News Briefs

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that Jonathan Swan, national political reporter at Axios, will speak at the NACDS Political Involvement Reception during the NACDS Total Store Expo 2022, taking place from Aug. 27 to 29 in Boston.

Swan is regarded as one of the best-sourced reporters covering both political parties in Washington, D.C., and one of the most groundbreaking interviewers on American television, NACDS said.

Swan serves as the lead reporter on the “Axios on HBO” show, during which he has interviewed global leaders — including Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, director general of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Iraq President Barham Salih and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan — as well as influential democratic and republican leaders in the United States, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky).

[Read more: NACDS to host listening sessions prior to White House conference on hunger, nutrition, health]

Swan’s 2020 “Axios on HBO” interview with President Trump — which was seen and shared by more than 100 million people — earned him an Emmy Award and the 2022 Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage.

“Jonathan Swan has distinguished himself as one of the most preeminent, political storytellers of our time, and we look forward to the unique insights he will offer on the current political environment, as we rapidly approach Election Day,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “Jonathan will bring tremendous value to the signature NACDS-PAC event during the NACDS Total Store Expo.”

The bipartisan NACDS-PAC supports congressional candidates who understand and help to advance pro-pharmacy and pro-patient policies. The event is open to NACDS-PAC contributors and invited guests.

[Read more: NACDS, 93 groups urge continued access to pandemic-related services at pharmacies]

NACDS urges member company representatives to register now for the fast-approaching 2022 NACDS Total Store Expo.

Kellogg’s Special K is looking to take the worry out of snacking with its new protein snack bars line.

Featuring 6 g of protein and 90 calories per bar, the protein snack bars are designed to help consumers find easy ways to refuel and reenergize while on the go, the Battle Creek, Mich.-based company said.

“Sometimes you just need a second to pause and do something for yourself that’s going to energize you. At Special K, we love to offer that special combination of indulgent-tasting flavors plus functional ingredients like protein in a portable snack that’s perfect for stashing in your bag, car or desk drawer,” said Heidi Ray, senior director of brand marketing at Kellogg’s portable wholesome snacks. “Our new Special K Protein Snack Bars are a delicious mini option you can feel good about enjoying, so you’re able to take a moment and get a little boost of energy to help fuel you for whatever your day has in store.”

Available in sweet berry vanilla and rich chocolatey brownie sundae flavors, Special K Protein Snack Bars are now available at grocery retailers nationwide for the suggested retail price of $4.29 for a five-count package.

Violife is expanding beyond its well-known line of vegan cheese with the introduction of three new plant-based dips.

Free of dairy, nuts, soy, gluten and preservatives, the three new dips include:

• French Onion: Made with such simple ingredients as coconut oil and real onions;
• Spinach and Artichoke: Made with vegan and simple plant-based ingredients that include coconut oil, real spinach and artichokes; and
• Ranch: Made with plant-based ingredients that include coconut oil and herbs.

“Consumers love the taste and convenience of dips, and we are excited to bring Violife’s delicious plant-based take on these classic flavors to life!” said Debra Yoo, senior brand manager at Violife. “We know that these new dips will appeal to consumers across the country, whether they are vegan, dairy-free or curious about plant-based foods.”

Violife’s three new dips are available at Whole Foods Market.  

Pixi is releasing a brand-new product designed to deliver a glow to any user while on the go.

The On-the-Glow Bronze sticks offer consumers a hint of tint in an easy use to use format that is suitable for use on the cheeks and lips.

Formulated with fruit extracts for antioxidant protection, the solid tint is designed to blend effortlessly into the skin for a natural and bronze glow, the company said.

Other key ingredients include ginseng to revitalize and balance and aloe vera to soothe and calm.

Retailing for $18, Pixi’s On-the-Glow Bronze is available online at pixibeauty.com/products/on-the-glow-bronze.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, or CHPA, announced Lisa Paley as Chair-elect of the CHPA Board of Directors.

Paley will assume the position of board chair in March 2023, when current CHPA board chair Michelle Goodridge, president, U.S. Self Care, Johnson & Johnson Consumer, concludes her chairmanship. 

At its June meeting in Washington, CHPA also welcomed two new manufacturer members to its board of directors, including Kristin Recchiuti, CEO of Advantice Health, and Paul Wood, executive vice president, chief commercial officer and executive vice president, U.S. sales of Church & Dwight.

“I am delighted to welcome Kristin and Paul as our two newest board members,” said Scott Melville, president and CEO of CHPA, “and to congratulate Lisa on her appointment as chair-elect. Collectively, these individuals bring decades of consumer healthcare experience to our board that will help guide the association during these exciting times for self-care in the world’s largest market. I look forward to continuing to work together with each of them as we shape the industry we want for the future.”

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements and consumer medical devices.

Clif Kid Zbar is expanding its organic, whole-grain energy snack bar line with a brand-new flavor addition.

The Emeryville, Calif.-based company is releasing a new blueberry muffin flavor, made to be reminiscent of a blueberry muffin straight from the oven.

Made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, the easily storable and portable bar contains 12 g of whole grains from organic oats and organic wild blueberries, the company said.

“Clif Kid is thrilled to roll out our brand new Zbar blueberry muffin flavor. It’s the perfect addition to our expansive portfolio of Zbar flavors that kids crave and parents trust,” said Valerie Van Arkel, senior brand manager at Clif Kid. “Summer break is for playing, adventuring and making priceless family memories, and Clif Kid Zbar blueberry muffin flavor is the perfect energy snack to accompany all the fun of childhood summers.”

Retailing for $5.49, Clif Kid Zbar’s blueberry muffin flavor is available at such retailers as Target, Kroger, Meijer, Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Hy-Vee and Raley’s, as well as online.