Center Store

New Energy-X chewing gum enters market
LOS ANGELES — Pacific Shore Holdings has added a caffeinated, sugar-free gum to its Energy-X portfolio.

New Energy-X chewing gum is available in a spearmint flavor and contains 55 mg of caffeine, the company said. The Energy-X line will expand to include a caffeinated gum that features 102 mg of caffeine and will be infused with green tea extract.

The company currently markets Energy-X lip balm products and is slated to launch an Energy-X protein power bar.
Demand for ethnic flavors  spices up category sales
Spice consumption is at an all-time high as consumers’ changing palates are craving more flavor. During the 1950s, Americans stocked less than 10 spices in their pantries. Today, the average American’s pantry includes up to 40 different and diverse spices, according to research from McCormick & Co.

Niche cards chart  differentiation in aisles

 The supplier in the greeting card aisle may not be enough to capture consumer interest. While smaller, niche players make up less than 5% of category sales, according to one manufacturer, those companies can offer a point of differentiation to retailers that larger manufacturers can’t provide. 
Product of the Year USA awards looking for 2012 participants

NEW YORK — The world's largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods is calling on brands to submit their newest products.
Energizer, NASCAR fans achieve Guinness World Record

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Racing fans at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina this past Saturday broke a Guinness World Record for most flashlights simultaneously lit.
Snacking goodness

MOUNT OLIVE, N.J. — Mars Chocolate North America is moving into the healthy snack space. The company recently introduced GoodnessKnows snack squares — fruit and nut bars made without artificial ingredients, colors or flavors. 
‘Dropps’ in green bucket

PHILADELPHIA — Phosphate-free and biodegradable Dropps laundry detergent is getting greener. The premeasured, disposable pack detergent, made by Cot’n Wash, has partnered with TerraCycle to give consumers a zero-waste liquid laundry detergent option. 
Mintel: Growth peppered into sauces, marinades market

CHICAGO — The sauces and marinades market has experienced a 20% upswing in U.S. retail sales between 2005 and 2010, and is expected to increase an additional 19% by 2015.
ReportersNotebook — Consumables, 5/30/11

SUPPLIER NEWS — SnackWell’s has overhauled its line of products for women with new portioned, indulgent snacks. The brand, which is owned by Kraft Foods, said the latest SnackWell’s treats will range from 100 to 150 calories per pack. The products, along with such classic SnackWell’s treats as devil’s food cookie cakes and creme sandwich cookies, will feature new and modern packaging. They made their debut nationwide in mid-April with a suggested retail price of $3.19 per box; each box features five individually portioned packs. 
ReportersNotebook — General Merchandise, 5/30/11

SUPPLIER NEWS — Ziploc has launched its VersaGlass products, which are designed to go from the fridge to the microwave or oven — at temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit — and straight to the dinner table, the company said. The containers also are dishwasher-safe and available in six sizes, ranging from $4.19 to $8.99, or in a variety pack of three containers for $17.99.