Center Store

Fred's focus is on pharmacy and Hometown Auto & Hardware departments going forward
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's Super Dollar on Thursday posted $157.5 million in sales, representing a decline of 1%, for the four weeks ended March 1. Comparable store sales for the month decreased 2.2% compared with a decrease of 1.5% in the prior-year period.

“In the pharmacy department, we will continue to accelerate new pharmacy acquisitions and focus on our plan for EIRIS Health Services, Fred's specialty pharmacy unit, which is experiencing solid script and sales growth in this fast-expanding segment of the pharmacy industry," noted Bruce Efird, Fred's CEO.
P&G unveils newest addition to Crest 3D White Whitestrips family
CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has announced the launch of its new Crest 3D White Whitestrips Luxe Supreme FlexFit, the latest addition to the Crest 3D White Whitestrips family.

According to the company, these new whitestrips are the best-fitting whitestrips yet, and provide 30% more whitening coverage to custom fit each individual’s unique smile.

KeVita adds three flavors

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — KeVita Sparkling Probiotic Drink announced that it will be growing its line of beverages with the launch of three new flavors, which include blueberry cherry, tangerine and hibiscus berry daily cleanse.
MillerCoors to launch Smith & Forge hard cider

CHICAGO — MillerCoors on Tuesday announced that a new hard cider, Smith & Forge, will be launched nationally this month. The beverage contains 6% alcohol by volume and features a distinct taste and crisp finish, the company said.
Snack Factory expands flavor options, adds product

PRINCETON, N.J. — Snack Factory Pretzel Crisp recently introduced two new flavors, as well as a new product line. The new flavor options include Honey Mustard & Onion and Sea Salt & Crack Pepper, and the new product comes in the form of a "mini" version of its Original and Cheddar flavors, which the company says was inspired by consumer demand for bite-size snacks.
Ruffles heats up store shelves with latest addition

PLANO, TX — Ruffles, a brand from PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division, announced that Ruffles Deep Ridged Classic Hot Wing potato chips has joined its product lineup. The introduction of the new chips is part of an ongoing partnership between PepsiCo and restaurant franchise Buffalo Wild Wings, which was announced last December.
Bud Light Lime Ritas adds two flavors

ST. LOUIS — The Bud Light Lime Ritas brand will welcome two new flavors, Mang-O-Rita and Raz-Ber-Rita, to its lineup. The new Ritas join the Bud Light Lime Lime-A-Rita, Straw-Ber-Rita and the limited-time seasonal Cran-Brrr-Rita. The brand says it hopes to see continued success with the new additions.
Angry Orchard debuts new hard cider variety

CINCINNATI — Angry Orchard announced the national release of Angry Orchard Green Apple hard cider. The cider, which will appear on store shelves this week, has the tartness of a green apple and is the first year-round style of Angry Orchard hard cider made with American apples, the company said.
Sunny Delight teams up with SodaStream

CINCINNATI and AIRPORT CITY, Israel — SodaStream, a manufacturer of home beverage carbonation systems, announced that it has entered into an agreement with Sunny Delight Beverages Co., a producer of juice-based drinks. The companies will co-develop flavors like SunnyD Tangy Original Orange and Orange-Strawberry exclusively for the SodaStream system.
Vita Coco celebrates anniversary with new lemonade flavor

NEW YORK — In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, coconut water brand Vita Coco announced a new, all-natural beverage, which is slated to hit grocery stores nationwide beginning in April. The new beverage, Vita Coco Lemonade, will bring together fresh coconut water, natural lemon puree and natural fruit sugar.

Vita Coco Lemonade will be available in two sizes, both with a resealable twist-off cap: an 11.1-fl oz. Tetra Pak for $1.99; and a 16.9-fl oz. Tetra Pak for SRP of $2.99.