Consumables

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's is fortifying its snacks business by purchasing Procter & Gamble's Pringles business for nearly $2.7 billion.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in the summer of 2012, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

The announcement follows last year's agreement between P&G and Diamond Foods through which Diamond Foods would acquire Pringles for $2.35 billion. The deal was delayed "to allow Diamond Foods to complete an accounting investigation."

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.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has teamed up with a nonprofit to promote the environmental and energy savings benefits of washing laundry in cold water.

LAS VEGAS — Supervalu on Monday announced that its new Essential Everyday private-label brand — to include more than 2,400 products by early 2013 — now is available in select independent retail locations.

“Early results have shown that Essential Everyday is performing very well at our 1,100 Supervalu-owned stores, and we believe that our independent retailers will see a positive customer response as well," stated Leon Bergmann, president of Supervalu's independent business.

CINCINNATI — Febreze has partnered with Macaroni Kid and Operation Gratitude to send 60,000 Febreze Set & Refresh products to U.S. Military Service members this Valentine's Day.

Febreze’s partnership with Macaroni Kid and Operation Gratitude is an extension of Febreze’s Breathe Happy campaign, which highlights how Febreze products can transform the air so anyone can "breathe happy."

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Kraft Foods is bringing a new snack to the refrigerated dairy aisle.

New Kraft MilkBite milk and granola bars combine milk with whole grain granola and other ingredients, such as fruit or roasted nuts, while providing the same calcium as an 8-oz. glass of milk, the company said. The bars are available in five flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and mixed berry, for a suggested retail price of $3.49.

NEW YORK — A household cleaner, a shampoo for kids and a cheese snack product earned top honors in a consumer-voted awards program published by Better Homes and Gardens.

CHICAGO — According to “Merchandising Trends: Driving Consumption through Shopper Marketing,” a new report published earlier this week by SymphonyIRI Group, merchandising continues to play an important role at retail. In 2011, 47% of consumer packaged goods categories enjoyed increased merchandising support, including displays, feature ads, feature and display combined, and price reduction only.