New Products

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Co. is launching the Lancaster brand in January — the first time the company has launched a new brand that’s not a brand extension or acquisition in the past 30 years. The first line to launch will be Lancaster Soft Cremes soft caramels.

Lancaster Soft Cremes will be available in three flavors — caramel, vanilla and caramel, and vanilla and raspberry — in 8-oz. bags for $3.99 and 4-oz. bags that retail for $2.49. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration has postponed the time it will decide whether or not to approve an experimental treatment under development by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. for ulcerative colitis, the company said.

WHIPPANY, N.J. — Thanks in part to the launch of Alka-Seltzer Fruit Chews, the Alka-Seltzer brand has experienced a resurgence within the antacid tablet category. Brand sales are up 422.4% to $7.2 million for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6, according to IRI data across total U.S. multi-outlets.

Overall, sales of intimacy health products are down slightly. Sales of condoms are down 2.1% to $382.6 million, according to IRI for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6 across total U.S. multi-outlets. Personal lubricant sales were similarly down — falling 5.3% to $207.5 million. Only sales of personal massagers were up 5.6%, but on a relatively tiny base of $25.7 million.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Whether it’s Argan oil, Moroccan oil, jojoba oil or another type of oil — there’s no denying that hair oils are hot. These nourishing oils promise to deeply penetrate hair to restore health and shine.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars will launch a new M&M flavor in May, M&M’s Brand Birthday Cake Chocolate Candies. The flavor “symbolizes family celebrations, so we think it’s a great fit with our M&M’s brand,” said Larry Lupo, Mars Chocolate North America’s VP sales for convenience and drug channels. The milk chocolate infused with birthday cake flavored candies will be available in a 1.4-oz. single pack for $1.09 and an 8-oz. stand-up-pouch for $2.99.

Probiotics have continued to rake in sales this fall, and it’s a product category that still has plenty of growth potential. According to a survey by Procter & Gamble, 53% of women still don’t know what probiotics are, but 74% are interested in how their digestive system works.

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

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Core Science Medica has targeted consumers in need of a gluten-free lifestyle with its launch of Gluten Cutter, a dietary supplement to help gluten-sensitive consumers occasionally enjoy their favorite foods again. The supplement contains GCX50, a proprietary blend of enzymes, along with licorice, peppermint and ginger. The complex is designed to target and break down gluten, support intestinal health during gluten exposure and aid digestion.