Consumables

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — As part of its focus to drive growth among product categories, Kraft Foods said that the company is gearing up to introduce new liquid water enhancers.

Kraft Foods North America president, Tony Vernon, said that the company's MiO liquid water enhancers mark its largest beverage brand introduction in a decade. The idea is that with a few droplets, bland water can be transformed into a zero-calorie flavored beverage.

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.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jelly Belly’s new Peas & Carrots mellowcreme mix is a whimsical, retro product that has been revived right from the company’s antique candy molds. The “baby carrots” in the mix are orange sherbet mellowcreme, while the “peas” are green apple flavor — a sweet version of a classic veggie combination.


HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court in December ruled in favor of Wegmans and supermarkets across the state over whether or not the grocers could sell beer on their premises — the ruling expands what many consider to be the most restrictive alcohol distribution laws in the country. 


In Pennsylvania, beer can be purchased only from a restaurant/bar or beer distributor. Beer distributors can sell only by the case or keg, while restaurants and bars cannot sell more than 16 12-oz. beers per purchase. 


Dollar sales in the snack/granola bar category have grown nearly 8% in the past year, according to Sue Viamari, editor of Symphony­IRI Group’s Times and Trends report.


“Growth is being driven by strong performance by nutrition/intrinsic health value bars and granola bars, which climbed 15.6% and 7% during that time period,” she said. Breakfast/cereal bars posted flat sales for the year.


CHICAGO — The real question behind the introductions of a store-brand beer from both Walgreens and Supervalu is whether or not the new brews will be hits by year’s end. In other words, can Big Flats 1901 and Buck Range Light be to beer what Trader Joe’s Two-Buck-Chuck was to wine?


SUPPLIER NEWS — Australian winemaker Daryl Groom and Walgreens have launched a new table wine blend in line with American Heart Month. Colby Red, which was developed in partnership with Treasury Wine Estates, is dedicated to raising awareness for heart disease. The wine is named after Groom’s son, who was born with a hole in his heart and has undergone multiple surgeries to treat the defect.