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PHOENIX — GMDC announced several conference date changes effective 2013 during its Health Beauty Wellness Marketing Conference held here this past weekend.

The HBW event will move to spring, and the GM Conference will take place in the fall.

Future conference dates are as follows:

• 2013 HBW Marketing Conference May 31 to June 3 in San Antonio;

• 2013 GM Marketing Conference Sept. 6 to 10 in Phoenix;

• 2014 HBW Marketing Conference May 30 to June 2 in Orlando, Fla.;

PRINCETON, N.J. — Church & Dwight has added a Sensitive Skin Plus scent detergent to its line of Arm & Hammer sensitive skin laundry detergents. The new detergent, which features a skin-friendly fresh scent that’s hypoallergenic and clinically tested to be good to sensitive skin, is a scented alternative to Arm & Hammer’s Perfume and Dye Free laundry detergent.


ATLANTA — "Mad Men" costume designer Janie Bryant has been tapped as the latest spokeswoman for Downy Wrinkle Releaser.

In her role as brand spokeswoman, Bryant will be developing a guide on fabric care and will provide tips on looking good on the go, the company said.

CINCINNATI — Consumer sentiment toward the economy continues to be negative, acknowledged David Dillon, Kroger chairman and CEO, a factor that may drive many consumers toward more of the value-driven store brands in which Kroger is investing.

"The sluggish economy continues to strain household budgets while increasing consumer anxiety," Dillon said. "In fact, customers tell us their expectation for the economy are more pessimistic now than at any time this year."

RIVER EDGE, N.J. — A new strength and conditioning program designed specifically for cheerleaders and dancers has made its way to DVD.

Train2Cheer offers a workout that is designed to increase cardio and muscular endurance, resulting in stronger cheer and dance performances. Train2Cheer is set to high-energy music and is hosted by its creator, Stacey DelPreore.

Train2Cheer, which includes a 60-minute workout video and bonus CD soundtrack, retails for $19.99.

HENLEY-ON-THAMES, U.K. — United Kingdom-based organic kids’ brand Ella’s Kitchen is rolling out a number of products that were launched exclusively in Target in July. The First Tastes line, which includes squeezable fruit and fruit-and-rice combinations, was created for babies transitioning to solid foods.


Toddlers and preschoolers also have developed a taste for Ella’s “smoothie fruit” squeezable products, and moms are including them as take-along snacks in lunchboxes.


The back-to-school season brings a focus on single-serve snacks, and healthy snacks become a bigger part of the business every year. A recent report from Mintel revealed that while children are a major influence on the buying of multipack/bulk salty snacks, “given the increased concerns regarding nutrition, manufacturers can appeal to parents with products offering a better-for-you selling proposition.” Christine Brown, a spokeswoman for Natural Snacks said the company, which focuses on all-natural products, sees “a double-digit spike once school starts.”


DAYTON, Ohio — Snack food company Mike-sell's has introduced five new products.

Mike-sell's lineup of products now includes Blazin' Hot Crunchin' cheese curls, Cheese Crunchin' cheese curls, Blazin' Hot corn chips, barbecue corn chips and Smoky Mountain barbecue kettle-cooked potato chips.

Mike-sell's snacks are sold at grocery and convenience stores nationwide.