Center Store

SHELTON, Conn. — Organic food sales are continuing on an upward trend as more shoppers frequented mainstream stores for the products and younger consumers were the most loyal to purchasing such items, a TABS Group survey found.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's is fortifying its snacks business by purchasing Procter & Gamble's Pringles business for nearly $2.7 billion.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in the summer of 2012, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

The announcement follows last year's agreement between P&G and Diamond Foods through which Diamond Foods would acquire Pringles for $2.35 billion. The deal was delayed "to allow Diamond Foods to complete an accounting investigation."

MELVILLE, N.Y. — It's official: Hain Celestial has added a nondairy-based yogurt to its portfolio.

As previously reported, the company said it would launch a low-fat yogurt line, made with real almonds, under the Almond Dream brand that would cater to lactose-intolerant customers or those looking for less dairy. The yogurt line will be available in four flavors: plain, vanilla, strawberry and mixed berry.

SAN FRANCISCO — Lemnis Lighting has debuted three lines that are part of the company's Pharox LED replacement bulbs portfolio.

The new products include Pharox BLU, Pharox XL and Pharox PRO. The Pharox BLU line includes 200-lumen and 350-lumen nondimmable bulbs. The XL line is aimed at home and commercial customers and included LED bulbs that tout a 3-year/35,000 hour warranty. Finally, the Energy Star-qualified Pharox PRO bulbs are designed with the commercial and rebate-driven customer in mind and will carry a 5-year replacement guarantee.

SAN DIEGO — WD-40's specialty products for trade professionals now are available.

The WD-40 Specialist line — which includes the rust release penetrant spray, water-resistant silicone lubricant, protective white lithium grease, long-term corrosion inhibitor and rust remover soak — began shipping in September 2011 now is available nationwide.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has teamed up with a nonprofit to promote the environmental and energy savings benefits of washing laundry in cold water.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Zak Designs has introduced a new line of food and snack containers.

Zak said its ChillPak containers are designed to keep items cool and fresh. Available in a 26-oz. square container, which is sized for sandwiches or other larger meal items, and a 13.oz. snack container, each of the ChillPak containers include one of Zak’s patented ColdHold freezer packs.

Zak ChillPak containers also are available in an assortment of licenses, including Disney Princess, Cars, Spider-Man Classic, Hello Kitty, Minnie Mouse and Disney Fairies.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Kraft Foods is bringing a new snack to the refrigerated dairy aisle.

New Kraft MilkBite milk and granola bars combine milk with whole grain granola and other ingredients, such as fruit or roasted nuts, while providing the same calcium as an 8-oz. glass of milk, the company said. The bars are available in five flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and mixed berry, for a suggested retail price of $3.49.