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OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Redbox, with the help of Orville Redenbacher's gourmet popping corn, is encouraging Facebook fans to go head-to-head with film critic Richard Roeper to predict this season's movie award winners.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo's Brisk Iced Tea is getting animated.

The iced tea brand has launched clay puppet animation films with iconic celebrities. The first film featured actor Danny Trejo, star of action film "Machete." The second Web film, featuring rock star Ozzy Osbourne, will premiere Jan. 14.

The films build on Brisk's clay animation spots that debuted in the '90s.

DENVER — Looking to inspire weight loss among consumers, a maker of weight-management products is kicking off a new multiplatform marketing campaign.

Centered around Atkins' free weight-loss kit — which includes the quick-start guide, chef recipe booklet, sample two-week induction meal plan, pocket carb counter with acceptable foods lists, $3 book rebate for the bestselling "The New Atkins for a New You" and three free Atkins bars — the new campaign will include advertising, online initiatives and a unique chef recipe program.

Supplier News — A citrus soda made by Dr Pepper Snapple Group is making a major splash in the Southern states in which it’s currently sold. Sun Drop is made with orange juice and caffeine. DPS’ sudden focus on Sun Drop stems from the company’s interest in directing consumer interest to flavored sodas, a noncola segment of the soft drink industry in which the company specializes.



NEW YORK — Retailers who stick with proven characters should see the strongest sell-through in the toy category. Charles Riotto, president of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, said that, in addition to value, consumers want evergreen licenses to carry the assurance of quality that consumers desire in this economy.


Disney Princesses remained strong and got a boost from the recent release of “Tangled.” 
“Toy Story 3,” “Cars” and “Thomas the Tank Engine” 
are still huge.


LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Pactiv is rolling out a line of compostable paper plates for its Hefty brand.

Hefty Basics are disposable paper plates that have the strength to support almost any meal. The plates are biodegradable in home composting and are microwavable, Pactiv said.

The plates are available at select grocery stores throughout the Northeast region of the United States in 45-count, 8 and 5/8-in. lunch plate packages and 24-count, 10 and 1/4-in. dinner plate packages.

TORRANCE, Calif. — A writing instruments leader, in partnership with a nonprofit group, is commemorating National Handwriting Day with a unique promotion.

Pentel's "Heroes Worth Writing For" contest aims to educate the importance of a handwritten letter by encouraging Americans to express their appreciation to U.S. troops. Pentel partnered with Operation Gratitude, which annually sends more than 100,000 care packages addressed to individually named U.S. Service members.

FROSTBITE FALLS, Minn. — Classic Media and Bullwinkle Studios are bringing the complete series "Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends" to DVD in a collectible-edition box set.