Consumables

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Certain tobacco products introduced to the market or changed after Feb. 15, 2007, are subject to enhanced scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration, the agency said Wednesday.

DENVER — Looking to inspire weight loss among consumers, a maker of weight-management products is kicking off a new multiplatform marketing campaign.

Centered around Atkins' free weight-loss kit — which includes the quick-start guide, chef recipe booklet, sample two-week induction meal plan, pocket carb counter with acceptable foods lists, $3 book rebate for the bestselling "The New Atkins for a New You" and three free Atkins bars — the new campaign will include advertising, online initiatives and a unique chef recipe program.

Supplier News — A citrus soda made by Dr Pepper Snapple Group is making a major splash in the Southern states in which it’s currently sold. Sun Drop is made with orange juice and caffeine. DPS’ sudden focus on Sun Drop stems from the company’s interest in directing consumer interest to flavored sodas, a noncola segment of the soft drink industry in which the company specializes.



WASHINGTON — The Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association on Wednesday announced their support for a research study about how consumers use brand websites and how the use of these websites impacts shoppers’ in-store buying behavior.

DALLAS — Reducing sodium is at the top of consumer request lists when it comes to what they want in snacks, according to Frito-Lay. SymphonyIRI data showed that 52% of consumers in 2009 identified low sodium as an important snack attribute — up from 43% in 2007.


Manufacturers are giving consumers what they want. Frito-Lay, for example, continues to expand its lightly salted chip varieties, which offer 50% less sodium per ounce per serving.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Pactiv is rolling out a line of compostable paper plates for its Hefty brand.

Hefty Basics are disposable paper plates that have the strength to support almost any meal. The plates are biodegradable in home composting and are microwavable, Pactiv said.

The plates are available at select grocery stores throughout the Northeast region of the United States in 45-count, 8 and 5/8-in. lunch plate packages and 24-count, 10 and 1/4-in. dinner plate packages.



Dollar sales for energy drinks were up 8.2% in drug stores for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 31, 2010, according to SymphonyIRI Group. Energy shot dollar sales in the channel fared even better, with sales surging nearly 12% for the same period.


Despite occasional controversy, demand remains strong for the beverages, and the segment is poised to become even more significant as its appeal broadens beyond its original target consumer group.


ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., and NEW YORK — Marcal's Small Steps, a line of paper products that is made from 100% recyclable paper, is ready to salute those making environmental differences in their communities.

Through Feb. 25, visitors of MarcalSmallSteps.com/Heroes can nominate and vote for everyday heroes making a big environmental impact where they live. Five winners will be announced, receiving a total of $10,000 in donations to be made in their names to environmental charities.