News Briefs

  • 4/27/2022

    McKesson opens registration for in-person ideaShare 2022

    A group of people walking in front of a crowd

    McKesson ideaShare 2022 is returning as a live event from July 7 to 10 in Washington D.C.

    By registering early, attendees may be eligible to earn a rebate of 2% of total OneStop Generics purchases of up to $4,000.

    McKesson touts ideaShare as the nation’s premier community pharmacy event that empowers current and future independent pharmacists to foster deeper connections, discover ways to innovate and thrive, and strengthen their collective voice. Featuring a range of large group sessions and smaller roundtable discussions to an energetic show floor, the meeting has been reimagined to give independent pharmacists and their staff a customized experience focused on building a brighter future for the independent pharmacy industry — together.

     Attendees will learn how to:

    • Run their business better;
    • Provide quality care;
    • Maximize profitability;
    • Diversify their services; and
    • Strengthen the industry’s voice.

     Registration is open here.

  • 4/28/2022

    Lightlife launches plant-based chicken options

    lightlife plant-based chicken

    Lightlife is continuing to expand upon its plant-based food options by debuting two new takes on traditional chicken.

    Its plant-based chicken breasts and plant-based chicken strips are made with simple ingredients that mimic the texture and flavor of chicken, the Chicago-based company said.

    “Lightlife Plant-Based Chicken Breasts and Strips deliver a chicken-like eating experience and versatility that is unmatched," said Jitendra Sagili, chief research and development and food technology officer of Greenleaf Foods, SPC. "These products reflect our vision of relentlessly evolving the product designs, utilizing ingredient technologies delivering on consumers’ expectations for taste, color and texture.”

    The plant-based chicken breasts and chicken strips offer between 9 to 6 g of protein per serving, and are made using the brand’s high-moisture extrusion technology to deliver a juice texture similar to the traditional chicken experience.

    Made with pea protein, both plant-based chicken offerings are Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan certified and do not contain artificial flavors.

    “Plant-based chicken is the No. 2 selling plant-based protein segment based on dollar sales, with a category size of $308 million, creating a significant opportunity to drive the segment forward and bring in new consumers,” said Adam Grogan, president of Greenleaf Foods, SPC. “We’re excited to invite consumers to experiment with Lightlife plant-based chicken breasts and strips across a variety of hot and cold applications.”

    Consumers can find Lightlife’s plant-based chicken breasts and chicken strips at Publix and Whole Foods Market locations nationwide.

  • 4/28/2022

    Day One CBD, LA Distributing Company join forces

    partnership teaser

    Day One CBD sparkling water has teamed up with LA Distributing Company to manage and expand distribution of Day One across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Santa Barbara, Calif.

    “Day One is not a new face to the CBD category,” said Richard Media, founder and CEO of LA Distributing Company. “The brand resurrected at the opportune time with the passing of AB45 in 2021; we anticipate mass adoption from all channels of trade in 2022. The branding is simple and straightforward, as they are a premium enhanced sparkling water. The dosage is perfect with the most competitive pricing economics in the market.”

    The partnership accentuates Day One’s commitment to the California market.

    “This is a recipe for category disruption, and we expect them to quickly dominate in our footprint,” Media said. “We are excited to have them part of our portfolio and look forward to seeing them become a national brand.”

    The distribution announcement comes on the heels of Day One being recently named the exclusive and “official CBD partner of USA Pickleball” for a three-year term. 

    “It’s exciting to align Day One with LA Distributing Company, a leading beverage distributor in the LA market,” said Chris Clifford, founder and CEO of Day One Beverages. “It’s no secret that Southern California, and Los Angeles County in particular, has a great concentration of consumers seeking healthier-for-you beverage alternatives, and we couldn’t be more excited to be introducing Day One in this key market alongside the best in the business.”

  • 4/27/2022

    Whisps enters pretzel category

    whisps cheese & pretzel bites

    The Whisps cheese snacks company is entering the pretzel category, expanding its portfolio beyond cheese crisps.

    The brand’s Cheese & Pretzel Bites, which contain 100% real, aged parmesan and cheddar cheeses, is made with dairy from four family farms and clean label pretzels, the company said.

    “Whisps built its foundation on clean snacks with 100% real, artisanal cheese at its core, and with Whisps Cheese & Pretzel Bites, we’re furthering our commitment to putting actual cheese back in artificial ‘cheez’ snacks,” said John Ghingo, CEO of Whisps. “The pretzel-and-cheese combination isn’t new, but what is new is our obsession with bringing real cheese to the pretzel category.

    "These craveworthy, crunchy bites are delicious, nutritious and perfect for any snacking occasion," Ghingo continued. "Bringing our real cheese to pretzels brings protein, reduces carbs and creates a whole new, delicious experience. We cannot wait to see how fans use Whisps Cheese & Pretzel Bites to meet their continuing need for nutritious snacks throughout the day.”

    Available in cheddar, honey mustard and everything flavors, Whisps Cheese & Pretzel Bites contain 7 g of protein and 0 g of sugar per serving, the company said.

    Retailing for $4.49, Whisps Cheese & Pretzel Bites can be found at Kroger and Amazon.com.

  • 4/26/2022

    APHA selects class of executive residents

    People at a conference.

    The American Pharmacists Association announced that its 2022–2023 class of executive residents has been selected.

    The APhA Executive Residency Program, which was designed to provide pharmacists with training and experience in the fundamentals of association management, supports APhA’s vision, mission and brand identity as the leading professional organization representing pharmacists in all practice settings.

    Residents contribute to APhA’s strategic priorities and operations through collaborations with staff teams across the organization.

    The members of the 2022–2023 class of executive residents are:

    • Aneesh Asokan, from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy in Edwardsville, Ill. Asokan will serve on the Board of Pharmacy Specialties during their residency.
    • Isabella Blankenship, from Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. She will serve in APhA’s practice and government affairs departments during their residency.
    • Mariecus Jarvis, from Howard University College of Pharmacy in Washington, D.C. Jarvis will serve in APhA’s education department during their residency.
    • Shivani Modi, from Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy in Baltimore, MD. Modi will serve in APhA’s practice and government affairs departments during their residency.
    • Lauren Walters, from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy in Columbia, SC. She will serve in APhA’s publishing department during their residency.
    • Brooke Whittington, from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in Tucson, AZ. She will serve in APhA’s education department during their residency.

    The application period for the next class of executive residents will open in the Fall of 2022.

  • 4/25/2022

    Heinz innovates burger eating experience with Dip & Crunch

    heinz dip and crunch

    Heinz is changing the way consumers enjoy their meals — specifically burgers.

    New from the brand is Dip & Crunch, which combines a sauce with crisp potato crunchers inside a two-in-one package designed to elevate the burger-eating experience, the company said.

    Featuring a burger sauce made from tomato puree, molasses, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, tamarind concentrate, onion powder and spices, the crisp crunchers also included in the package were designed to cling to the smooth sauce when dunked.

    “Here at Heinz, we recognize the magic in making memories on burger night thanks to the way our condiments uniquely elevate the classic burger,” said Ashleigh Gibson, brand director at Heinz. “As we continue to reimagine mealtime, we’re excited to offer a solution for consumers looking for accessible dipping sauces and unique textures to help further embrace the fun of cooking and eating at home.”

    Heinz’s Dip & Crunch is available in regular and spicy varieties and can be found nationwide at such retailers as Walmart, Meijer, Target and Giant.

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