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Ever see the movie “Pleasantville,” where the kid and his sister get sucked into their TV set and become trapped in a late-1950s sitcom? As the two introduce 1990s sensibilities to inhabitants of the fictitious town, the people and their surroundings slowly transform from black-and-white to color. The film is a metaphor for enlightenment, innovation and discovery.



Yogurt and yogurt drinks have become a powerhouse category, with Greek-style yogurts boosting category sales. Mintel International Group estimated that category sales reached $4.4 billion across all three channels in 2010, and there is still room for growth.


HICKSVILLE, N.Y. — Available now for the food service industry — but coming soon to a major retailer — is Kozy Shack’s new Coffeehouse Blends pudding. The gluten-free treat comes in three flavors: caffe latte, cappuccino and caramel macchiato.


NEW YORK — Market share for many environmentally friendly cleaning products has suffered in a tight economy, when consumers are more likely to choose products based on price.


Independent brands, such as Method and Seventh Generation, have held on to their sales. “The consumers for those brands are usually early adopters who have a higher income and are less likely to shop price,” one industry analyst said.


NORTHFIELD, Ill. — A Procter & Gamble executive will join Kraft Foods in September as its EVP supply chain, Kraft announced Thursday.

Daniel Myers — who succeeds David Brearton, now EVP and CFO of Kraft — most recently served as P&G's VP product supply, leading the supply chain function for the company's global hair care business, as well as coordination responsibilities for P&G's beauty and grooming business, including manufacturing operations that supported sales in more than 170 countries.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Consumers suffering from a gluten allergy can satisfy their sweet tooth with new certified gluten-free baking mixes.

Marion's Smart Delights has introduced gluten-free lemon bar and gluten-free cookie and muffin baking mixes. The company said that the mixes offer improved flour blends and more recipe versatility, while still touting the original nutrition benefits, such as reduced sugar, low sodium and whole grains.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Marley's Mellow Mood is introducing a new low-calorie option to consumers in July.

Marley's Mellow Mood Lite: Half Lemonade, Half Tea is sourced from such ingredients as chamomile, valerian root, lemon balm, hops, passionflower and melatonin. Each 8-oz. serving of the beverage is 40 calories, according to the company.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Mars Chocolate North America this week unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Midwest, part of the company's commitment to invest in U.S. manufacturing.

The facility, which will be located in Topeka, Kan., is the first site the company has built in 35 years and will help Mars Chocolate meet the growing demand for its candy products.