Consumables

CHICAGO — Healthy eating behavior varies by generation, according to new research by NPD.

The "Healthy Eating Strategies by Generation" report found that younger generations — i.e., adults ages 21 to 54 years — have the least-healthy diets. But while older generations have better diets than their younger counterparts, it seems that 4-out-of-5 adults still need to improve the quality of their diet.

ATLANTA — Among those getting their health on track in time for New Year's resolutions are consumers who are concerned about the long-term, negative effects of drinking unhealthy beverages.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids-based Spartan Stores has announced the introduction of its new Michigan-made Indulgent Creations premium ice cream.

Indulgent Creations will be available year round through Spartan Stores, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Felpausch, Glen's Market and VG's Grocery stores, as well as through nearly 400 independent stores in Michigan and northern Indiana that sell Spartan Stores' brand products.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo has upped its investment in O.N.E., a coconut water company.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but PepsiCo noted that it now has the majority stake in the company.

"Coconut water is one of the fastest-growing categories in the U.S. beverage market, and one in which we see a great deal of potential. Our investment in O.N.E. is an investment in the future," said Massimo d'Amore, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages Americas.

CINCINNATI — Sunny Delight is refocusing its North American business with the acquisition of a manufacturing plant owned by the J.M. Smucker Co., and is updating all five of its North American manufacturing facilities and data systems.

The $70 million upgrade, which will diversify Sunny Delight's business in North America, will improve its "corporate profitability, manufacturing efficiency and environmental footprint," said Ellen Iobst, the company's SVP manufacturing and technology.

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola is looking to spread holiday cheer by asking consumers to donate their My Coke Rewards points to help generate gifts for unprivileged children.

By logging onto MCR.com/holiday, registered My Coke Rewards members can donate their points to Toys for Tots by entering codes found on 13 participating Coca-Cola products. The points will be awarded to Toys for Tots. Coca-Cola also is donating $120,000 to Toys for Tots; the money will be divided between eight cities across America.

PLANO, Texas — A citrus soda made by Dr Pepper Snapple Group is making a major splash in the Southern states in which it’s currently sold. And with plans for nationwide distribution early next year, it has the potential to rival the success of Mountain Dew. 

Sun Drop is made with orange juice and more caffeine than Mountain Dew. Southern fans have used it in everything from glazes for holiday turkeys to alcoholic mixed drinks. 

SEATTLE — Jones Soda received a nod for its product revamp of the company's WhoopAss energy drink.

At BevNet Live Winter 2010, Jones Soda was awarded BevNet's 2010 best product revamp honor.

Jones relaunched its WhoopAss energy drink earlier this year with new packaging and functional ingredients. Each 16-oz. can of WhoopAss retails for $2.39 each.