Center Store

New introductions should put some heat back into the soup category. The category’s performance — according to a recent report from Mintel — has been lukewarm, with a compounded annual growth rate of only 1% from 2006 to 2011.

Mintel expects performance to improve as the economy bounces back and as manufacturers bring more innovation to the sleepy category. The market research firm expects the soup market to reach $7.2 billion in sales in current dollars by 2016, a compounded growth of more than 2%.

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Jelly Belly has added a Tabasco-flavored bean to its lineup of gourmet jelly beans. Red peppers, Avery Island salt and distilled vinegar, and a subtle sweetness have been combined to create a jelly bean designed to “ignite the taste buds with a peppery punch that hot sauce fans crave.” 


Tabasco Jelly Belly beans are available to ship in 10-lb. bulk cases now. The company plans to release the new flavor in 3.1-oz. Grab & Go bags, packed 12-count per caddy, 
in December.

SUPPLIER NEWS — According to a Nielsen report issued last month, higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend more could all lead to an upside surprise in 2012 holiday spending. Pet care will be one growth sector; Neilsen predicted pet owners will drive 5.9% dollar and 3.1% unit growth. The rest of home care, including cleaning and households products — even holiday wrapping paper — will see modest, price-driven dollar gains and unit sales declines, according to Nielsen.


MILWAUKEE — Tweens can be the star of their very own "Project Runway" with Fashion Angels' two new additions to its line of fashion design and style kits: Project Runway Tapeffiti Fashion Design Challenge and Project Runway Models to the Runway.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears and Kmart are offering more than a quarter-million dollars in rewards for members of their loyalty program and sending emergency equipment from 42 distribution centers in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, parent company Sears Holdings said.

VEVEY, Switzerland — Nestlé on Tuesday named Luis Cantarell head of Nestlé Nutrition with the departure of Kurt Schmidt, deputy EVP Nestlé Nutrition, who has decided to leave the company for personal reasons effective Dec. 1. 

Cantarell will assume this role in addition to his current responsibilities as president and CEO of Nestlé Health Science. Between 2001 and 2005, he was in charge of Nestlé’s Nutrition Strategic Business Division.

BETHEL, Conn. — Procter & Gamble battery brand Duracell is assisting with post-Sandy relief efforts by bringing a little power to, coincidentally, Battery Park in New York.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday announced that this Friday Nov. 2 the chain will host its first Senior Discount Day. All senior citizens over the age of 55 will receive 15% off eligible store items and 20% off eligible Walgreens, W Brand and Nice! products. 

Participants who simply reference the discount and present a valid ID, will receive the discount at any Walgreens and Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.