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Swiffer paints cleaning products aisle red
MINNEAPOLIS — Procter & Gamble's Swiffer products are turning red for Valentine's Day with new limited-edition packaging.

From Feb. 6 to March 16, shoppers at Target will find that Swiffer products — including Swiffer WetJet, Swiffer sweeper starter kit and Swiffer Dusters extender — will be adorned with red packaging. Red also will appear on displays in stores to help Target shoppers find the perfect Swiffer products to suit their floors.
Duracell program to donate batteries to equip volunteer firefighters
BETHEL, Conn. — Procter & Gamble’s Duracell brand, in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council, on Monday kicked off a national battery donation program. The Power Those Who Protect Us program is designed to help equip the more than 730,000 volunteer firefighters with supplies they need to help power such firefighting gear as flashlights, breathing apparatuses and emergency personnel locators.

Squishy surprise

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Brand Vending has added multipacks to its lineup of Sqwishland collectible animals. The new six- and 12-pack Sqwishlander Surprise Mix collections contain an assortment of regular, rare and ultra-rare squishies. The six-packs sell for $4.99, and 12-packs retail for $9.99. 
Traditional games still in play

Sales of games and puzzles dipped 6% last year to $1.24 billion, according to the NPD Group, but Adrienne Appell, a spokeswoman for the Toy Industry Association, said that as a category, games have held steady over the past few years.
Minute Maid Pulpy gains $1 billion in retail sales

ATLANTA — A Minute Maid product has achieved $1 billion in sales worldwide.

Coca-Cola, which owns the Minute Maid brand, reported that Minute Maid Pulpy marked the first Coca-Cola brand that was launched in an emerging market — the drink was launched nationally in China in 2005 — to reach the billion-dollar mark.

Last year, Minute Maid Pulpy was introduced in Algeria, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, followed by rollouts in Mexico and Kazakhstan.
P&G's Steele to retire, business units to be consolidated

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble on Tuesday announced that Robert Steele, vice chairman of global health and well-being, will retire effective Sept. 1.

Steele oversees oral care, feminine care, personal health care, pet care and snacks for P&G.

Between now and September, Steele will serve as vice chairman of healthcare strategy, reporting to P&G chairman, president and CEO Robert McDonald.
Flavor equation

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate North America has added a new product to the Snickers portfolio. Snickers Peanut Butter Squared adds peanut butter to the classic Snickers combination of peanuts, caramel, nougat and milk chocolate. The candy is the top-testing new bar launch for Mars in the last three years. 

Each 1.78-oz. single pack includes two square-shaped bars and carries a suggested retail price of 89 cents. The bars also are available in fun-size bags in two sizes: 11.5 oz. and 21.5 oz. 
Allegations against Hershey could impact candy sales

WASHINGTON — Hershey is facing accusations that it has not helped efforts to end child labor, which potentially could impact the sales of its products during one of the biggest sale seasons of the year.
Cottonelle wants consumers to 'make the ultra switch'

DALLAS — Toilet tissue brand Cottonelle is encouraging consumers to try something new in their bathrooms.

To promote its brand, Cottonelle announced the launch of its "Make the Ultra Switch" sweepstakes. By giving away 90 prizes in 90 days, the company hopes shoppers will seek to purchase Cottonelle's thick toilet paper, the company stated.
‘Constant newness’ makes gum sales pop

 Continued product innovation in the sugarless gum segment helped push dollar sales ahead nearly 5% for the 12 weeks ended Nov. 28, 2010, according to SymphonyIRI Group. 

“Constant newness has been driving the category, and as manufacturers continue to invest in advertising, consumer interest remains high,” said Lisbeth Echeandia, VP trade marketing for consulting group Frey Enterprises.