HEALTH

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite launched its latest VMS innovation, Nature Made VitaMelts, earlier this summer, and already the brand ranks No. 12 among one- and two-letter vitamins, according to 52-week sales data as tracked by IRI.

The most significant point of differentiation: a new-format delivery that induces trial and subsequently the repurchase. “The repurchase is so high because the marketing campaign has been very successful and continues to build awareness among mass consumers,” noted Pharmavite spokesman Doug Jones.

Traditional cough-cold remedies weren’t the only benefactors of a robust illness season last year. Sales of immunity boosters were also up.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)

One subcategory that has really jolted the sales-per-square-inch across analgesic sets is sleep aids. Sales of sleeping remedies, including both liquids and tablets, were up 51.2% to $408 million for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 11 across U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI data. Almost one-third of that, or $127 million, came courtesy of Procter and Gamble’s ZzzQuil, which launched a little more than a year ago.

RHINEBECK, N.Y. — Topical BioMedics recently announced distribution through CVS/pharmacy for its Topricin Foot Therapy Cream, a homeopathic topical treatment for pain associated with fibromyalgia and neuropathy that is safe for diabetics.

SHELTON, Conn. — TABS Group on Friday announced the formation of a senior-level team dedicated to supporting internal and customer-related initiatives with Walmart. TABS Group will tap into the talent base to obtain a comprehensive understanding as to how the largest U.S. retail chain operates on a chain and local level. The insights gained will benefit Walmart and Consumer Products manufacturers and further contributes to the firm’s mission to simplify and improve the way analytics is conducted within the industry. 

NEW YORK — Craig Dubitsky, known for helping to bring to market such brands as Method, EOS and Help Remedies, and more recently Hello oral care products, was characterized as a giant killer in a blog published by AdAge Monday.  

"He's a small part of a big movement — an insurgent group of digitally enabled entrepreneurs gnawing away at the dominance of multibillion-dollar brands and their giant marketing budgets," wrote Jack Neff, who covers personal products for AdAge. 

NEW YORK — Represented by the Greenwood Group, Smith Brothers is making its way back onto shelves with a new way of thinking about sore throat lozenges, according to a report published Friday by Bloomberg. 

NEWTON SQUARE, Pa. — Embracing its French roots, Boiron launched a national “Where Will You Take Oscillo?” photo contest on Oct. 1. The contest encourages quick action against early and crucial flu-like symptoms year-round by being prepared with Oscillo.