Consumables

Higher-end products are where the beer category is headed. “We’re seeing a lot of high-end segments continuing to steer the ship,” said Dan Wandel, SVP at IRI. “We’re seeing higher-priced products driving the category.”

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)

GLENDALE, Calif. — Nestlé USA Confections and Snacks on Thursday introduced its new sweets selection from Nerds, SweeTarts, Laffy Taffy, Butterfinger, Nestlé Crunch and more. The company also is offering three new Halloween candy variety packs.

ATLANTA — In its first flavor innovation since 2005, Sprite is launching all-new flavor Sprite Cranberry and Sprite Cranberry Zero.

The new products will be available for a limited time through the holidays. Both products take the taste of traditional Sprite and combine it with a splash of sweet and tart cranberry notes.

LOS ANGELES — Soft drink maker Neuro is launching new flavors in 2014, the company said.

Neuro, which calls its products "functional beverages," said it would launch six new flavors — two each for its Sonic, Bliss and Sleep drinks — that will include new labels for the bottles. The six new flavors were refined based on a series of consumer tests and include blood orange, raspberry, mango and other flavors. The new flavors will hit shelves in January.

NEENAH, Wis. — A company that makes packaging for manufacturers ranging from food companies to drug makers has received more than a dozen awards at a marketing exposition in Chicago.

Menasha Packaging announced that it won 13 Design of the Time Awards at the 2013 Shopper Marketing Expo, including three gold, two silver and eight bronze awards in the drug store, mass-merchandise, specialty and supermarket channels. The DOT Awards recognize creative in-store activation tactics and campaigns.

NEW YORK — PepsiCo's Quaker division has introduced a new version of its Quaker Real Medleys product, the company said.

Quaker announced the launch of Real Medleys Bars, featuring flavor combinations similar to the ones found in Real Medleys cups. Like the cups, the bars feature such fruits and nuts as cherries, apples, cranberries, peaches, pistachios, walnuts and almonds.

The bars are available in boxes of five bars. The company calls Real Medleys its most innovative product in 40 years.

ORRVILLE, Ohio — Folgers is launching a new online community for fans to read and share good news through social networking feeds.

The coffee brand, owned by J.M. Smucker Co., announced the launch of the community, dubbed The Best Part. Users of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can like and follow the community to receive positive, fun and optimistic content. Another component of the launch is the "Wakin' Up" alarm app, which includes upbeat tunes, positive news and inspiring comments.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Independent brewer Craft Brew Alliance gave Safeway one of its Retailer of the Year awards at its inaugural annual conference for beer wholesalers in Las Vegas earlier this week, the company said.

CBA said the Retailer of the Year Awards recognize retailers that have contributed to the company's sales growth and demand for its products. Safeway was named the off-premise retailer of the year, while restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings was named on-premise retailer of the year.