Consumables

CINCINNATI — A new line of hard cider has hit retail.

Angry Orchard Hard Cider, available in three gluten-free varieties — Crisp Apple, Apple Ginger and Traditional Dry — tout 5% to 5.5% alcohol by volume. Angry Orchard was released earlier this year in New England, Colorado, Maryland and New York, the company said.

Angry Orchard Hard Cider is available in 6-packs for a suggested retail price of $8.99.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Red Baron is expanding its frozen pizza offerings with a new line.

Baron's Best premium pizzas, offered in hand tossed and pan crust styles, feature 100% real cheese, sauce and four-cheese, pepperoni, four-meat or supreme topping varieties.

Red Baron Baron's Best pizzas now are available for a suggested retail price of $5.99.

CHICAGO — Global Easter-themed chocolate product launches have increased 45% over the past year, according to new Mintel research.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Acosta Sales and Marketing, a full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods industry, on Wednesday named former Kroger president and COO Don McGeorge to its board of directors.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Pepsi Next is using social media for its latest marketing campaign.

SOLON, Ohio — ECRM announced that a state-of-the-art center will be built in honor of its late leader Charlie Bowlus.

The Charlie Bowlus Technology and Innovation Center, which currently is under construction, is being built in a public charter school in Cleveland and is set to open this fall in the Cleveland Public School District, ECRM president Mitch Bowlus said, who will fund 100% of the costs for this center.

NEW YORK — A new line of organic energy sports chews has hit the market.

New Sharkies, designed to to be enjoyed by anyone who lives an active lifestyle, are certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, do not contain any artificial dyes and flavors, and are free of fat, gluten, wheat, nuts and dairy. Each snack are designed to replenish what's lost during exercise by touting 110 mg sodium, 30 mg potassium, and 36 g total carbohydrates per serving. the company said.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday released draft guidance that ultimately will provide the public with previously unknown information about the chemicals in tobacco products and help prevent misleading marketing about the risks associated with tobacco products, the agency said.