Co-Marketing

PLANO, Texas — Earnings per share for Dr Pepper Snapple Group increased 5 cents to 49 cents, compared with the year-ago period, thanks to an increase in consumer spending and new licensing agreements with Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.

ST. LOUIS — Supermarket chain Schnucks Markets is partnering with produce wholesaler Frieda’s to educate shoppers about citrus fruits.

The retailer said all of its Schnucks and Logli stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee and Mississippi would host Frieda’s Produce University, an eight-hour, open-house-style event on Saturday that will feature staff to teach shoppers how to prepare and eat various citrus fruits and free samples. The session will cover exotic varieties, such as Meyer lemons, pomelos, blood oranges and kumquats.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Global fashion and beauty guru Jonathan Antin will be featured in a new campaign by hairstyle tools maker Conair.

As part of Antin's affiliation with Conair, he will be seen in advertising campaigns, make guest appearances and participate in beauty and fashion industry events, at which he will demonstrate the use of Conair styling tools and promote innovative Conair brand concepts, the company said.

CINCINNATI — Kroger said it is kicking off a year-long initiative to raise funds for armed forces members in partnership with the USO, the leading organization for morale-boosting programs and services for American troops and their families.

Kroger said the campaign will include in-store and online promotions and a text-to-give campaign that encourages Kroger customers to text "USO" to 27722 during the race to donate $10 to USO programs.

MINNEAPOLIS — Pop singer Lady Gaga has partnered with mass merchandise retailer Target to allow customers to pre-order a deluxe edition of her new album, “Born This Way.” Customers can order the album through Target and download the title track for free at Target.com/Gaga until Feb. 26.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has introduced two new products that unite the cleaning power of Mr. Clean and the fresh scent of Febreze.

New Zealand Springs and Hawaiian Aloha scents have joined the Mr. Clean with Febreze lineup. Available in pourable liquids and sprays, each product is designed to freshen and clean virtually all hard surface areas of the home, P&G said.

NEW YORK — CandyRific has joined Lucasfilm's "Star Wars" with iconic M&M's candies through a new license pairing.

The new M&M's "Star Wars" lineup includes such items as 9-in. and 12-in. dispensers (retailing for $4.99 and $12.99, respectively), candy fans ($3.99), coin banks ($2.99) and lightsabers ($3.99). Many of the products feature M&M's dressed as classic "Star Wars" characters, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Darth Vader and Han Solo.

NEW YORK — Diet Pepsi is showing off its skinny side.

The diet cola will debut its skinny can at New York's Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, held from Feb. 10 to 17, in which Diet Pepsi will serve as the show's official sponsor.