Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

No longer a dormant category, sales of sleep aids continue to climb at a rate of 3.9% for the 52 weeks ended June 11 across total U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI. While that entire category was lifted with the introduction of Procter & Gamble’s ZzzQuil line, which still figures prominently, it only started there.

AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods on Friday named Lisa Selk CEO CytoSport. Selk will steer the CytoSport enterprise as it continues to focus on new product innovation and expanded distribution of its sports nutrition products. Selk brings more than 20 years of experience building consumer packaged food brands including Skippy peanut butter, among others.

DENVER — MusclePharm earlier this week reported significant progress towards expanding its reach through retail, thanks in part to the recent launch of its Natural Series, a line of plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO premium products that appeal to an expanding customer segment that seek organic alternatives to the traditional nutritional products and supplements.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Entia Biosciences on Monday announced the launch of Ergo4Health/Kidney, a new nutritional supplement intended for individuals who are concerned about kidney health. The product comes in easy-to-swallow 500 mg capsules.

The OTC e-commerce channel is the 900-lb. gorilla in the traditional domestic and global retail worlds. A U.S. brand owner is now confronted with a global pricing discipline challenge. The speed and ubiquity of product pricing and information has forced the issue. To paraphrase Hermione in “Harry Potter,” everything has changed.

ARLINGTON, Va. —  Health and wellness represents a significant growth opportunity for supermarket retailers, according to 81% of the food retailers who participated in a recent Food Marketing Institute survey. That's up from 70% in 2014, FMI reported.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe on Monday launched Spark Auto Delivery, a convenient and differentiated product subscription service that will allow customers to save on their favorite wellness items while receiving them on a flexible, automated shipping schedule.