New Products

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A developer of revenue and payment cycle management and clinical information exchange software is expanding its payment network.

Emdeon announced Friday that it would expand the capabilities of the Emdeon Payment Network, a large, automated payment distribution system for the healthcare industry. The expansion includes the recent opening of a new 100,000-sq.-ft. facility in St. Louis dedicated to supporting the network, which currently reaches about 60,000 pharmacies, 500,000 providers, 81,000 dentists, 1,200 hospitals and 300 labs.

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Prestige Brands is the first over-the-counter manufacturer to adopt an "energy shot" format in an effort to infuse differentiation into the brand. And while Goody's Headache Relief Shot may stand out on store shelves as one of the first liquid analgesics targeting adults, it will not stay on those shelves for long. Sales of Goody's Headache Powder already were up 9.4% to $37.5 million for the 52 weeks ended May 19 across total U.S. multi-outlet, according to IRI data, well outpacing category growth of 0.2%.

CINCINNATI — Candle-Lite will introduce two new Entenmann's scented candle flavors, Chocolate Whoopie Pie and Red Velvet Cupcake, in time for the fourth-quarter holiday-selling season. The line extensions will be available in three sizes — 9-oz. three-wick jar, 3.5-oz. jar two-pack and 16-oz. jar — and will retail for $7.99.

CHICAGO — Muller Quaker Dairy announced today the addition of four new flavors to its line of lowfat and Greek yogurts, as well as a promotional sponsorship with actress Malin Akerman to coincide with the July launch.

Muller FrutUp mango, Muller FrutUp orange, Muller Greek Corner pineapple passion fruit and Muller Greek Corner mango are the newest varieties to join the lineup of Muller yogurts and are now available at grocery stores nationwide.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Mobile apps used for sports and fitness activities are set to rise by 63% from 2012 to 2017 around the world, according to a report — “The World Market for Sports & Fitness Monitors–2013 Edition” — released Thursday by information and analytics provider IHS. The firm predicts that increased mobile app activity will generate strong potential demand for wearable health devices like heart-rate monitors.

Whole generations of Americans have no memory of a time when doctors routinely made house calls. But with the rapid acceleration of telehealth and telepharmacy technologies — and their increasing use by physicians and pharmacy providers — the virtual house call is bringing remotely delivered health services to thousands of patients where they live, work and shop.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Consumers have a brand new way to enjoy the trademark Snickers combination of chocolate, peanuts, caramel and nougat. New Snickers Bites are small "pop 'em in your mouth" milk chocolate cubes that deliver classic Snickers flavor in a bite-sized treat. The bite-sized unwrapped cubes are now available nationwide in a 2.83-oz. sharing size bag at a suggested retail price of $1.49 and an 8-oz. stand-up pouch for $2.99.

As the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, meeting the beauty needs of ethnic shoppers continues to become increasingly vital and, as evidenced by the influx of new products, manufacturers are taking note and heeding the call.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the year ended July 31, 2011, African-Americans, Latinos and other minorities accounted for 50.4% of all births. This was up from 49.5% from the 2010 Census taken April 1, 2010.