Center Store

Tobacco sales being evaluated by Walgreens
DEERFIELD, Ill. — In response to CVS Caremark's announcement to pull tobacco products out of its stores, Walgreens stated that the category has been under review at its stores, too.

Walgreens has been evaluating its tobacco line for “some time,” and said it “will continue to evaluate the choice of products our customers want, while also helping to educate them and providing smoking cessation products and alternatives that help reduce the demand for tobacco products,” noted Michael Polzin, Walgreens spokesperson.
Tyson announces new breakfast line
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods is adding a new line of breakfast items to its product offerings. Tyson Day Starts, a line of frozen breakfast sandwiches, aims to offer consumers protein-rich meals made with high-quality ingredients, the company said. Day Starts varieties will include biscuit sandwiches, breakfast flatbreads and wrapped omelets.

Coca-Cola, GMCR enter partnership

ATLANTA and WATERBURY, Vt. — Coca-Cola and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters have signed a 10-year agreement to work together on the development and introduction of Coca-Cola’s global brand portfolio for use in GMCR's upcoming Keurig Cold at-home beverage system.

Under the agreement, the companies will cooperate to bring the Keurig Cold beverage system to consumers around the world. The companies also entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement; Coca-Cola will purchase a 10% minority equity position in GMCR.
Anheuser-Busch to purchase Blue Point

ST. LOUIS and LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — Anheuser-Busch announced that it agreed to purchase Blue Point Brewing Co., a craft brewery. The purchase will bring additional resources to Blue Point's operations, allowing it to better meet consumer demand for its brands. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
CVS Caremark to stop selling tobacco in all store locations

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In support of the health and well-being of its patients and customers, CVS Caremark announced on Wednesday that it will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at its more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy stores across the United States by Oct. 1, making CVS/pharmacy the first national pharmacy chain to take this step. It also will undertake a robust national smoking-cessation program that will launch in the spring.
Coke Zero celebrates the Seahawks

RENTON, Wash. — The Seahawks got a surprise when they returned to clean out their lockers at their training facilities. Coca-Cola distributed commemorative, limited-edition cans of Coke Zero that featured the team logo, which mark the first world championship in the Seattle Seahawks’ history.
Post launches new cereal

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Post wants to help Americans maintain healthy digestive systems with the introduction of Great Grains Digestive Blend cereals, the company announced.
Vapor4Life debuts e-cigar

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Vapor4Life, a developer and distributor of e-cigarettes and e-cigars, unveiled its new E-Cigar King line at the Tobacco Plus Convenience Expo in Las Vegas on Jan. 29. E-Cigar King aims to provide a true cigar smoking experience, the company said.
GMDC releases Amazon whitepaper

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Global Market Development Center on Monday released a new whitepaper, “Amazon in Focus: Overview,” which summarizes an analysis of Amazon’s business model, presented by Keith Anderson, VP and senior analyst at RetailNet Group, in a GMDC* Connect Videocast.
Yasso expands flavor offerings

BOSTON — Yasso, a frozen Greek yogurt brand, announced the introduction of five new flavors to its line of products. Peanut Butter Cup, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge, Dark Chocolate Raspberry and Sea Salt Caramel will join Yasso's six existing flavors. Yasso's line is available at more than 14,000 grocery stores across the nation.