Consumables

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jelly Belly has introduced a new line of jelly beans inspired by Snapple beverages.

Jelly Belly Snapple Mix are made with natural ingredients, including real fruit juice, Snapple juice drink concentrates and fruit purees, and do not contain artificial coloring, Jelly Belly said. The product will be packaged in a 1.65-oz. bottle package 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.

After strong growth, the cereal/granola bar category is showing slower growth. A report on “Food Bars in the U.S.” by Packaged Facts estimated U.S. sales of 
cereal/granola bars at $3.1 billion in 2011, with flat sales for the overall category, despite some growth in premium granola bars. Experian Simmons data showed that 40% of adults use cereal/granola bar products overall, said David Sprinkle, research director at Packaged Facts.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate is putting its candy bars on a diet, according to published reports.

The company is said to limit the calories on its well-known candy brands, including Snickers and Twix. According to a Reuters report, candy bars will tout no more than 250 calories by 2013. What's more, the report said, such items as the 540-calorie king-size Snickers bar will be pulled from the market by 2014.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Avery Brewing has tapped can manufacturer Ball to create unique packaging for Avery's brands.

The company said it partnered with Ball's Graphics Center of Excellence and utilized the latter's Eyeris Enhanced Graphics printing technique to create a 360-degree miniature billboard with every can for distinctive, on-the-shelf differentiation of Avery's brands, including India Pale Ale, White Rascal, Ellie's Brown Ale and Joe's Premium American Pilsner.

LOS ANGELES — Marley Coffee has inked a distribution agreement that will expands its line's availability on the East Coast, as well as in Hawaii.

NEW HOLLAND, Pa. — Alouette has launched two new spreadable cheeses.

Available in ready-to-serve 6 oz. containers, the sharp cheddar cheese and bacon cheddar cheese flavors are available in the deli section of supermarkets nationwide for a suggested retail price of $4.99.

ATLANTA — Barq's is paying homage to its Gulf Coast heritage by introducing a new design on all of its products' packaging.

The root beer brand said that while the cans will maintain their distinctive silver color, the new look features a diamond pattern reminiscent of the drink's original 1898 12-oz. glass bottle packaging. Additionally, the label helps celebrate the brand's 114-year history by keeping the simple slogan "It's Good. Since 1898."

MINNEAPOLIS — Wheaties is introducing three new Wheaties boxes that feature retro images of former "Wheaties Champions."

The cereal brand said touting images of Muhammad Ali, Bruce Jenner and Mary Lou Retton on its boxes is designed to call out how these three athletic legends have continued to inspire America’s future athletes.