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NEW YORK — Vita Coco has introduced its seventh flavor, which the company developed in collaboration with pop singer Rihanna.

Vita Coco tropical fruit is an all-natural blend of coconut water, pink guava, orange, red dragon fruit and pineapple, the company said. Vita Coco Tropical Fruit comes in a bright magenta Tetra Pak carton featuring Rihanna's signature to mark the collaboration. Rihanna also is the face of Vita Coco's advertising campaign, which was launched in June.

CHICAGO — Despite gas prices being more than 30% higher than last year, cross-channel shopping is alive and well in the consumer packaged goods industry, according to a SymphonyIRI Group report released Thursday.

NOVI, Mich. — The Chain Drug Marketing Association recently announced that the debut of its “Make More Money Table Top Show” will take place in Philadelphia from Sept. 23 to 24. The show will provide CDMA-member regional drug chains, regional drug wholesalers and independent pharmacies an opportunity to preview table-top displays of CDMA's hot items, with items from various categories, including seasonal, health-and-beauty and soft goods, among others. 

PLANO, Texas — Dr Pepper Snapple Group's VP investor relations Carolyn Ross is assuming leadership of the company’s investor relations function.

In her new role, Ross will report to DPS CFO Marty Ellen.

The move comes as the company's SVP finance Aly Noormohamed was named SVP and business unit general manager of the company's warehouse direct business. Noormohamed will report to Rodger Collins, president of packaged beverages for DPS.

PARAMUS, N.J. — Smart Balance announced its acquisition of a gluten-free food maker.

The company said its acquisiton of Glutino Food Group, valued at $66.3 million, will expand Smart Balance's portfolio of gluten-free product offerings. Glutino sells a wide range of premium-priced, gluten-free foods — including both 
shelf‐stable 
and 
frozen 
gluten‐free snack 
foods, 
frozen
 baked
 goods, 
frozen 
entrees 
and 
baking 
mixes throughout 
North 
America
 — under the Glutino and Gluten Free Pantry brands.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods is planning to create two independent public companies, which will include a global snacks business and a North American grocery business.

The company expects to create these companies — the high-growth global snacks business, which carries an estimated revenue of approximately $32 billion and the high-margin North American grocery business, which touts an estimated revenue of approximately $16 billion — through a tax-free spinoff of the North American grocery business to Kraft Foods shareholders.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Knorr has tapped world-renowned chef Marco Pierre White to introduce its latest innovation to Knorr's family of sauces and bouillons.

ST. LOUIS — Budweiser has redesigned its can and secondary packaging, which will make its debut in the U.S. market before rolling out worldwide.

The new can and secondary packaging that shows off Budweiser's iconic bowtie, complemented by the Budweiser creed and Anheuser-Busch medallion. This marks the 12th can redesign since 1936.