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 NOVI, Mich. — The Chain Drug Marketing Association on Wednesday announced its 87th Annual Trade Expo will take place Feb. 19 to 22 at the Hilton Atlanta in Atlanta.

A “Lunch and Learn” for buyers is planned with Bruce Kneeland, of Epicor Software Solutions, speaking about “How successful Pharmacy Owners use the Front-End to Build Sales and Improve Their Image."

CDMA is owned by more than 100 regional drug chains, independent pharmacies, regional drug wholesalers, specialty distributors and buying groups.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Anyone with pets knows that the challenge of getting them to swallow pills is up there with giving them baths.

One company has introduced a line of products designed to make the process easier. Kinn announced the launch of Kudose, which allows pills to be hidden inside homemade treats, and Krocodile, a pill splitter and crusher.

Today's Americans are drinking significantly more diet drinks than they were a decade ago, according to a new study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PITTSBURGH — Giant Eagle on Thursday announced it will help families better manage their grocery budgets by locking low prices through the holidays on hundreds of the items customers purchase most. 

NOVI, Mich. — Chain Drug Marketing Association has named a VP finance and store brands, as well as a new director of business development.

John Devine, who will serve as VP finance and store brands, has been involved with projects and programs at CDMA for the past 15 years. In his new role, he will be responsible for increasing and enhancing the success of CDMA's store brand program. Devine will report to CDMA president Jim Devine.

SUPPLIER NEWS — A remedy for odors that lurk in trash cans has entered the market. Trash Dash, a new item marketed under the BestAir brand, is a sodium bicarbonate-based product that is designed to enhance indoor air quality and add a fresh scent to trash or recycling containers by absorbing odors. Available in citrus burst or lavender vanilla scents, BestAir Trash Dash is available in 8-oz. containers and carries a suggested retail price of $3.99 
to $4.49.


Pet products have moved into the OTC aisles and even behind the pharmacy. Sales of pet supplies/OTC medicine are expected to reach $12.56 billion in 2012, according to the American Pet Products Association. 


One of the key drivers of the category, according to Packaged Facts, is the growing population of pets with specialized health needs, especially senior and overweight dogs and cats.


Sales of pet supplies (excluding pet food) reached $11.1 billion last year, an increase of 2% over 2010, according to a new Packaged Facts study. Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association expects annual spending on pet products to increase, especially in the convenience segment of the pet accessories segment.

Vetere said sales of products that help pets care for themselves — such as programmable feeding and drinking systems, automatic and battery-operated toys, self-cleaning litter boxes and self-warming pet mats — are on the rise.