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NEW YORK — Market share for many environmentally friendly cleaning products has suffered in a tight economy, when consumers are more likely to choose products based on price.


Independent brands, such as Method and Seventh Generation, have held on to their sales. “The consumers for those brands are usually early adopters who have a higher income and are less likely to shop price,” one industry analyst said.


NEW YORK — Crystal Light is looking to shake up the beverage category with a new line of "mocktails."

The Crystal Light Mocktails, available in appletini, margarita and mojito flavors, pair together the flavor of summer beverages with low calories. The new Crystal Light line also touts packaging developed by Landor Associates.

The new line will be available nationally in September in time for the Labor Day holiday.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Hain Celestial expressed its continued commitment to a "back-to-basics approach to product labeling."

Delivering fresh food to underserved communities doesn’t necessarily mean giving up shelf space.


Momentum in the beer category is coming from craft beers. “Craft beers are growing at a 10% clip,” said Eric Shepard, executive editor of Beer Marketer’s Insights. “Seasonals and variety packs are the big news, and Indiana Pale Ales are very hot right now.” 


ARLINGTON, Va. — Consumers suffering from a gluten allergy can satisfy their sweet tooth with new certified gluten-free baking mixes.

Marion's Smart Delights has introduced gluten-free lemon bar and gluten-free cookie and muffin baking mixes. The company said that the mixes offer improved flour blends and more recipe versatility, while still touting the original nutrition benefits, such as reduced sugar, low sodium and whole grains.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Marley's Mellow Mood is introducing a new low-calorie option to consumers in July.

Marley's Mellow Mood Lite: Half Lemonade, Half Tea is sourced from such ingredients as chamomile, valerian root, lemon balm, hops, passionflower and melatonin. Each 8-oz. serving of the beverage is 40 calories, according to the company.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Mars Chocolate North America this week unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Midwest, part of the company's commitment to invest in U.S. manufacturing.

The facility, which will be located in Topeka, Kan., is the first site the company has built in 35 years and will help Mars Chocolate meet the growing demand for its candy products.