Content about Food industry

STAMFORD, Conn. — Nestle Pure Life water wants consumers to keep their commitment to staying hydrated.

The brand has launched its Nestle Pure Life Hydration Movement on Nestle-PureLife.us, where participants will be asked to pledge to swap one sugared drink for water every day for one year. In return, they will receive a $1-off coupon for a purchase of Nestle Pure Life, as well as the opportunity to enter in a sweepstakes for the chance to win free water for a year.

PITTSBURGH — Heinz has given a nod to the past by packaging its ketchup in classic glass bottles.

Limited-edition glass bottles of Heinz tomato ketchup will be available in a 14-oz. size for a suggested retail price of $1.99 at select retailers, including Walmart and Safeway, now through August, Heinz said Tuesday.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has elected a Coca-Cola executive to its board of directors.

Diane Wallace will join the NACDS Foundation's board for a one-year term. Additionally, NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson was elected to serve as chairman of the NACDS Foundation board of directors; Edith Rosato will serve as president; R. James Huber, NACDS EVP and CFO, will serve as treasurer; and Nicki Robins, NACDS assistant general counsel, will serve as secretary. All officers will serve a one-year term.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Thursday announced an increase of its 2011 capital expenditure budget by 7% to $110 million. The current budget includes 14 major remodels, two additions and three new/replacement stores.

The company currently is building a replacement unit near Reading, a new unit near Easton and a replacement unit near State College, all in Pennsylvania.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Purina One has introduced a new line of pet food for dogs and cats that boasts meat as the No. 1 ingredient. Purina One Beyond is crafted without wheat or corn, added fillers or artificial preservatives. The line includes two adult dog recipes: chicken and whole oat meal, and lamb and whole barley. The line also features two adult cat recipes: salmon and whole brown rice, and chicken and whole oat meal. Purina One Beyond dog recipes are available in 3-lb., 15-lb. and 26-lb. packages. Purina One Beyond cat recipes are available in a 1-lb.

After being hemmed in by recession, cash flow problems and costs, a venerable lion of West Coast food and drug retailing is roaring again. 


CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In celebration of Earth Day and as part of its commitment to incorporating sustainable practices into its day-to-day business operations, Harris Teeter announced it has aligned with vendors to offer promotions that will reward customers for their green decisions.

The retailer said that shoppers that sign up for its e-VIC loyalty program by Earth Day will receive a free Harris Teeter reusable shopping bag. What's more, VIC members will receive more loyalty points when they purchase the following products:

NORWICH, N.Y. — Chobani has captured the U.S. yogurt market as the leading brand in the category, according to SymphonyIRI Group data.

The Greek yogurt brand surpassed such competitors as Yoplait and Dannon, according to SymphonyIRI’s InfoScan Review, which examined the last 12 weeks of sales, ended March 20, across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).

What's more, SymphonyIRI recently named Chobani as one of the most successful food and beverage consumer packaged goods brands of 2010.

PLANO, Texas — Frito-Lay on Monday said it is peeling back the curtain on how it develops new product flavors.

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite on Monday named Bill Tullis as its new EVP sales.

Tullis comes to Pharmavite with more than 25 years of experience within the consumer packaged goods industry, most recently as area VP for alternate channels at Del Monte Foods. Prior to his work at Del Monte Foods, Tullis held sales and marketing positions at Nabisco and Nestle USA.

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola has developed 100% recyclable display racks for use in U.S. grocery and convenience stores.

The new Give It Back racks are stand-alone units made of easily recyclable corrugated cardboard, Coca-Cola said. The soft drink giant said the merchandise displays expand its commitment to sustainability. The racks currently are being tested in select markets and are expected to become widely available in late 2011.

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola's 100% recyclable beverage packages have premiered on store shelves.

The company's Dasani and Odwalla brands' single-serving bottles now will feature PlantBottle packaging, which is touted as the first-ever fully recyclable plastic beverage bottle produced using plants.

Coca-Cola said that in 2010, more than 2.5 billion PlantBottle packages were available across nine countries. For 2011, that number is expected to double to more than 5 billion PlantBottle packages in more than 15 countries.