Content about Supplier News

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a second product in BD's new line of injectable drugs, the company said Tuesday.

BD Rx, the pharmaceutical arm of the medical technology manufacturer, whose name stands for Becton, Dickinson and Co., received FDA approval for metoclopramide, part of its BD Simplist line of ready-to-administer pre-filled generic injectables. The product is an antiemetic, a drug used to stop vomiting.

NEWARK, N.J. — Inergetics will distribute its Bikini Ready Weight Loss Lifestyle and SlimTrim diet brands through a Midwestern supermarket-pharmacy chain, the company said Tuesday.

Inergetics said the products had gained initial distribution with Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, Iowa.

The company said it hoped to increase distribution with Hy-Vee in the near term.

OMAHA, Neb. — Orville Redenbacher's gourmet popcorn brand is introducing a new ready-to-eat popcorn snack in four flavors.

New Pop Crunch is a ready-to-eat popcorn snack made with whole grains that is air popped, meaning it contains less fat than some leading brands of regular potato chip brands, according to the company. Pop Crunch is also gluten-free.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores' charitable arm has awarded $230,000 in scholarships to pharmacy students, the organization said Tuesday.

The NACDS Foundation said it gave awards ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 to pharmacy schools' scholarship funds through its Pharmacy Partners Scholarship Program. The awards will provide financial assistance to students working toward doctor of pharmacy degrees.

SAN ANTONIO — Today, at the Whataburger Family Convention, a biannual gathering of more than 2,000 Whataburger attendees, CEO Preston Atkinson announced Whataburger will launch into retail stores for the first time by bottling its line of condiments — Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard — making them available exclusively at all Texas and Mexico H-E-B stores this summer. H-E-B will also add a new product based on Whataburger’s iconic brand called Whatafries.

BASEL, Switzerland — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Alcon, the drug maker said.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — Nutrisystem has launched its 5-Day Nutrisystem Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Kit at nearly 2,000 Walmart stores, the company said.

The kit includes 15 entrees with desserts, a free meal planner and program guide with access to free weight-loss counseling and can be purchased for $44.98.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. — A new limited-edition spring edition from Red Carpet Manicure features travel destinations for Hollywood celebrities.

The company said its "Postcards from…Cote d'Azur" collection, inspired by the French Mediterranean and named after the French Riviera, will be available on April 29th at Ulta stores and on Ulta's website.

NEW YORK — Difrax is selling its brand of three-stage pacifiers in the United States, the company said.

The Hispanic opportunity represents a "new American reality," noted Roberto Ruiz, SVP strategy and insights for Univision Communications, last month at the Consumer Healthcare Products Association's Annual Executive Conference. Hispanic-Americans aren't assimilating into the American melting pot. "We're hearing people say they are '200% individuals' in our focus groups," Ruiz said. "100% American and 100% Latino."

Technology has certainly changed the landscape of the drug channel's general merchandise department. As categories shift, electronic accessories have become a crucial addition to the mix.

Nearly 40% of all consumer electronic spending in 2012 was on tablets, smartphones, laptops and notebooks, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. "Accessories for these products are the growth drivers for the category," said Chris Ely, a spokesperson for the organization. "They also are margin makers."

New technology and types of introductions could bring some heat to the frozen food category. Frozen food sales have been flat to declining for the past few years, according to a recent study from Packaged Facts, with nearly all dollar sales gains coming from higher prices or new products rather than increased consumer demand.