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Malibu to move beyond rum with beer launch
STAMFORD, Conn. — Malibu, the brand best known for its flavored rum, is looking to break into the beer space later this year. The company said Malibu Beer would be launching in select cities starting May 1, imported to the United States by US Beverage under exclusive licensing.
World’s oldest brewery intros beer based on 1950s label
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan is bringing a blast from the past to the beer aisle this month with the release of its limited-release Kristallweizenbock.

The 7.5%-alcohol-by-volume weizenbock is inspired by an old label from the 1950s found in the vault of Weihenstephan — which is the world’s oldest brewery, operating since 1040.

Survey: Labels make it hard for shoppers to find healthy foods they want

CHICAGO — Transparency research firm Label Insight this week released the results of its 2017 Shopper Trends Survey, which found that, though shoppers are interested in healthy options, they have a hard time telling if a product meets their needs from the label.
Mars to reinvest in supply chain, launches M&M’s Spotlight concert series

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars is making a big reinvestment in its U.S. manufacturing. The company on Thursday announced a $70 million investment that it says would add roughly 250 jobs at various sites across the country and ensuring that 95% of its chocolate products are made in the United States.
Amazon pulls plug on parent company of diapers.com, soap.com

SEATTLE — Amazon is getting is shutting down one of its units after it failed to turn a profit.

The company is pulling the plug on Quidsi, parent company of diapers.com, soap.com and several other shopping sites, which it purchased in 2010. The news was first reported by Bloomberg.
Guinness intros Irish Wheat

DUBLIN — Guinness is gearing up for summer with the launch of its latest beer. Guinness Irish Wheat is brewed in Dublin’s Open Gate Brewery, where Guinness brewers explore new recipes and adjust old ones.
Mountain Dew introduces Mtn Dew Label Series

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Mountain Dew, capitalizing on the success of its Mtn Dew Black Label — a dark berry-flavored soda it launched last year — is launching the Mtn Dew Label Series, a line of premium sodas crafted with distinctive flavors and herbal and citrus bitters.

The new products under the Label Series will be the citrus-flavored Mtn Dew White Label and the apple-kiwi-flavored Mtn Dew Green Label.
TreeHouse Foods onboards former Walgreens group VP as chief strategy officer

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Moe Alkemade, former Walgreens group VP/general manager for convenience, will join private brand manufacturer TreeHouse Foods as SVP and chief strategy officer, effective April 24, the company announced Tuesday.

He will report to Sam Reed, TreeHouse chairman and CEO. The move reunites Alkemade with Rachel Bishop, who joined Treehouse from Walgreens in 2014.
Sargento intros Sweet Balanced Breaks snacks

PLYMOUTH, Wis. — Sargento on Wednesday introduced its latest snack product, Sweet Balanced Breaks, which combine cheese and such sweet ingredients as dark chocolate and dried fruit.

“We have been thrilled with the response to Balanced Breaks snacks, and we wanted to give our loyal fans even more variety and convenience in their snacks," Sargento Foods’ consumer products division director of marketing Ryan Hemsing said. “The Sweet Balanced Breaks line lets people embrace their sweet side with the perfect balance of indulgence and real goodness.”
Mighty Organic rolls out Mighty Sticks

LA FARGE, Wis. — Jerky maker Mighty Organic is adding to its product offerings with the new Mighty Sticks.

“It's awesome to introduce a 100% grass-fed beef stick that's healthy and not overly processed,” Mighty brand manager Ellie France said. “These days, it seems everyone wants to snack sensibly, which makes Mighty Sticks a great choice whether you're at your local co-op or the convenience store down the street.”