Consumables

After several lackluster years, cookie sales were up in 2011 and are likely to show slight gains this year. The category was buoyed largely by sales of basic cookies, according to a recent report from Mintel, while premium cookie sales were hurt by a tight economy and increased media attention on America’s obesity epidemic. Mintel forecasts more growth for the premium segment from 2013 to 2016.


SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Red Bull energy drink brand has announced plans to roll out Red Bull Editions — three new flavors in color-coordinated 8.4-ounce cans — this coming March.


New flavors will include cranberry, lime and blueberry, in a red, silver and blue can, respectively. The new products mark the first time Red Bull has added new flavors to its offerings, something competitors have already done. Red Bull is the category dollar volume leader in 2012, according to Nielsen figures, with a 42% dollar share vs. 35% for 
competitor Monster.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Newcastle on Wednesday announced the first nationwide release of its limited edition beer, Newcastle Winter IPA. The Winter IPA will be on retail shelves and on draught in on-premise locations now through January 2013.

New Castle IPA features a copper color with a strong hop aroma, subtle caramel notes, a full body and a balanced finish, as is characteristic of traditional British-style IPAs.

LOS ANGELES — Quest Nutrition on Tuesday launched Quest Cravings Peanut Butter Cups, a high-protein chocolate candy with 20 g of protein per serving. 

The peanut butter cups are made with non-Dutch processed 100% chocolate rich in amino acids, containing no soy, trans fats or sugar. Suggested retail price is $27.99 for a box of 12 packages, with two cups per package.

In September, Quest Nutrition introduced the Cravings line exclusively to Facebook fans. 

SAN DIEGO — Health warning labels on cigarette packages that use pictures to show the health consequences of smoking are effective in reaching adult smokers, according to the results of a new study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 

BOSTON — Samuel Adams has once again stepped into the realm of "extreme beers" with its latest 10th anniversary release of Samuel Adams Utopias, the brewery's legendary barrel-aged beer. Aged to perfection — for some ingredients, 20 years — the new brew contains slightly more than 29% alcohol by volume, which compares with 5% ABV in Samuel Adams Boston Lager.

LOS ANGELES – Arrowhead Brand 100% Natural Spring Water on Thursday announced the launch of the .5 L ReBorn bottle in California.

The .5L ReBorn bottle is made of 50% recycled plastic (i.e., rPET), which requires 15% less energy to produce than bottles made from all-new materials. Additionally, bottles made of rPET can be continually recycled and reused.

EL PASO, TEXAS – Novamex, producer and marketer for such Mexican brands as Jarritos premium Mexican soda, on Thursday announced that it has launched Alova — the first natural, sparkling aloe vera beverage.

Alova will be available in three flavors: Cucumber/Mint, Mandarin Orange and Grapefruit. Each bottle contains 70-80 calories and all natural ingredients, real sugar, no preservatives and no artificial flavors.