ReportersNotebook — General Merchandise, 5/2/11
SUPPLIER NEWS — Purina One has introduced a new line of pet food for dogs and cats that boasts meat as the No. 1 ingredient. Purina One Beyond is crafted without wheat or corn, added fillers or artificial preservatives. The line includes two adult dog recipes: chicken and whole oat meal, and lamb and whole barley. The line also features two adult cat recipes: salmon and whole brown rice, and chicken and whole oat meal. Purina One Beyond dog recipes are available in 3-lb., 15-lb. and 26-lb. packages. Purina One Beyond cat recipes are available in a 1-lb. recyclable carton, 3-lb., 6-lb. and 13-lb. packages.
Procter & Gamble announced that it has teamed up with its retail partners to create a mobile application designed to help consumers live and shop more sustainably. The app, called “My Carbon Footprint,” works on iPhone, iPad or Droid devices. It is an interactive, social-media-enabled carbon footprint gauge powered by P&G’s Future Friendly initiative, P&G reported. It became available on Earth Day, April 22.
EXECUTIVE NEWS — A company that specializes in “As Seen on TV” products has named a new COO. Ron Boger, who currently serves as EVP of IdeaVillage, will take on the COO role. He will work with company founder Anand Khubani in launching new and innovative products in the mass market. Boger is credited with bringing such products as SlimShots, Yoshi ceramic knife, Fushigi ball and Criss Angel MindFreak magic kits and tricks under the IdeaVillage banner and into the mass market.