Consumables

NEW YORK — The maker of Sugar In The Raw and Stevia In The Raw products has launched a new television advertising campaign to show consumers "it's only natural."

SPARTA, Mich. — Old Orchard Brands is celebrating the flavor of tart cherries with a new beverage line.

Very Cherre is a 100% juice line that includes tart cherry and three tart cherry blends: tart cherry/blueberry, tart cherry/cranberry and tart cherry/pomegranate. The juices are gluten-free and do not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or added sugars, the company said.

Very Cherre beverages will be available mid-summer in 64-oz. bottles for a suggested retail price of $4.99.

STRATHAM, N.H. — Lindt is expanding its dark chocolate offerings with two new Excellence bars.

The Excellence 70% cocoa almond brittle balances the sweet crunch of almond brittle with dark chocolate, while the Excellence 70% cocoa nut crunch combines the subtle flavor and delicate crunch of of caramelized walnut and hazelnut pieces with dark chocolate. Each bar provides a "delightful dark chocolate experience," Lindt said.

NEW YORK — Natural and organic foods and beverages are expected to realize dramatic growth in 2011 and beyond, following strong U.S. retail sales over the past five years.

According to new research conducted by Packaged Facts, "Natural and Organic Foods and Beverages in the U.S., 3rd Edition," U.S. retail sales of natural and organic foods and beverages rose to nearly $39 billion in 2010, a 9% increase over 2009, and 63% higher than sales five years earlier.

IRVING, Texas — Hostess is kicking off a summer sweepstakes that celebrates America's favorite national pastime.

The company, whose brands include Drake's Hostess, Wonder and more, said that its "You Could Win A Dream Road Trip" promotion offers three grand prize winners and their families the chance to follow their favorite major league baseball team to a city of their choice. What's more, more than 200 daily prize winners will receive $100 Stub Hub gift cards redeemable for approximately four home game tickets.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new study conducted by researchers at the University of South Carolina found that unhealthy food products that tout healthy names may dupe dieters into considering them as good-for-you items.

"The Impact of Product Name on Dieters' and Non-Dieters' Food Evaluations and Consumption" found that among more than 520 study participants, dieting tendency has no effect on product evaluations if foods carry a healthy name, such as salad, although dieters are more mindful if a product touts a name that is considered unhealthy, such as pasta.

CHICAGO — Tropicana is giving its Trop50 brand a refreshing boost.

Just in time for summer, Trop50 has debuted lemonade and raspberry lemonade beverages. Each variety contains no artificial sweeteners and 50% less sugar and calories.

To celebrate the launch, Trop50 lemonade and raspberry lemonade will be supported in the brand's "Girlfriends" advertising campaign, which launched last September and features actress Jane Krakowski.

Trop50's lineup also includes original Trop50 orange juice and farmstand apple juice.

OREM, Utah — A new brewed drink is looking to provide an alternative to coffee.

Crio Brü, which contains 100% pure, premium cocoa beans, brews just like coffee, according to the company. Currently sold in coffee shops and coffee aisles at retail in Utah, as well as online, Crio Brü is available in Cavalla, Vega Real and Coca River flavors.