Center Store

NEW YORK — A recent poll of U.S. millennial, gen X and Baby Boomer consumers found that traditional retail categories are increasingly blurring, and more and more shoppers are turning to drug stores to buy groceries.

Retail design firm King Retail Solutions conducted the fall 2013 study among more than 1,200 consumers.

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola is rolling out its Dasani Sparkling line, five naturally flavored, unsweetened and lightly carbonated waters. Dasani Sparkling is available in a 12-oz. 12-pack, and in 20-oz. and 1-liter PET PlantBottle sizes. The line marks the latest addition to the Dasani brand. Last year, the brand added flavored water enhancers, Dasani Drops.

BOULDER, Colo. — Celestial Seasonings, a Hain Celestial Group brand, announced the introduction of its new line of organic and Fair Trade Certified Estate Teas. The new teas will be available exclusively at Whole Foods Markets stores across the nation and include varieties like English Breakfast Black Tea, Earl Grey Black Tea, Pure Green Tea, Jasmine Green Tea and Perfect Trio.

Mintel projects the pet products category will grow an average of 3.8% over the next five years to nearly $13.7 billion by 2017.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)

Despite declining sales, three category trends — sparkling water, natural sodas and low-calorie sodas — are keeping some fizz in carbonated soft drinks. Mintel’s research shows that American consumption of carbonated soft drinks fell to the lowest level since 1996; increased prices kept the category level.

PLANO, Texas — Canada Dry Ginger Ale has long been a staple in the flavored soft drink category. The brand, invented by a pharmacist in 1904, has seen an uptick in sales that Dr Pepper Snapple Group attributes to “the perceived healthfulness of ginger ale as a CSD flavor.” Sales were up 20% in the drug store channel last year, according to Nielsen.

STERLING, Ill. — Wahl recently introduced No-Rinse waterless shampoo and doggie deodorant. The products are designed to make pet bathing easy. No-Rinse was designed for in-between baths, but sales are strong in cold-weather seasons when consumers want to bath their pets but don’t want to take the hose out.

The shampoo’s all-natural, foaming formula allows users to apply and towel dry to remove dirt and debris while providing a natural scent. Doggie deodorant also is an all-natural spray formula that can used directly on the dog or the furniture to remove odors.

PRESTON, Wash. — TalkingRain has added two new flavors to its Sparkling ICE brand of zero-calorie beverages. The new Cherry Limeade and Strawberry Watermelon flavors debuted in January, expanding the brand’s flavor portfolio to 11 zero-calorie options.