Center Store

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Olympic partner, has launched its global P&G "Thank You Mom" campaign in celebration of 100 days to go until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The campaign recognizes and celebrates the moms behind the athletes by thanking moms for all they do, and is a part of P&G’s worldwide partnership with the International Olympic Committee. It marks the biggest campaign in P&G’s 174-year history and will run from now through the end of the Olympic Games.

DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark announced that its Scott Naturals brand has earned the Green Good Housekeeping Seal for three products.

Scott Naturals dry bath tissue, paper towels and napkins have met the Good Housekeeping Green Seal's environmental standard for paper goods, based on recycled content and other factors, Kimberly-Clark said. The Scott Naturals dry bath tissue, paper towels and napkins are made with a blend of virgin material and at least 20% recycled material in products or packaging.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Mountain Dew has tapped its spokespeople for its new campaign.

"This is How We Dew," the latest campaign from soft drink Mountain Dew, enlists the brand's spokespeople — including music stars Lil Wayne, Jason Aldean and Mac Miller, race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., skateboarders Paul Rodriguez and Theotis Beasley and snowboarder Danny Davis — to express their individuality.

PLANO, Texas — Frito-Lay North America's Smartfood brand is being extended to include all-natural popcorn, popped chips and puffed corn snacks.

WILTON, Conn. — Sun Products has announced the appointment of a new EVP national brands.

Ed Vlacich, the company said, will be responsible for building Sun Products' branded business through effective marketing, innovation and strategic leadership and will be a member of the company's executive leadership team.

Vlacich comes to Sun Products from Novartis, where he spent more than seven years in senior leadership roles. He most recently served as global chief marketing officer for CIBA Vision, a $2 billion contact lens and care business.

QUAKERTOWN, Pa. — Knauss Foods has set its sights on the beef jerky market with the launch of PJ's Beef Steak.

Knauss Foods, a producer of dried beef products, said its new product is a healthy, all-natural, protein-packed meat snack made from the highest-quality lean cuts of 100% beef and is slow cooked without any artificial preservatives. PJ's Beef Steak currently is available in original, cracked pepper and teriyaki flavors.

ADDISON, Ill. — Michael Season's, a Natural Snacks brand, has introduced a new line of snacks made with black beans.

The new Michael Season's Popped black bean crisps line, the company said, features nutritional benefits of protein and fiber, is wheat-free and gluten-free and touts reduced fat and low sodium. The crisps also are free of preservatives, artificial coloring and flavors.

Michael Season's Popped black bean crisps are available in sea salt, nacho and roasted red pepper flavors and carry a suggested retail price of $2.99 per 3-oz. bag.

Customer loyalty has always been paramount for retailers, but as we wade into 2012 and beyond, it is becoming increasingly evident that retailers have a renewed focus on establishing a strong sense of loyalty and creating an engaging customer experience through cross-channel initiatives that are touching customers both in and — perhaps more importantly — out of the store.