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NRF: Valentine’s Day sales will not be as sweet for first time in decade
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Valentine’s Day 2017 will not be as sweet for retailers. U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average of $136.57 this year, compared to last year’s record high of $146.84, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This would be the first such decline on Valentine’s Day spending in a decade.

Total U.S. spending for Feb. 14 is also expected to drop from last year’s record of $19.7 billion to $18.2 billion this year.
Amazon Prime Now doubles Bartell Drugs delivery reach
SEATTLE — Amazon Prime Now more than doubled its delivery service reach for Bartell Drug delivery, with customers in the Seattle area able to order thousands of health, beauty, grocery, snacks, local products delivered to their home for free in two hours.

Prime Now is available in neighborhoods spanning Everett to Normandy Park to Issaquah. Customers who need the items delivered faster can pay a $7.99 fee for one-hour delivery.

Amazon also inked Prime Now delivery deals with other Seattle-area retailers, including grocery retailer New Seasons Market.

Red Bull expands Editions line with 2 new sugar-free varieties, Green Edition

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Red Bull is expanding its line of Red Bull Editions, adding two new sugar-free flavors and reviving a limited-edition flavor from 2016 as a permanent fixture. The company introduced the acai berry-flavored Red Bull Purple Edition Sugarfree and the limeade-flavored Red Bull Lime Edition Sugarfree.
Sparkling Ice takes home UK Product of the Year award

PRESTON, Wash. — Sparkling Ice and its parent company Talking Rain Beverage Co. were recently recognized in the United Kingdom in the Product of the Year consumer survey. The company won the “no added sugar” drinks category of the annual survey that aims to identify the top CPG products on the market, which this year saw nearly 12,000 U.K households respond.
Twinings intros three new Earl Grey varieties

NEW YORK — Twinings North America has added to its line of Earl Grey teas with the introduction of three new varieties announced Thursday. The company introduced Earl Grey Extra Bold, Earl Grey Lavender and Earl Grey Jasmine varieties to the line.
Snickers to hit Super Bowl with live commercial
Mr. Clean to make Super Bowl debut with new ad

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble’s Mr. Clean brand, which has been named the official cleaner of Super Bowl LI, will be making its Super Bowl debut with a new 30-second commercial during the third quarter of the game on Feb. 5.
Tostitos looks to curb drunk driving on Super Bowl Sunday

PLANO, Texas — Tostitos is looking out for its customers celebrating this year’s Super Bowl LI. The company is partnering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness about drunk driving and is planning to curb the possibility of Tostito’s fans driving drunk by offering $10 off an Uber ride for 25,000 of its customers receive.
Daelmans to launch chocolate-caramel stroopwafel

NIEUWKUIJK, The Netherlands — Stroopwafel maker Daelmans has announced a new addition to its offerings. The company said it plans to roll out its chocolate-caramel stroopwafel this spring.

The chocolate-caramel variety will join three other stroopwafel flavors from Daelmans — caramel, honey and maple — and will begin its distribution on March 1 through Cost Plus World Markets, with wider distribution planned for spring and summer.
Procter & Gamble names the next Mr. Clean

CINCINNATI — George native Mike Jackson was selected #TheNextMrClean, filling in for Mr. White during his extended vacation.

Procter & Gamble selected Jackson for his “innovative and creative take on Mr. Clean’s jingle, his strength, bald head and willingness to tackle any mess.” Jackson takes home $20,000, as well as a large supply of Magic Erasers. He starred in a production of the 2017 limited-edition Mr. Clean calendar.