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Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods showed the biggest gains in the last three years in the ethnic food category. Sales of ethnic food products grew in food, drug and mass outlets by 3.5% in 2011, reaching nearly $3 billion by year’s end, according to a recent report from Mintel. That rate is the slowest measured in the past five years, according to Mintel.

ATLANTA — Case-Mate has introduced a new line of iPad cases.

The lineup includes seven new cases that boast modern and fashionable styles with a range of fresh colors, striking prints and bold textures. The cases will range in price from $40 to $90.

"Case-Mate continues to outfit the hottest tablets on the market with eye-catching and stylish cases for all occasions," Case-Mate CEO Shashi Reddy said. "High design and functionality is coupled with protection to create these on-trend cases that complement the new iPad."

SUPPLIER NEWS — Jelly Belly has introduced a new line of jelly beans inspired by Snapple beverages. Jelly Belly Snapple Mix is made with natural ingredients, including real fruit juice, Snapple juice drink concentrates and fruit purees. It also does not contain artificial coloring, Jelly Belly said. The product will be packaged in a 1.65-oz. bottle that is modeled after the real Snapple Juice Drink bottles. In addition to the new 1.65-oz. Jelly Belly Snapple Bottle, Jelly Belly Snapple Mix also is available in a 3.1-oz. bag, a 6.5-oz. bag and 4.5-oz. box.

SUPPLIER NEWS — An iPhone and iPad waterproofing solution that offers antimicrobial product protection has hit the market. Seal Shields are form-fitting polyurethane covers that make iPhones and iPads 100% waterproof, washable and disinfectable, according to the product’s manufacturer. The product, which is completely invisible and preserves the original Apple design, contains an antimicrobial fungistatic agent that protects the product by inhibiting the growth of microbial bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi on the products’ surfaces.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jelly Belly has expanded its Gummi Pet line with a new addition.

Gummi Pet Cockroach will join Pet Rat, Pet Gator, Pet Dinosaur and Pet Tarantula this June. The candy is created with two different flavors: one for the "legs" and the other for the "body." The Gummi Pet Cockroach candies will be available in blackberry and cherry, grape and lime, and orange and blackberry.

NEW YORK — Molson Coors is slated to launch new beers in 2012, according to published reports.

Coors Light Iced T will go on sale first in Canada ahead of a possible rollout in the United States, according to Reuters. In 2011, Coors Light became the nation’s second-biggest beer brand, surpassing Budweiser for the first time ever, according to MillerCoors CEO Tom Long. What's more, the company also will launch Carling Zest, a limited-time-only beer with citrus flavors, as well as an autumn-inspired Leinenkugels beer.

RACINE, Wis. — SC Johnson has teamed up with Cornell University's Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise to launch a new product concept.

Within the past month, two Ohio-based traditional retailers announced plans to test-market automated retail vending machines. It’s not so much thinking outside of the box as it is figuring out how to get that box to where the consumers are, wherever they are — the airport, the hospital, convention centers, exercise facilities, on a college campus or in a hotel.