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DENVER — Looking to inspire weight loss among consumers, a maker of weight-management products is kicking off a new multiplatform marketing campaign.

Centered around Atkins' free weight-loss kit — which includes the quick-start guide, chef recipe booklet, sample two-week induction meal plan, pocket carb counter with acceptable foods lists, $3 book rebate for the bestselling "The New Atkins for a New You" and three free Atkins bars — the new campaign will include advertising, online initiatives and a unique chef recipe program.

Supplier News — A citrus soda made by Dr Pepper Snapple Group is making a major splash in the Southern states in which it’s currently sold. Sun Drop is made with orange juice and caffeine. DPS’ sudden focus on Sun Drop stems from the company’s interest in directing consumer interest to flavored sodas, a noncola segment of the soft drink industry in which the company specializes.



NEW YORK — Retailers who stick with proven characters should see the strongest sell-through in the toy category. Charles Riotto, president of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, said that, in addition to value, consumers want evergreen licenses to carry the assurance of quality that consumers desire in this economy.


Disney Princesses remained strong and got a boost from the recent release of “Tangled.” 
“Toy Story 3,” “Cars” and “Thomas the Tank Engine” 
are still huge.


LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Pactiv is rolling out a line of compostable paper plates for its Hefty brand.

Hefty Basics are disposable paper plates that have the strength to support almost any meal. The plates are biodegradable in home composting and are microwavable, Pactiv said.

The plates are available at select grocery stores throughout the Northeast region of the United States in 45-count, 8 and 5/8-in. lunch plate packages and 24-count, 10 and 1/4-in. dinner plate packages.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix is rolling out imported and domestic private-label specialty cheeses in its deli department.

Publix customers will have the opportunity to learn about the specialty cheeses — including such varieties as asiago and Spanish manchego — now offered at stores through weekly sales ads, Publix.com and in-store promotions and presentations, the company said.

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., and NEW YORK — Marcal's Small Steps, a line of paper products that is made from 100% recyclable paper, is ready to salute those making environmental differences in their communities.

Through Feb. 25, visitors of MarcalSmallSteps.com/Heroes can nominate and vote for everyday heroes making a big environmental impact where they live. Five winners will be announced, receiving a total of $10,000 in donations to be made in their names to environmental charities.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As it celebrates the sale of its 100 millionth digital camera this year, Kodak is expanding its EasyShare portfolio.

The Kodak EasyShare Touch, a 14-megapixel camera that features a 3-in. high-resolution capacitive touchscreen LCD, has an auto organization feature that sorts by people, date, keywords and videos, so it's easy to find the moments you want to share. The Kodak EasyShare Touch camera will be available in silver, black, red-orange, purple and red for $149.95.

NEW YORK — Gaiam's home video license agreement with the Travel Channel is being extended with the DVD release of "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern" Collection 4, Part 2 and "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" Collection 5, Part 2.

"Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern" Collection 4, Part 2 follows the adventures of Zimmern, a man with an "iron stomach," as he tackles the most bizarre delicacies. The three-disc DVD set includes 13 episodes and carries a suggested retail price of $24.98, with a total runtime of 563 minutes.