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Rechargeable batteries represent a growth area for retailers. A report from the Freedonia Group indicated that alkaline batteries remain the most prevalent type of primary battery, accounting for more than 70% of demand. Sales of other battery chemistries, most notably primary lithium, are expected to gain traction in the market through 2015.


As the population ages, sales of hearing-aid batteries and primary lithium batteries for implantable medical devices are expected to soar.

MORTON GROVE, Ill. — Lifeway Foods is set to launch a trio of cultured frozen dairy treats.

The lineup includes push-up frozen dairy pops, a new frozen push-up version of Lifeway's ProBugs probiotic beverages for children; new flavors of Lifeway Frozen Kefir in pumpkin, chocolate and dulce de leche flavors; and Greek-style Fro-Yo in blood orange swirl, chocolate swirl and honey swirl flavors.

The first products will hit retail stores, including Whole Foods, Wegmans, Sunflower and Sprouts Markets in May.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Peeps is turning its marshmallow chicks into a new treat.

New Peeps rainbow pops includes a yellow, green, pink or blue chick featured on a lollipop stick. The four individual colors are vertically nestled on a stick in one package, the company said.

ILKLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE, U.K. — Morrisons, the large U.K.-based supermarket chain, wanted to get closer to its customers. The result was M Local, its new 3,000-sq.-ft., freestanding, convenience food format. In developing the new store, Morrisons identified four key issues U.K. customers have with convenience stores: lack of fresh food options; poor overall quality and value; difficult to shop; and poorly stocked.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Jelly Belly has introduced a new line of jelly beans inspired by Snapple beverages. Jelly Belly Snapple Mix is made with natural ingredients, including real fruit juice, Snapple juice drink concentrates and fruit purees. It also does not contain artificial coloring, Jelly Belly said. The product will be packaged in a 1.65-oz. bottle that is modeled after the real Snapple Juice Drink bottles. In addition to the new 1.65-oz. Jelly Belly Snapple Bottle, Jelly Belly Snapple Mix also is available in a 3.1-oz. bag, a 6.5-oz. bag and 4.5-oz. box.

SUPPLIER NEWS — An iPhone and iPad waterproofing solution that offers antimicrobial product protection has hit the market. Seal Shields are form-fitting polyurethane covers that make iPhones and iPads 100% waterproof, washable and disinfectable, according to the product’s manufacturer. The product, which is completely invisible and preserves the original Apple design, contains an antimicrobial fungistatic agent that protects the product by inhibiting the growth of microbial bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi on the products’ surfaces.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jelly Belly has expanded its Gummi Pet line with a new addition.

Gummi Pet Cockroach will join Pet Rat, Pet Gator, Pet Dinosaur and Pet Tarantula this June. The candy is created with two different flavors: one for the "legs" and the other for the "body." The Gummi Pet Cockroach candies will be available in blackberry and cherry, grape and lime, and orange and blackberry.

NEW YORK — Molson Coors is slated to launch new beers in 2012, according to published reports.

Coors Light Iced T will go on sale first in Canada ahead of a possible rollout in the United States, according to Reuters. In 2011, Coors Light became the nation’s second-biggest beer brand, surpassing Budweiser for the first time ever, according to MillerCoors CEO Tom Long. What's more, the company also will launch Carling Zest, a limited-time-only beer with citrus flavors, as well as an autumn-inspired Leinenkugels beer.