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May 3, 2011
Walgreens offers assistance to disaster relief

Walgreens has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid those affected by the storms and tornadoes that recently hit the Southeast.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid those affected by the storms and tornadoes that recently hit the Southeast.

The drug store chain also is providing nonperishable food, medical supplies and water directly to local shelters and first responders in Alabama and Georgia. Additionally, cleaning supplies and three truckloads of water also have been donated.

May 2, 2011
Alberto Culver's Q2 sales climb

Alberto Culver reported a 6.1% increase in its second-quarter net sales for the period ended March 31.

MELROSE PARK, Ill. — Alberto Culver reported a 6.1% increase in its second-quarter net sales for the period ended March 31.

The company that's behind such beauty care brands as Tresemme, Alberto VO5, Nexxus, St. Ives, Simple and Noxzema said second-quarter net sales rose to $408.2 million from $384.8 million in the prior-year second quarter. On an organic basis, which excludes the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, sales increased 4.3% in the current quarter, led by high single-digit branded beauty care sales growth.

May 2, 2011
Annie Chun's introduces new Organic FreshPak Noodles line

Annie Chun's is introducing a new line of organic, fresh-cooked noodles.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — Annie Chun's is introducing a new line of organic, fresh-cooked noodles.

Annie Chun's Organic FreshPak Noodles are vegan, low-fat noodles that can be prepared in less than five minutes on the stove or in the microwave and are available in three authentic varieties, including chow mein, buckwheat soba and Japanese-style udon. The noodles can be enjoyed hot or cold, and are ideal for stir-frying, soups and salads, the company said.

May 2, 2011
APhA Foundation, NASPA honor Utah, Ohio pharmacists

Pharmacists in Utah and Ohio have won the 2011 Bowl of Hygeia awards from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, the two organizations announced.

WASHINGTON — Pharmacists in Utah and Ohio have won the 2011 Bowl of Hygeia awards from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, the two organizations announced.

The APhA Foundation and NASPA announced that the Utah Pharmacists Association had given the award to Kathy Goodfellow, owner of Mountain View Pharmacy in Bountiful, Utah, and that the Ohio Pharmacists Association had given it to Mark Dominik of St. Mary’s, Ohio.

May 2, 2011
Armada introduces ReachRx OTM

Armada Health Care has launched a new Web-based specialty pharmacy therapy management system designed to allow pharmacies to optimize drug utilization and clinical outcomes while providing enhanced patient care, Armada said Monday.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Armada Health Care has launched a new Web-based specialty pharmacy therapy management system designed to allow pharmacies to optimize drug utilization and clinical outcomes while providing enhanced patient care, Armada said Monday.

The company announced the launch of ReachRx OTM, which includes features such as patient support protocols, side effects management, therapy discontinuation surveys and patient outcomes reporting.

May 2, 2011
Centrum teams up with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak to offer summer resolution tips

Multivitamin brand Centrum has teamed up with 5 Factor Diet creator and celebrity personal trainer Harley Pasternak to offer consumers ways to keep their summer resolutions.

MADISON, N.J. — Multivitamin brand Centrum has teamed up with 5 Factor Diet creator and celebrity personal trainer Harley Pasternak to offer consumers ways to keep their summer resolutions.

May 2, 2011
Cottonelle brings back promotion for flushable moist wipes

Cottonelle is bringing back its Get Fresh With a Friend program that allows consumers to get a free tub of the brand's flushable moist wipes and send one to a friend or family member.

DALLAS — Cottonelle is bringing back its Get Fresh With a Friend program that allows consumers to get a free tub of the brand's flushable moist wipes and send one to a friend or family member.

May 2, 2011
FDA approves Abbott's AndroGel

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment made by Abbott for low testosterone in men, the drug maker said Friday.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment made by Abbott for low testosterone in men, the drug maker said Friday.

Abbott announced the approval of AndroGel (testosterone gel) in the 1.62% strength, a clear, odorless topical gel for men with hypogonadism. The company already markets AndroGel in the 1% strength.

The new gel contains 40.5 mg of testosterone in two pump presses, while AndroGel 1% contains 50 mg in four pump presses, but the company said the two were not interchangeable.

May 2, 2011
Food Network's d’Arabian gives food advice at NACDS Annual Meeting

The Grand Ballroom at the Phoenician was packed with spouses for the keynote address from Food Networks’ Melissa d’Arabian, host of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Grand Ballroom at the Phoenician was packed with spouses for the keynote address from Food Networks’ Melissa d’Arabian, host of "Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian."

D’Arabian filled in for Sandra Lee, host of "Semi-Homemade Cooking" and "Sandra’s Money Saving Meals," who withdrew from the speaking engagement due to personal reasons, Janet Loeffler, wife of H-E-B’s Bob Loeffler, shared with the audience.

May 2, 2011
Getting the 'skinny' on candy

Skinny Cow is introducing new sweet treats.

GLENDALE, Calif. — Skinny Cow is introducing new sweet treats.

The company, known for its low-fat ice cream products, has made its foray into candy with new Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters, bite-sized treats drenched in caramel and covered in either milk chocolate or dark chocolate; and Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp candy bars, delicate wafers layered with either chocolate or peanut butter filling and covered in a chocolate coating. Each candy contains 110 to 120 calories in each serving.

May 2, 2011
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky supports Hulu Plus launch on Xbox Live

To celebrate the launch of Hulu Plus on Xbox Live, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky will offer all Xbox Live members one free week of Hulu Plus services.

MINONG, Wis. — To celebrate the launch of Hulu Plus on Xbox Live, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky will offer all Xbox Live members one free week of Hulu Plus services.

The beef jerky brand said that its branded Hulu Plus channel instantly delivers current-season episodes of such top shows as “Modern Family,” “30 Rock” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in high definition, as well as full back-seasons of favorites and hundreds of movies from The Criterion Collection, for $7.99 per month with limited advertising.

May 2, 2011
Kroger donates $250K to storm, flood relief efforts

Kroger is committing $250,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to assist storm and flood relief efforts in communities across several Southeastern states.

CINCINNATI — Kroger is committing $250,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to assist storm and flood relief efforts in communities across several Southeastern states.

May 2, 2011
Mack Elevation Forum tackles the new path to purchase, innovation

Success often is one of the biggest blind spots a company can have, because you’re so busy doing well you don’t have the time to assess what it is you’re doing. That is one of the core reasons for being for the Mack Elevation Forum, “a share group on steroids,” described program founder Dan Mack, EVP strategic business development for the Swanson Group. The forum hosted its most recent meeting Friday morning here at the Hilton Scottsdale.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Success often is one of the biggest blind spots a company can have, because you’re so busy doing well you don’t have the time to assess what it is you’re doing. That is one of the core reasons for being for the Mack Elevation Forum, “a share group on steroids,” described program founder Dan Mack, EVP strategic business development for the Swanson Group. The forum hosted its most recent meeting Friday morning here at the Hilton Scottsdale.

May 2, 2011
Milano Melts put new spin on classic cookie

Pepperidge Farm is helping its classic Milano cookies evolve with a new addition.

NORWALK, Conn. — Pepperidge Farm is helping its classic Milano cookies evolve with a new addition.

New Milano Melts cookies combine crisp cookies with a soft chocolate cream filling, providing two textures in every bite. The cookies will be available in Dark Classic Crème and Chocolate Dark Classic Crème varieties.

Milano Melts cookies are available in major supermarkets, grocery stores and mass merchandisers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.49.

May 2, 2011
MusclePharm's supplement to receive L-box placement at GNC stores

MusclePharm's MuscleGel product this summer will receive premier placement in GNC stores, MusclePharm announced.

DENVER — MusclePharm's MuscleGel product this summer will receive premier placement in GNC stores, MusclePharm announced.

The company's MuscleGel nutritional supplement, which is a gel-based formula that touts 22 g of protein and 96 calories in each pack, will be showcased in an L-box placement at each GNC location. L-box placement is reserved for top-selling companies and products, MusclePharm said.

May 2, 2011
NACDS elects new 2011-2012 officers at Annual Meeting

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that Robert Loeffler will succeed Larry Merlo as the organization's new board of directors chairman, and also announced the appointment of several other elected officers, at its 2011 Annual Meeting.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that Robert Loeffler will succeed Larry Merlo as the organization's new board of directors chairman, and also announced the appointment of several other elected officers, at its 2011 Annual Meeting.

Loeffler, who serves as H-E-B's chief administrative officer, will replace Merlo, who is CVS Caremark president and CEO, as NACDS board chairman. Additionally, Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson was elected vice chairman, while Thrifty White president and CEO Robert Narveson was named treasurer.

May 2, 2011
Natural Products Association names Jim LaValle Clinician of the Year

The Natural Products Association has named Jim LaValle as one of its 2011 Clinician of the Year award recipients.

CINCINNATI — The Natural Products Association has named Jim LaValle as one of its 2011 Clinician of the Year award recipients.

As previously reported by Drug Store News, LaValle will receive his award at the Natural Products Association MarketPlace in Las Vegas next month. He is an educator, clinician and founder of the LaValle Metabolic Institute, as well as the founder of Integrative Health Resources, a natural products industry consulting company. He has been integrating natural therapies into various medical and business models for 27 years.

May 2, 2011
Publix's Q1 boosts stock price

Strong earnings and sales growth in the first quarter helped drive up Publix's stock price.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Strong earnings and sales growth in the first quarter helped drive up Publix's stock price.

Publix’s sales for the first quarter of 2011 were $6.8 billion, a 4.4% increase from last year’s $6.5 billion. Comparable-store sales for first quarter 2011 increased 2.8%. Net earnings for the quarter were $398.2 million, compared with $364.4 million in 2010, an increase of 9.3%. Earnings per share for the first quarter increased to 51 cents for 2011, up from 47 cents per share in 2010.

May 2, 2011
Retailers step up to offer relief funds to tornado, flood victims

In the wake of the tornadoes and flooding that struck many southeastern states, several leading chains have stepped up to offer support for communities impacted by the tragedy, including CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix.

NEW YORK — In the wake of the tornadoes and flooding that struck many southeastern states, several leading chains have stepped up to offer support for communities impacted by the tragedy, including CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart,

May 2, 2011
Rite Aid Foundation donates funds to tornado victims

The philanthropic arm of retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid is donating $100,000 in money and supplies to victims of tornadoes in Alabama and Tennessee, the company said Friday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — The philanthropic arm of retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid is donating $100,000 in money and supplies to victims of tornadoes in Alabama and Tennessee, the company said Friday.

The Rite Aid Foundation said it would donate $50,000 to the Red Cross and also would donate $50,000 worth of water, snacks, batteries, flashlights, first-aid products, diapers, baby formula and cleaning supplies.

May 2, 2011
Sam's Club to offer skin health screenings

Sam's Club is offering skin health screenings to customers on May 14 as part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is offering skin health screenings to customers on May 14 as part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Sam's Club shoppers will be offered skin assessments, which will be conducted by U.S. Wellness, to both members and nonmembers. U.S. Wellness will conduct DermaScan skin tests, which use Type A ultraviolet light to show sun damage that is invisible to the naked human eye. The retailer added that it will offer free DermaScan skin tests to the first 100 participants who sign up in each club.

May 2, 2011
SnackWell's returns to store shelves with new look, products

SnackWell's has overhauled its line of products for women with new portioned, indulgent snacks.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — SnackWell's has overhauled its line of products for women with new portioned, indulgent snacks.

The brand, which is owned by Kraft Foods, said the latest SnackWell's treats will range from 100 to 150 calories per pack. The products, along with such classic SnackWell's treats as devil's food cookie cakes and creme sandwich cookies, will feature new and modern packaging.

The new SnackWell's products made their debut nationwide in mid-April with a suggested retail price of $3.19 per box; each box features five individually portioned packs.

May 2, 2011
Supervalu to offer Coinstar's no-fee option in more stores

Supervalu customers that cash in their coins at in-store Coinstar kiosks can do so for free when they select the Supervalu gift card option, Coinstar announced.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Supervalu customers that cash in their coins at in-store Coinstar kiosks can do so for free when they select the Supervalu gift card option, Coinstar announced.

The no-fee option will be available in about 1,000 stores that operate under the Supervalu banner, including such chains as Acme, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco and more, by next month.

Supervalu and Coinstar began their collaboration on the gift card project last January in approximately 78 Albertsons stores located in Washington and Oregon.

May 2, 2011
Target donates $200K to support tornado relief efforts

Target announced that it has donated $200,000 in cash to the American Red Cross to support tornado relief efforts in the Southern United States.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it has donated $200,000 in cash to the American Red Cross to support tornado relief efforts in the Southern United States.

An additional donation of more than $75,000 will include product and relief kits containing hygiene and food items that will be distributed to hardest-hit areas.

May 2, 2011
Teva comes up as front-runner to buy Cephalon

Cephalon has another suitor in the form of the world’s largest generic drug company.

JERUSALEM — Cephalon has another suitor in the form of the world’s largest generic drug company.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries said Monday that it would buy Frazer, Pa.-based Cephalon for $6.8 billion, undercutting efforts by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, which had offered $5.7 billion in March.

The boards of both companies have agreed to the acquisition, equal to $81.50 per share. Cephalon previously had turned down Valeant’s offer, prompting the Mississauga, Ontario-based company to take its case directly to Cephalon’s shareholders.