Center Store

Complete series of 'Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends' arrives on DVD
FROSTBITE FALLS, Minn. — Classic Media and Bullwinkle Studios are bringing the complete series "Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends" to DVD in a collectible-edition box set.
Consumers snack on low sodium
DALLAS — Reducing sodium is at the top of consumer request lists when it comes to what they want in snacks, according to Frito-Lay. SymphonyIRI data showed that 52% of consumers in 2009 identified low sodium as an important snack attribute — up from 43% in 2007.

 Manufacturers are giving consumers what they want. Frito-Lay, for example, continues to expand its lightly salted chip varieties, which offer 50% less sodium per ounce per serving.

Pet goods bark success

Americans still are spending on their pets. The American Pet Products Association projected that consumers spent $47.7 billion on their furry friends in 2010, an increase of 4.9% over 2009. 

Sales of pet beds, leashes and inexpensive toys still were strong sellers. Treat-dispensing toys, such as Premier Pet Products’ Busy Buddy, are must-have items. When priced right, they generate strong impulse purchases. 
Sticky performance

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Elmer’s Products revamped its hardware line in November with the addition of two products that offer consumers enhanced strength and performance. Elmer’s believes that by concentrating on the performance of products, it can help reduce consumer confusion at the shelf by providing all-in-one formulas. 
FDA to require 'substantially equivalent' reviews of new tobacco products

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Certain tobacco products introduced to the market or changed after Feb. 15, 2007, are subject to enhanced scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration, the agency said Wednesday.
Beverage segment gets significant energy boost

  Dollar sales for energy drinks were up 8.2% in drug stores for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 31, 2010, according to SymphonyIRI Group. Energy shot dollar sales in the channel fared even better, with sales surging nearly 12% for the same period.

 Despite occasional controversy, demand remains strong for the beverages, and the segment is poised to become even more significant as its appeal broadens beyond its original target consumer group. 
A grab-and-go lifestyle

YORK, Pa. — Lifestyle Foods’ new chilled grab-and-go line offers three lunch options and one breakfast option for consumers looking for quick, healthy meals. Meals in the soup-and-salad line — chicken noodle/Caesar salad, tomato basil/garden salad with light Italian dressing, and vegetarian vegetable/garden salad with light ranch dressing — are all less than 125 calories. The oatmeal kit comes with a fresh apple, raisins and turbinado sugar. 
ReportersNotebook — General Merchandise, 1/10/11

Supplier News — Pampers is looking to provide new resources and support for Latina moms and their babies through its latest initiative. The company announced the creation of the Madrinas Network, which will offer moms the opportunity to opt-in to receive tips and information on their baby’s development through a mobile messaging platform, and to join the Pampers Madrinas network at  Facebook.com/PampersLatino.  
Industry leaders to support study about brand websites, in-store buying behavior

WASHINGTON — The Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association on Wednesday announced their support for a research study about how consumers use brand websites and how the use of these websites impacts shoppers’ in-store buying behavior.
New Energizer products tout long-lasting power
LAS VEGAS — Energizer is unveiling its latest long-lasting power products at the Consumer Electronics Show this week.

Energizer said Wednesday that it will showcase:
- New Energi To Go products, which include various portable power packs;
- Energizer Inductive and Recharge Smart chargers;
- A new line of electronic accessories, including an all-in-one travel adapter and an extended flash case for the iPhone; and