News Briefs

General Mills’ Monsters Cereal is adding a brand-new character in 35 years, which also marks its first female mascot.

Carmella Creeper, the long-lost cousin of Frankenberry who is also a zombie DJ with an edgy sound, is joining the brand’s lineup, the company said.

The character will appear on a limited-edition cereal that contains caramel apple flavored pieces with colored monster marshmallows.

In addition, the line is also debuting the Monster Mash Remix Cereal, which is a mix of all six cereal flavors—Carmella Creeper, Frute Brute, Count Chocula, Boo Berry, Franken Berry and Yummy Mummy.

Consumers can find Monsters Cereals at retailers nationwide in a regular box for $3.99 and family size for $4.93.

TPG, a global alternative asset management firm, and AmerisourceBergen Corporation have completed their previously announced acquisition of OneOncology, a network of leading oncology practices.

TPG has acquired a majority interest in OneOncology, and AmerisourceBergen has acquired a minority interest in the company.

OneOncology’s affiliated practices, physicians and management team also have retained a minority interest in the company.

The partnership provides OneOncology with additional resources to grow its platform and invest behind clinical, operational and technical capabilities to continue to deliver high-quality, comprehensive patient care, the companies said.

Kroger is making it easier for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to order groceries online as it brings e-commerce electronic benefit transfer (EBT) payments to its Fred Meyer, Smith’s and QFC banners.

The expansion includes Fred Meyer and QFC stores throughout Oregon, Idaho and Washington, as well as all Smith’s locations. Customers can create an account through the respective grocer’s app or through their websites, then add an EBT account number as a new card under the “My Account” and “Wallet” options. Online EBT payment can only be used for SNAP-eligible products.

“Thousands of Fred Meyer and QFC shoppers place digital orders every week. Now, we are opening our digital grocery shopping experience to more people, with fresh, affordable food conveniently available through pickup or delivery,” said Tiffany Sanders, corporate affairs manager. “Fred Meyer and QFC believe in being Fresh for Everyone, and this is another important way we are connecting our neighbors to the foods that will help them live healthier, thriving lives.”

Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic region, which covers stores in Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, began accepting online SNAP payments in April.

Cincinnati-based Kroger has almost 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names. 

This story originally appeared on Progressive Grocer. 

BelliWelli is continuing to expand its offering snacks with a brand-new flavor addition—crunchy peanut butter chocolate.

Featuring a combination of peanut butter with quinoa crisps, peanut chunks and chocolate chips, the product joins the previously launched chocolate chip, birthday cake, cinnamon swirl and strawberry shortcake flavors.

The product, which is gluten-free, dairy-free, packed with probiotics and low FODMAP certified, will be available as a Sprouts exclusive flavor and then follow a launch to direct-to-consumer channels, including Amazon.

La Roche-Posay is continuing its mission to provide skin care products that target a wide range of issues with its latest launch — Niacinamide 10 Serum.

The latest addition to the brand’s anti-aging serum lineup is dermatologist tested and backed by ingredients that look to restore and rebalance skin, the company said.

Made with a high concentration of 10% pure niacinamide, the serum looks to reduce dark spots, clarify discolorations and rebalance the appearance of uneven skin tone. In addition, it also works to repair signs of photodamage, targeting hyperpigmentation, the company said.

Other ingredients found in the product include phe-resorcinol to target discoloration, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and repair the skin’s moisture barrier and its signature La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.

Retailing for $39.99, La Roche-Posay’s Niacinamide 10 Serum can be purchased at CVS, Ulta Beauty, Target, Walgreens, Duane Reade and online.

Rina Shah has assumed the role of senior vice president, of Pharmacy of the Future and Transformation at Walgreens.

Shah brings 25 years of experience with community-based care to deliver the future of pharmacy in health care and broaden pharmacist capabilities through consumer-centric, technology-enabled clinical services that improve health outcomes and lower the cost of care. In her current role, she leads a team that is responsible for core elements of the retailer's operating pharmacy model, including centralized services, micro-fulfillment, pharmacy administration and compliance, the company said.

“Rina began her career at Walgreens in 1998 in our stores where she held various pharmacy roles. In 2007, Rina joined the corporate support center where she held multiple leadership positions in which she was responsible for launching innovative healthcare initiatives, leading market access sales operations and client services, and was responsible for pharmacy operations, services and specialty across more than 9,000 Walgreens’ community pharmacies. Rina was critical in the COVID-19 pandemic response with the enablement of vaccinations, testing and treatment services across the Walgreens enterprise,” Walgreens said. 

Shah is actively involved with the UIC College of Pharmacy, APhA, NASP, the CDC and NACDS. In addition, she presently serves as chair of the NACDS 2023 Advisory Group and was re-elected to the NACDS Foundation board of directors.