, Energizer said.

August 17, 2012

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.


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.


August 17, 2012

Sport and energy drinks are the hot spots of the beverage category. The sport segment, powered by such low-calorie products as PepsiCo’s Gatorade G2 and Coca-Cola’s Powerade Zero, has continued to register double-digit sales increases.


Sport and energy drinks are the hot spots of the beverage category. The sport segment, powered by such low-calorie products as PepsiCo’s Gatorade G2 and Coca-Cola’s Powerade Zero, has continued to register double-digit sales increases.


Energy drinks also continue to deliver double-digit sales jumps fueled by consumers eternally in search of a jump-start. Category leader Red Bull is closely followed by Monster Energy, which is pumping innovative new products into the category.


 

 

August 17, 2012

Showing up on CVS shelves is Mission’s Maximum Strength Muscle Rub touting its “athlete-engineered, arnica enriched” formulation.

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. 


August 17, 2012

The September 2012 issue of Consumer Reports revealed that the dietary supplement industry still has a tough road to hoe in distancing responsible players in the nutritional sector from those purveyors of illegally marketed drugs and other quackery products. 


The September 2012 issue of Consumer Reports revealed that the dietary supplement industry still has a tough road to hoe in distancing responsible players in the nutritional sector from those purveyors of illegally marketed drugs and other quackery products. 


August 17, 2012

The pet category remains strong. The American Pet Products Association expected that consumers will spend $52.87 billion on their pets this year.

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.

 

 

July 31, 2012

Sales of sauces and marinades has been robust as consumers prepare more meals at home. A recent SymphonyIRI MarketPulse survey found that 63% of consumers eat out less frequently today than they did before the economic downturn began.

Sales of sauces and marinades has been robust as consumers prepare more meals at home. A recent SymphonyIRI MarketPulse survey found that 63% of consumers eat out less frequently today than they did before the economic downturn began.

July 31, 2012

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.

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.

July 31, 2012

Impulse purchases are a big part of the electronic accessories segment for the drug channel.

Impulse purchases are a big part of the electronic accessories segment for the drug channel. Drug stores see strongest sales in such commodity items as blister-packed cameras and camcorders, personal music players, headphones, iPod docks and blank media, according to TWICE’s Alan Wolf. A recent TWICE Top 100 Report said CVS and Walgreens saw a slight decrease in consumer electronics sales in 2011, while Rite Aid category sales were up nearly 6%.

 

 

July 31, 2012

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.

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.

 

 

July 31, 2012

Colgate-Palmolive announced in late July its second-quarter results and indicated that North American business remains solid, with market share on the rise in such categories as toothpaste and manual toothbrushes.

Colgate-Palmolive announced in late July its second-quarter results and indicated that North American business remains solid, with market share on the rise in such categories as toothpaste and manual toothbrushes.

July 31, 2012

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.

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.

July 31, 2012

Kiss My Face, a maker of natural beauty and personal care products, is expanding its portfolio of oral care products with two toothpastes: Triple Action Fluoride and Fluoride Free.

Kiss My Face, a maker of natural beauty and personal care products, is expanding its portfolio of oral care products with two toothpastes: Triple Action Fluoride and Fluoride Free.

The two new pastes are in addition to the brand’s gel formulations that include Whitening, Whitening with Fluoride, Sensitive and Triple Action Gel.

Kiss My Face Triple Action toothpaste has:

  • Anti-plaque benefits with xylitol and tea tree;

  • Xylitol to help fight cavities and promote a healthy smile;

July 31, 2012

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.

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.

July 30, 2012

Shoppers still are purchasing on impulse at the front end of the store. Data from SymphonyIRI Group indicated that more than half of consumers make unplanned purchases upon seeing products or deals in the store — a percentage that has remained unchanged during the past 18 months.

Shoppers still are purchasing on impulse at the front end of the store. Data from SymphonyIRI Group indicated that more than half of consumers make unplanned purchases upon seeing products or deals in the store — a percentage that has remained unchanged during the past 18 months. In a recent survey of more than 1,500 consumers, 46% said they made an unplanned purchase during their most recent trip to the drug store. (For complete results, visit DrugStoreNews.com/c2b-mobile-insights)


July 30, 2012

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.

July 30, 2012

In July, the country’s largest trade group representing the drug industry released a report showing nearly 200 drugs under clinical development or Food and Drug Administration review for treating mental disorders.


In July, the country’s largest trade group representing the drug industry released a report showing nearly 200 drugs under clinical development or Food and Drug Administration review for treating mental disorders.


The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America released a report listing 187 drugs, including 52 for depression, 37 for schizophrenia and 26 for anxiety disorders.