New Products

Pet products have moved into the OTC aisles and even behind the pharmacy. Sales of pet supplies/OTC medicine are expected to reach $12.56 billion in 2012, according to the American Pet Products Association. 


One of the key drivers of the category, according to Packaged Facts, is the growing population of pets with specialized health needs, especially senior and overweight dogs and cats.


BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Just Born has expanded its Mike and Ike brand with the launch of Mike and Ike Mummy's Mix.

Featuring lemon, orange, grape, lime and raspberry-flavored candies, the limited-edition treat is available in a variety of sizes, including a 5-oz. box ideal for trick-or-treaters.

Mike and Ike Mummy's Mix can be found in supermarkets, mass market retailers and drug stores nationwide.

ST. LOUIS — Nestle Purina PetCare Company is touting its newest pet food brand, Be Happy, as a brand that “celebrate[s] our pets as our happiness heroes.” In just three months, the brand’s Facebook page has grown to more than 100,000 fans. Be Happy is available in two varieties for cats — Deep Sea Duos Crunchies with Ocean Fish and Salmon Flavors, and Poultry Pair-adise Crunchies with Chicken and Turkey Flavors — and two varieties for dogs — beef and chicken.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Mentholatum on Tuesday launched its new Softlips Jack Frosting lip balm, Softlips peppermint stick lip balm and Softlips holiday gift tag packs that will be available in November in time for the holiday shopping season.

Sales of ready-to-drink teas may have slowed, but new introductions will continue to fuel the category. A recent Mintel report forecasts a sales increase of 18% from 2012 to 2017 for the segment.

Lemonade-and-tea drinks — sometimes called “Arnold Palmers” —  have become more popular with consumers. Arizona Beverage Co.’s Arnold Palmer line had strong growth last year, and Snapple and Sweet Leaf both launched lemonade-and-tea beverages.

SUPPLIER NEWS — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Acton Pharmaceuticals for asthma, the company said. The drug maker announced the approval of Aerospan (flunisolide HFA) inhalation aerosol as a maintenance treatment for asthma in patients ages 6 years and older. The drug maker plans to launch the drug in early 2013.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Buddy Fruits has launched what it calls the first 100% fruit gel pouch to hit the market.

Buddy Fruits said its new Jiggle Gel pouch further demonstrates the company's originality in developing products that are portable, healthy and fun to eat. Available in raspberry, strawberry and orange flavors, the vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free fruit gel is only made with fruit and fruit pectin, and touts 70 calories per pouch.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate already may have unveiled its lineup of new treats for Halloween, Valentine's Day, as well as the winter holiday season, but the company announced that it is adding new items to its Easter 2013 lineup.

The new Easter 2013 lineup includes:

• Snickers Peanut Butter Squared minis;