Consumables

CAMDEN, N.J. — Pace is building on the success of its Restaurant Style salsa with three new flavors.

The three all-natural, gluten-free salsas include garden pepper, a blend of bell peppers, jalapenos and lime; garlic and lime verde, made with tomatillos and a touch of garlic and lime; and southwest chipotle, a chipotle chili puree with crushed tomatoes, red peppers and onions. Pace debuted the product line last year in select markets.

CHICAGO — Pampers Cruisers/Swaddlers with Dry Max, Gillette Fusion ProGlide and P.F. Chang's Home Menu were the top three new product introductions in 2011, according to the SymphonyIRI Group "2011 New Product Pacesetter" report released Tuesday afternoon. Respectively, Pampers generated $296 million in first-year sales, Gillette Fusion ProGlide generated $169.4 million and P.F. Chang's Home Menu generated $101.6 million. The three were the only new brands to break the $100 million barrier in year-one sales through 2011.

QUAKERTOWN, Pa. — Knauss Foods has set its sights on the beef jerky market with the launch of PJ's Beef Steak.

Knauss Foods, a producer of dried beef products, said its new product is a healthy, all-natural, protein-packed meat snack made from the highest-quality lean cuts of 100% beef and is slow cooked without any artificial preservatives. PJ's Beef Steak currently is available in original, cracked pepper and teriyaki flavors.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Mountain Dew has tapped its spokespeople for its new campaign.

"This is How We Dew," the latest campaign from soft drink Mountain Dew, enlists the brand's spokespeople — including music stars Lil Wayne, Jason Aldean and Mac Miller, race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., skateboarders Paul Rodriguez and Theotis Beasley and snowboarder Danny Davis — to express their individuality.

PLANO, Texas — Frito-Lay North America's Smartfood brand is being extended to include all-natural popcorn, popped chips and puffed corn snacks.

ADDISON, Ill. — Michael Season's, a Natural Snacks brand, has introduced a new line of snacks made with black beans.

The new Michael Season's Popped black bean crisps line, the company said, features nutritional benefits of protein and fiber, is wheat-free and gluten-free and touts reduced fat and low sodium. The crisps also are free of preservatives, artificial coloring and flavors.

Michael Season's Popped black bean crisps are available in sea salt, nacho and roasted red pepper flavors and carry a suggested retail price of $2.99 per 3-oz. bag.

Customer loyalty has always been paramount for retailers, but as we wade into 2012 and beyond, it is becoming increasingly evident that retailers have a renewed focus on establishing a strong sense of loyalty and creating an engaging customer experience through cross-channel initiatives that are touching customers both in and — perhaps more importantly — out of the store.


Americans may be eating more meals at home, but they are still as pressed as ever for time. That means that food-prep time-savers are crucial for consumers. Consumers want to make healthful, fresh meals at home, but they depend on some prepared elements.