Consumables

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Mass merchandiser Sam's Club has made a deal with the pregnancy and parenting brand of an author who has signed on to write articles in its in-store magazine.

Americans are broadening their food horizons. ReportsnReports, an online market research reports library, published a new market research report titled “Packaged Food in the U.S.,” which indicated that ethnic food interest has drastically increased.

BENICIA, Calif. — Pasta Prima has introduced a superfood ravioli.

The 100% natural pasta is a blend of kale and spinach complemented by five gourmet cheeses, including parmesan, romano, asiago, mozzarella and ricotta, and also is a good source of calcium and vitamins A, C and K, the company said.

Pasta Prima's ravioli products are priced from $3.99 to $5.29 at retail (for 8-oz., larger size available) and $9.99 to $12.99 at club stores.

DALLAS — The National Diaper Bank Network and Kimberly-Clark's Huggies brand have pledged to donate 1 million diapers to the American Red Cross to support the organization's disaster relief efforts in the South and Midwest.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Hiball Energy said its line of reformulated sparkling energy waters and organic energy drinks now are packaged in cold-activated, lightweight 16-oz. aluminum cans developed by Ball.

The new can package features "cold activation" graphics using thermochromic ink by Chromatic Technologies. When cans reach a temperature of 45 degrees F, the bubbles on the can graphics turn from white to blue — indicating that the beverage inside is at the optimal temperature for drinking.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods showed the biggest gains in the last three years in the ethnic food category. Sales of ethnic food products grew in food, drug and mass outlets by 3.5% in 2011, reaching nearly $3 billion by year’s end, according to a recent report from Mintel. That rate is the slowest measured in the past five years, according to Mintel.

ILKLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE, U.K. — Morrisons, the large U.K.-based supermarket chain, wanted to get closer to its customers. The result was M Local, its new 3,000-sq.-ft., freestanding, convenience food format. In developing the new store, Morrisons identified four key issues U.K. customers have with convenience stores: lack of fresh food options; poor overall quality and value; difficult to shop; and poorly stocked.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Jelly Belly has introduced a new line of jelly beans inspired by Snapple beverages. Jelly Belly Snapple Mix is made with natural ingredients, including real fruit juice, Snapple juice drink concentrates and fruit purees. It also does not contain artificial coloring, Jelly Belly said. The product will be packaged in a 1.65-oz. bottle that is modeled after the real Snapple Juice Drink bottles. In addition to the new 1.65-oz. Jelly Belly Snapple Bottle, Jelly Belly Snapple Mix also is available in a 3.1-oz. bag, a 6.5-oz. bag and 4.5-oz. box.