Consumables

FRESNO, Calif. — Consuming nuts in place of carbohydrates may help improve long-term blood-sugar control and lower cholesterol levels among Type 2 diabetics, according to a new study.

CHICAGO — Tampico Beverages is celebrating the launch of its citrus juice drink in a 20-oz., single-serve option.

The company said that Tampico's new convenient packaging is ideal for on-the-go consumers.

CONCORD, Mass. — Tea Forte has introduced a new line of beverages that are designed to improve one's skin.

New Skin-Smart teas are blended with polyphenols, which are designed to help fight against visible signs of skin aging, according to the company. The teas are available in 16-count filter bags for a suggested retail price of $5.95 and include the following flavors:

• Cucumber mint with green tea for youth recovery;

• Honey yuzu with green tea for natural renewal;

Momentum in the beer category is coming from craft beers. “Craft beers are growing at a 10% clip,” said Eric Shepard, executive editor of Beer Marketer’s Insights. “Seasonals and variety packs are the big news, and Indiana Pale Ales are very hot right now.” 


NEW YORK — Crystal Light is looking to shake up the beverage category with a new line of "mocktails."

The Crystal Light Mocktails, available in appletini, margarita and mojito flavors, pair together the flavor of summer beverages with low calories. The new Crystal Light line also touts packaging developed by Landor Associates.

The new line will be available nationally in September in time for the Labor Day holiday.

PARIS — General Mills now has a 51% stake in Yoplait S.A.S. and a 50% interest in a related entity that holds the worldwide Yoplait brands, the company announced Friday.

General Mills acquired the ownership stakes from Europe-based private equity firm PAI Partners and Sodiaal, the largest dairy cooperative in France, for about $1.2 billion. With this transaction, Yoplait will be governed by a supervisory board with representation from General Mills and Sodiaal, as the remaining ownership stakes in both entities will continue to be held by Sodiaal.

Consumables have long been a major component of any drug store’s product mix, but where stores historically have limited their offerings to soft drinks, candy and beer, more of them now are selling fresh produce and prepared foods.


SUPPLIER NEWS — Post Foods has expanded its Pebbles cereal lineup with a limited-edition flavor. New Pebbles Boulders Stone Age caramel apple now is available on store shelves nationwide. Each serving of the new cereal, which features caramel-flavored boulders and dinosaur bones, contains 110 calories and 16 g of whole grains, while providing 10 essential vitamins and minerals, Post said. Post said it will continue to introduce more limited-edition Boulders flavors throughout the year.