ReportersNotebook — Consumables, 4/23/12

SUPPLIER NEWS — Anheuser-Busch’s Michelob Ultra brand has launched a new iced tea and lemonade-flavored alcohol beverage that’s inspired by the golf course. New Ultra 19th Hole light tea and lemonade is a lighter alternative to traditional flavored malt beverages, the company said. Ultra 19th Hole is available in single-serve and four-packs of 16-oz. cans.


Kellogg’s has expanded its Special K line to include granola bars. Available in dark chocolate and chocolatey peanut butter, new Special K granola bars offer consumers managing their weight great taste and nutritional benefits. Each bar touts 110 calories, 3 g of fat, 4 g of fiber and 4 g of protein.


In an effort to reflect the split of its global snacks and North American grocery businesses, Kraft Foods said it plans to change the name of the snacks business to Mondelez International. The company’s board of directors has approved the name change and will submit an amendment for shareholder approval at the company’s annual shareholders meeting on May 23. If shareholders approve the amendment, Kraft Foods said it expects the new name to become effective when the global snacks company launches before the end of 2012.


EXECUTIVE NEWS — Nestlé Nutrition has promoted Steve Goodyear to VP retail sales for Nestlé Nutrition’s U.S. division. Goodyear is responsible for leading the U.S. retail sales team that oversees the Nestlé Nutrition product portfolio, including Gerber, PowerBar, Boost and Carnation Breakfast Essentials. In this leadership position, he will create the vision and establish the strategy for the retail sales organization for Nestlé Nutrition in the United States.