Center Store

Rite Aid barks up pet goods money tree
Drug retailers are doggedly pursuing the pet care category, with Rite Aid fetching its own piece of the $47.7 billion category, according to the 2009-2010 “National Pet Owners Survey” conducted by the American Pet Products Association. 
MGD 64 Lemonade coming to retail
CHICAGO — A new limited-edition beer is helping consumers get ready for summer.

Low-calorie brand MGD 64 is serving up MGD 64 Lemonade, a 64-calorie beer that combines a light, crisp draft beer taste with the tangy taste of lemonade. Available in six-pack bottles and 12-pack bottles and cans, MGD 64 Lemonade will be available from May through Labor Day at retailers nationwide.

MGD 64, part of the Miller Geniune Draft line of products, launched nationally in 2008.

ReportersNotebook — Consumables, 5/2/11

SUPPLIER NEWS — Frito-Lay is spicing up its Doritos, Fritos and Ruffles brands to include a Tapatio hot-sauce-flavored product. All three products include a unique combination of red chili peppers, spices and a hint of garlic — the same ingredients in the Tapatio hot sauce recipe. They are available at in small bags (99 cents) and large bags ($2.99).
Changing Channels — Photogator, GIANTmicrobes, teas and scones, and more

Take a bite out of clutter
Photogator has released an alternative to the clips, tape and pushpins essential in any office or home. The Photogator is an oval plastic stand with three curved slots that holds photo cards, recipe cards, photos and even retail signage.
Price: $6 (3-pack), $15 (10-pack)
PhotogatorStand.com
Papyrus display adds  distinction to DR card aisle

 The new-look Duane Reade stores feature a special Papyrus section in the greeting card aisle. Papyrus — known for its posh collection of greeting cards, gift wrap, stationery and other unique gift products — certainly has lent an air of distinction to the department with its upscale fixtures and sleek design. 

Cards for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, are merchandised attractively in the more than 8 ft. of space devoted to the section.
Kellogg's continues sustainable efforts, on track with future goal

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's said that nearly half of its facilities worldwide send 5% or less of waste they generate to landfill, an achievement announced in the company's third global corporate responsibility report.

The company, which released the report on Earth Day, said its reduction in waste sent to landfill was achieved through diligent efforts at each of its facilities, in addition to increased partnerships with recyclers. Overall, Kellogg's has reduced its waste sent to landfill by 51% since 2005, keeping the company on track with its 2015 goal.
Link between Type 2 diabetes, diet soda consumption may not exist

NEW YORK — The link between diet soda and diabetes may not be as strong as previously thought, according to a study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Between 1986 and 2006, more than 40,000 men filled out regular questionnaires about health and diets, which the Harvard team, led by nutrition and epidemiology professor Frank Hu, then collected.
Fresh & Easy gets green

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Just in time for Earth Day, Fresh & Easy has introduced its private-label household cleaning and paper products.

The retailer's Green Things line, which now is available in stores, features household cleaners that are made with plant-based formulas, are biodegradable and pH-neutral, and also are made without such chemicals as 1,4-dioxane, phosphates, dyes or perfumes.
Sergeant's introduces generic flea, tick treatments

OMAHA, Neb. — Sergeant's Pet Care Products will be launching generic versions of popular flea and tick topical treatments next month.

The company said that its generic versions of Frontline Plus, FiproGuard Plus and Pronyl OTC Plus will hit retail in May, providing pet owners with a lower-cost option to keep pets healthy.
O.N.E. Coconut Water kicks off Facebook campaign to benefit nonprofit

LOS ANGELES — Coconut water brand One Natural Experience is continuing its partnership with Healthy Child Healthy World, a leading environmental health nonprofit dedicated to preventing childhood exposure to harmful chemicals that exist in everyday life.