Center Store

MONTREAL and NEW YORK — Mega Brands has introduced a new Mega Bloks line for boys.

The Mega Bloks Halo Universe "Metal Series" collector's line features small scale replica figurines and vehicles inspired by the Mega Bloks Halo construction line, and is designed for boys ages 8 years and older.

MINNEAPOLIS — Wheaties is introducing three new Wheaties boxes that feature retro images of former "Wheaties Champions."

The cereal brand said touting images of Muhammad Ali, Bruce Jenner and Mary Lou Retton on its boxes is designed to call out how these three athletic legends have continued to inspire America’s future athletes.

NEW YORK — Little Tikes has introduced TikeStix, a line of indoor and outdoor building sets for kids.

The company said the line is for children ages 4 years and older and includes 30 to 50 sturdy interlocking pieces that fit little hands, fabric and clips.

The following Little Tikes TikeStix products now are on store shelves nationwide: TikeStix Playhouse: 50 pieces ($49.99); TikeStix Clubhouse: 50 pieces ($49.99); TikeStix Rocket: 30 pieces ($29.99); TikeStix Doghouse: 30 pieces ($29.99).

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is launching a first-of-its kind competition that could land one chef a job with the Safeway Culinary Kitchens and his/her recipe included in the Open Nature Skillet Meal line.

SHELTON, Conn. — Organic food sales are continuing on an upward trend as more shoppers frequented mainstream stores for the products and younger consumers were the most loyal to purchasing such items, a TABS Group survey found.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's is fortifying its snacks business by purchasing Procter & Gamble's Pringles business for nearly $2.7 billion.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in the summer of 2012, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

The announcement follows last year's agreement between P&G and Diamond Foods through which Diamond Foods would acquire Pringles for $2.35 billion. The deal was delayed "to allow Diamond Foods to complete an accounting investigation."

MELVILLE, N.Y. — It's official: Hain Celestial has added a nondairy-based yogurt to its portfolio.

As previously reported, the company said it would launch a low-fat yogurt line, made with real almonds, under the Almond Dream brand that would cater to lactose-intolerant customers or those looking for less dairy. The yogurt line will be available in four flavors: plain, vanilla, strawberry and mixed berry.

SAN FRANCISCO — Lemnis Lighting has debuted three lines that are part of the company's Pharox LED replacement bulbs portfolio.

The new products include Pharox BLU, Pharox XL and Pharox PRO. The Pharox BLU line includes 200-lumen and 350-lumen nondimmable bulbs. The XL line is aimed at home and commercial customers and included LED bulbs that tout a 3-year/35,000 hour warranty. Finally, the Energy Star-qualified Pharox PRO bulbs are designed with the commercial and rebate-driven customer in mind and will carry a 5-year replacement guarantee.