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NEW YORK — The tea market is expected to see a surge in sales this year and beyond, according to a Packaged Facts report.

"Tea and Ready-to-Drink Tea in the U.S.," which was published in October, projected that the tea market will grow 5.2% to $6.5 billion this year, with retail tea market growth climbing from 6.6% in 2012 to 8.7% in 2014, reaching $8.3 billion in that year.

SEATTLE — A former Altria Group executive has joined the Jones Soda board of directors.

Richard Cautero was appointed to the role by the existing board, the company said. In addition to working at Altria Group for nearly 30 years (most recently serving as VP finance for corporate planning and strategy), he also served as chief financial and operating officer for Maxwell House, a division of Kraft Foods.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — A Mars Chocolate North America brand will be showcased during Super Bowl XLVI.

The company said M&M's will be spotlighted in a 30-second spot that will premiere during the first quarter of the game, which will air Feb. 5, 2012. Last year, Mars' utilized its Snickers brand via the "You're Not You When You're Hungry" campaign during the National Football League championship.

NORWICH, N.Y. — Chobani announced that it broke ground on a new state-of-the-art, high capacity production facility.

The domestic manufacturing plant, based in Twin Falls, Idaho, will span 940,000 sq. ft. This facility, Chobani said, will create more than 400 jobs and allow the company to bring product innovations to market.

Production at the new plant is anticipated to start in the second half of 2012.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — 2012 may shape up to be a big year for Kraft Foods as the company prepares to launch more than 70 new products.

The lineup of products includes items across the following categories:

• Easy meal solutions, such as Kraft Sizzling Salads, Kraft Fresh Take and Velveeta Cheesy Skillets dinner kits;

• Beverages with energy benefits, including new MiO water enhancer flavors and Crystal Light energy powdered drink mix;

BILLUND, Denmark — Lego has introduced a new line of construction toys that caters to girls ages 5 years and older.

Lego Friends, the company said, is a collection that will consist of 23 products that tailor the Lego construction experience to the demographic, the company said. The sets now will roll out through summer 2012.

NEW YORK — Nielsen Holdings on Monday announced that Rick Kash has been appointed vice chair and will join CEO David Calhoun and vice chair Susan Whiting in the office of the CEO. Nielsen also named Mitchell Habib COO.

Bebida Beverage Company today announced that it is expanding its product line, which in January will include the new Relax 5, a 2-oz. orange-flavored relaxation shot that contains a supplement blend with melatonin.

“Relax 5 has a great taste and truly is liquid heaven for those who suffer from stress, anxiety and poor sleep,” said Brian Weber, CEO of BeBevCo.