Center Store

ST. LOUIS — Six percent more men are doing the primary grocery shopping for their families versus five years ago, according to results of a new survey by Schnucks.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars is extending its popular Dove brand with its new chocolate-covered raisins and peanuts mix. Dove’s new spin on the classic combination of taste and textures will hit retail shelves in April and is packaged in a standup pouch designed to enhance shelf presence.


The “hand-to-mouth” candy segment increasingly is popular with consumers. With $1.6 billion in sales annually, according to Mars, unwrapped bite-sized candy is emerging as a growth segment for manufacturers and retailers.


AVENEL, N.J. — Mizco International has introduced iEssentials’ RoboBuds T earbud headphones for children, featuring a built-in volume control to protect children’s hearing. The new line of earbuds includes five colorful “robot’’ character designs — Phantom, Streke, Electrika, PowerBot and CrimsonRobo. The earbuds are designed with a volume limiting output of 85 decibels. The line was created to provide kids of all ages with a high-performance audio accessory that is safe to use and fun to collect. The earbuds retail for $9.99.

ATLANTA — Barq's is paying homage to its Gulf Coast heritage by introducing a new design on all of its products' packaging.

The root beer brand said that while the cans will maintain their distinctive silver color, the new look features a diamond pattern reminiscent of the drink's original 1898 12-oz. glass bottle packaging. Additionally, the label helps celebrate the brand's 114-year history by keeping the simple slogan "It's Good. Since 1898."

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paramount Home Media Distribution is bringing a Golden Globe-nominated animated adventure to Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate is putting its candy bars on a diet, according to published reports.

The company is said to limit the calories on its well-known candy brands, including Snickers and Twix. According to a Reuters report, candy bars will tout no more than 250 calories by 2013. What's more, the report said, such items as the 540-calorie king-size Snickers bar will be pulled from the market by 2014.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Avery Brewing has tapped can manufacturer Ball to create unique packaging for Avery's brands.

The company said it partnered with Ball's Graphics Center of Excellence and utilized the latter's Eyeris Enhanced Graphics printing technique to create a 360-degree miniature billboard with every can for distinctive, on-the-shelf differentiation of Avery's brands, including India Pale Ale, White Rascal, Ellie's Brown Ale and Joe's Premium American Pilsner.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Arm & Hammer has introduced a new type of cat litter that's aimed at busy cat owners who don't have time to clean the litter box every day.

New Ultra Last clumping cat litter contains Arm & Hammer baking soda-coated granules and special odor neutralizers that continuously eliminate even the worst litter box odors, the company said. It also creates rock solid clumps that give way for easy removal of the source of odors and the moisture activated fresh scent deodorizes the litter every time the cat uses the litter box.