Content about Consumables

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — Today, Honey Maid announced the launch of the Made Co. initiative, a unique contest series through which kids ages 6 to 12 years will have the chance to win opportunities to have their ideas brought to life with the help of industry experts. Made Co. was developed to encourage kids to cultivate their imagination and creativity, and inspire them to make things. The launch of the Made Co. initiative coincides with a series of TV commercials for the brand's newest snack, Honey Maid Grahamfuls filled crackers.

BOSTON — Early this summer, you can expect to see Sam Adams Boston Lager in what the company is calling the Sam Can: a can two years in the making that beer manufacturer Sam Adams said it believes offers a slightly better drinking experience than the standard beer can.

MINNEAPOLIS — February is Lactose Intolerance Awareness Month, and Yoplait is encouraging people to say "yes" to dairy by introducing its new Yoplait Lactose Free. This new product is 99% fat-free and packed with 50% of the daily value of calcium and vitamin D.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — In a sneak peek of its spring slate, Ciao Bella today announced plans to expand its award-winning gelato and Adonia categories, including new novelty items and Greek frozen yogurt flavors.

Starting in April, Ciao Bella will add a new gelato novelty to its national retail offering: Sea Salt Caramel Gelato Squares. The new gelato sandwiches mark an addition to Ciao Bella's established collection of dessert novelties that include the Key Lime Graham Gelato Squares, which are among the brand's 17 NASFT Sofi Gold Award-winning products.

NEW YORK — The investment groups of billionaires Warren Buffett and Jorge Paulo Lemann will buy H.J. Heinz for about $23 billion, according to published reports.

Bloomberg reported that Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Lemann's 3G Capital would buy the condiment maker for $72.50 per share, and the deal includes $12 billion to $13 billion from Buffett's group. Heinz also owns the Ore-Ida potato chip brand.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Kraft Foods announced this week a new addition to its Crystal Light line of low-calorie drink mixes, Crystal Light Liquid. Crystal Light Liquid is sweetened with a blend of non-nutritive sweeteners and is caffeine-free, gluten-free, sugar-free and has zero calories.

CHICAGO — Shopper activity will continue to improve intermittently through the first half of 2013, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter of retail foot traffic.

ShopperTrak estimates during the first quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 3.2% and retail foot traffic will increase 3.5%, when compared to the same period last year. The company estimates during the second quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 2.9%, though foot traffic will remain flat with a 0% change, when compared to the same period in 2012.

CHICAGO — A mere 2% increase in the payroll tax could represent $800 in reduced spending power per year for a person with a household income of $40,000, according to a new study by SymphonyIRI.

Symphony Consulting, a division of the Chicago-based market research firm, analyzed shopper behavior since the payroll tax increased on Jan. 1, focusing on the effect of the payroll tax on food and beverage consumption, including its effect on such dimensions as stores shopped, brands purchased and the effect on various segments and categories.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — According to a national survey of fitness enthusiasts who exercise three or more times a week, 82% admitted to falling short when it comes to post-workout nutrition habits, Abbott announced Tuesday. 

The results of the survey from Abbott's EAS Sports Nutrition uncover a gap between Americans' knowledge surrounding post-workout nutrition and their desire to improve their fitness routines and results.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Mountain Dew, a product of PepsiCo, announced today the release of Kickstart, a breakfast drink combining Mountain Dew with real fruit juice.

"Our consumers told us they are looking for an alternative to traditional morning beverages — one that tastes great, includes real fruit juice and has just the right amount of kick to help them start their days," said Greg Lyons, VP marketing for Mountain Dew. "We heard them loud and clear and created a completely new offering with Kickstart to give them exactly what they asked for."

CHICAGO — Most Valentine's Day celebrants plan to shop a week or less before the holiday, and many wait until Feb. 13 or 14 to make their final purchases, according to research by the NPD Group, a leading global information company.

CHICAGO — February is National Hot Breakfast Month, and Jimmy Dean is celebrating with several new items across its breakfast lineup, the company announced today.

The company is adding several new items to both their frozen and refrigerated line of products.