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Retailers, expecting thrifty behavior from consumers, are starting the back-to-school season with early promotions. “Retailers are already running door-buster promotions,” said Perry Smith, an analyst with the NPD Group. “The consumer has been holding out for last-minute shopping hoping for the best deals. In some cases, people are shopping after school starts.”


DENVER and MONTREAL — Molson Coors has expanded its leadership team, the brewing company announced Wednesday.

NEW YORK — Pet lovers want the best for their furry friends. Last year, Americans spent $55 billion on their pets, according to Packaged Facts, and the upward trend shows no signs of slowing.

One of the brightest spots in the pet category is natural and organic pet food. While Packaged Facts estimated that the market segment accounts for about 7% of pet food sales, the market research firm sees a huge upside to the segment.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Clorox on Wednesday commenced its annual Power A Bright Future grant program.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jelly Belly Candy has teamed up with Snapple for a new line of gourmet jelly beans. The Jelly Belly Snapple Juice Drinks line, which is made from real fruit juice and purees, and contains no artificial coloring, is available in five Snapple flavors: Fruit Punch, Mango Madness, Cranberry Raspberry, Pink Lemonade and Kiwi Strawberry.


NORTHFIELD, Ill. — J.M. Smucker isn't the only company that has trimmed its coffee prices.

On week after the company announced its coffee price reduction, Kraft Foods reportedly is lowering its wholesale prices for such brands as Maxwell House by about 6%, according to an Associated Press report. The price reduction includes 20 cents per pound on roast and ground coffees and 2 cents per ounce on instant coffees.

NEW YORK — Energy drinks are still showing strong growth. A recent report from Beverage Marketing Corp. found that “energy drinks handily outperformed the overall beverage market,” although the segment remains a small component of the category.

MOUNTAIN LAKES, N.J. — Pinnacle Foods has added a new frozen breakfast option to the Aunt Jemima brand.

New Aunt Jemima oatmeal pancakes are made with rolled oats, oat bran and oat flour mixed right into the batter and tout 4g of fiber per serving, Pinnacle Foods said.

The Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast line includes such products as frozen waffles, French toast and more.