Consumables

MINNEAPOLIS — Chex is looking to reach more cereal lovers by saying "so long" to gluten.

The cereal brand now touts gluten-free products — including honey nut, chocolate, cinnamon, rice and corn — which is called out on the packaging.

NEW YORK — Rising gas prices will prompt consumers to be more mindful of their spending habits, according to Nielsen projections.

In the United States, Nielsen noted, households could be paying an extra $52.50 with a 50-cent increase in gas prices, $105 with a $1 increase and $210 if prices jump up $2, prompting consumers to tighten their wallets. This will mirror historic trends, which include increased trip compression, more value-conscious shopping alternatives and increased use of coupons, Nielsen said.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Taking a cue from other beverage makers, Danone Waters of America said it has redesigned its 1.5-liter Evian bottle as part of the company's ongoing effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

The new Evian bottle, which reduces the overall carbon footprint by 32%, remains 100% recyclable while using 11% less weight (down to 28.6 g per bottle). The bottle, the company added, is made of up to 50% recycled PET.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble announced the grand opening of its new plant in Box Elder, Utah, marking the first plant the company has built in four decades.

P&G said the plant, which also features an on-site distribution center, will handle the company's family care business of brands, which includes the Bounty, Charmin and Puffs brands. The Box Elder plant has more than 600,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, plus 400,000 sq. ft. for its on-site distribution center, which opened last spring to ship a number of P&G products.

ORANGEBURG, N.Y. — Wet wipes manufacturer Nice-Pak announced it is expanding its distribution facilities and manufacturing plants.

Nice-Pak said the move will further the company’s leadership position and significantly enhance its global sustainability platform.

Nice-Pak produces more than 125 billion premoistened products in the baby, beauty wipes, personal care, hand wipes and household wipes categories.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo said it significantly is reducing its carbon footprint through its development of a plant-based bottle.

The company said its "green" PET bottle, made of such bio-based raw materials as switch grass, pine bark and corn husks, is 100% recyclable.

The announcement followed the company's rollout of "quieter" compostable bags for its SunChips brand.

PepsiCo will pilot production of the new bottle in 2012.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods on Monday announced that its EVP and CFO, Timothy McLevish, will leave the company in mid-2011.

McLevish, who served as EVP and CFO for Kraft since 2007, will shift his CFO responsibilities to EVP operations David Brearton. Prior to his exit, McLevish will report the company's first-quarter financial results.

LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — Ocean Spray has introduced two drinks that blend its classic cranberry juice with other berry flavors.

New to the Ocean Spray lineup are Ocean Spray 100% juice cranberry, pomegranate, cherry and 100% juice cranberry, blueberry, blackberry. One glass provides 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin C and two servings of fruit, Ocean Spray said.