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Coke's Glaceau introduces sparkling Fruitwater
NEW YORK — Glaceau, a Coca-Cola brand and maker of Vitaminwater and Smartwater, is injecting a little sparkle into its lineup with new Fruitwater.
Study finds rebates may spur healthy food purchases
NEW YORK — Rebates on healthy foods may lead patients to purchase them more frequently, according to a new study by researchers in South Africa.

The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, examined a program offered by Discovery, South Africa's largest health plan. The HealthyFood program provides a cash-back rebate of up to 25% on healthy food purchases in more than 400 designated supermarkets around the country.

NRF: Easter spending doesn't jump, on par with 2012

WASHINGTON — According to a new spending survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumer spending for Easter 2013 will be flat when compared to the holiday last year.

The NRF 2013 Easter Spending Survey, conducted by BIGinsight, was designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to Easter. The poll of 5,050 consumers was conducted from March 5 to 11, 2013.
Post-It notes go mobile

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Post-it brand from 3M introduced the Post-it Mobile Collection, a new line of attach-and-go products for more efficient and effective organization for consumers on the go, the company announced today.

The new Post-it Mobile Collection features a variety of specially designed products to stick, insert and clip to everyday items. The attach-and-go products work together, allowing customization of a portable organization system.
Brewers Association: Craft brewing sees barrel full of growth

BOULDER, Colo. — Craft brewers saw a 15% rise in volume and a 17% increase in dollar growth, the Brewers Association said today as they released preliminary 2012 data on U.S. craft brewing growth ahead of the Craft Brewers Conference to be held in Washington, D.C., March 26 to 29. The trade association representing small and independent American brewers estimated these findings represented a total barrel increase of almost 1.8 million.
Meijer expands made-in-Michigan program

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mass merchandise chain Meijer is expanding an initiative started last year to feature products made in the state of Michigan.

The company announced Tuesday a plan to feature 55 new Michigan-made grocery products in all its stores in the state. The company started the Made in Michigan initiative in January 2012 with the Michigan State University Product Center for Food-Ag-Bio.
KIND offers two new healthy snack bars

NEW YORK — Healthy snack maker KIND has introduced two new snack bars to its lineup, Dark Chocolate Chili Almond and Maple Glazed Pecan and Sea Salt, the company announced today.
Rite Aid expands Easter, spring product selections

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is stocking Easter and spring supplies at its stores in anticipation of the holiday and season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

The 4,623-store chain said items at its stores included chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, SweeTarts, Ducks & Bunnies, Cadbury Eggs and other candy brands, as well as baskets and other accessories.

In addition, the company is selling such gardening supplies as planters, figurines, bird feeders, wind chimes and outdoor fountains and lighting, including solar-powered devices.
Gain introduces Fireworks for boost of fresh laundry scent

CINCINNATI — Gain, a Proctor & Gamble brand, has introduced a new product to store shelves designed to prolong the fresh laundry scent of clothes for up to 12 weeks in storage.
New York City legislation would require hiding of tobacco displays

NEW YORK — In spite of a court ruling striking down a ban on large-sized sugary drinks, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has another health initiative in the works: a requirement that retailers hide tobacco products.

Bloomberg's legislation, which would make New York the first city to keep tobacco products out of the sight of customers, will go to the city council for consideration. The New York Times noted that Bloomberg skipped this procedure with the soft drink rule.