Consumables

ATLANTA — Expect to see Heinz in a whole new way.

The company said it has entered a strategic partnership with Coca-Cola to implement the soft drink giant's PlantBottle packaging in the production of its Heinz Ketchup bottles. PlantBottle packaging is made of PET plastic bottles that are fully recyclable and use less nonrenewable resources than traditional PET plastic bottles, according to the companies. Heinz said the adoption of the PlantBottle technology will be the biggest change to its iconic ketchup bottles since they first introduced plastic in 1983.

HERSHEY, Pa. — Reviewing progress of its consumer-driven approach to core brand investment in U.S. and international markets, Hershey EVP and COO J.P. Bilbrey unveiled the latest Hershey confectionary innovation.

Air Delight will be available in the style of Hershey's Kisses and the classic Hershey's milk chocolate-style bar, according to a presentation made by Bilbrey at the annual Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference in Boca Raton, Fla.

DUSSELDORF, Germany, and ROCKY HILL, Conn. — Henkel's 2010 sales grew 11.2% to nearly $20.8 billion during the year, the company reported in its financial earnings release.

Henkel's North American sector also experienced strong growth, garnering $3.75 billion in sales for the year, an increase of 7% from 2009. The company also noted that organic sales growth totaled 3.5%, mainly boosted by its adhesive technologies, although sales of the laundry and home care and cosmetics/toiletries business sectors declined.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As expected, CVS/pharmacy officially has introduced a new line of store-brand products called Just the Basics, which is comprised of household essentials. As previously reported by Drug Store News, the retailer unveiled plans to launch the new line during its 2010 analyst day in October.

The new product line, exclusively available at CVS/pharmacy, is comprised of nearly 100 items, and there are plans to expand the line going forward.

CHICAGO — Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels has introduced a new soft pretzel for gluten-free consumers.

Kim & Scott's gluten-free soft pretzels, which can be found in the frozen food aisle of Whole Foods and other retailers this spring, boast a blend of five "ancient grains," the company said, including sorghum flour, millet flour, quinoa flour, amaranth flour and teff flour.

In addition to the gluten-free product, Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels tout more than 12 varieties.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — As the holiday season comes to a close, Mars Chocolate North America already is unveiling its winter holiday offerings for 2011.

Mars said it is expanding its M&M's and Dove brands with seasonal candies that capture the holiday spirit, including new gifting displays for retailers.

New products include such items as M&M's stocking tin ornaments, which are filled with M&M’s milk chocolate candies, and Dove silky and smooth truffles, available in milk and dark chocolate.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi announced the latest new cereal addition to its line of all natural foods.

Kashi Golden Goodness combines Kashi's seven whole grain blend and sweet corn, which are baked into flakes and clusters that are sweetened with a touch of honey and molasses.

Kashi Golden Goodness cereal now is available in grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Peeps are diving into chocolate for the Easter holiday.

New this Easter to the Peeps lineup are Peepsters and Peeps chocolate dipped chicks, providing Peeps fans their favorite marshmallow candies with a twist. Peepsters are bite-size, individually wrapped candies that are available in milk and dark chocolate, while Peeps chocolate dipped chicks give Peeps fans an updated taste on the classic candy by adding either a milk chocolate or dark chocolate covering at the bottom of each chick.