Reporters Notebook — Consumables, 12/13/10

Supplier News — PepsiCo and GNC are teaming up to develop and sell fortified coconut water products. The Phenom brand will launch during second quarter 2011 and will be sold exclusively at GNC stores and GNC.com. 



One of Hershey’s popular mint brands is adding a powerfully cool taste experience to its line. Ice Breakers Frost sugar-free mints are coated with xylitol, cooling and flavor crystals and will be available in Wintercool and peppermint varieties. The mints are now available in 1.2-oz. containers.


La Famiglia DelGrosso pasta sauces were named one of the “125 Best Food for Men” by Men’s Health and also received a “125 Best Packaged Food” award from Women’s Health. One serving of Chef John’s tomato basil masterpiece, the Men’s Health winner, is only 70 calories and contains 1 g of protein, 8 g of carbs, 2 g of fiber and 4 g of fat. Meanwhile, the Women’s Health winner, Uncle Joe’s vodka celebration sauce, has 90 calories, 6 g of fat (2 g of saturated fat), 8 g of carbs, 430 mg of sodium, 2 g of fiber and 2 g of protein.


Tostitos has launched its new Tostitos Artisan Recipes tortilla chips. The chips are available in two flavors — roasted garlic and black bean, and fire-roasted chipotle — and are made with 100% natural ingredients that are added right into the chips, according to the company. The chips are available in 9.75-oz. bags at a suggested retail price of $3.99. 


Executive News — A former Wyeth executive has been named PepsiCo’s EVP global corporate affairs. Tim Cost officially joined the company Dec. 1. In the newly created position, Cost will be responsible for strengthening and protecting PepsiCo’s corporate reputation and strategically aligning its communications, public policy, foundation, investor relations, global health and agricultural policy, and regulatory agendas.