News Briefs

Sanofi has inked a deal to acquire ownership of Qunol, a U.S.-based, market-leading brand in health and wellness.

This transaction will strengthen Sanofi’s Consumer Healthcare’s vitamin, mineral and supplements category, one of the largest and fastest-growing consumer health categories in the United States.

With Qunol’s CoQ10 in heart health and Turmeric in joint health, CHC at Sanofi adds a trusted, profitable double-digit growth brand to its U.S. portfolio, focused on chronic conditions with growing consumer demand, the company said. 

“The acquisition of Qunol further strengthens our portfolio in the wellness category. It taps into the growing ‘healthy aging’ segment and fills one of our white spaces in the US, unlocking an opportunity for us to build on our U.S. presence and accelerate our growth,” said Julie Van Ongevalle, executive vice president of Consumer Healthcare at Sanofi. “VMS now functions as long-term support for overall health and wellness where proactive preventive health has become the new norm post-pandemic. We are excited to welcome Qunol and, with this addition to our consumer healthcare portfolio, reinforce our commitment to bring more health into the hands of people.”

Qunol CoQ10 and Turmeric products are both backed by scientific literature and strong market positioning in their segments. Qunol’s high product quality and efficacy have resulted in strong brand equity among consumers and customers, as well as above-category consumer loyalty. The Qunol brand will benefit from Sanofi’s CHC resources to expand into other chronic conditions and develop its footprint outside the United States, the company noted.

“Qunol is looking forward to joining Sanofi’s consumer healthcare team and developing synergies that will further drive brand awareness for our products with our consumers and customers,” said Peter Boutros, CEO of Quten Research Institute. “With Sanofi, we have the opportunity to further grow in the U.S. and beyond, tapping into Sanofi Consumer Healthcare’s commercial breadth and strength.”

The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2023.

NACDS has opened registration for its 2024 annual meeting, to be held April 27-30, at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.

This exclusive event brings together the most influential business executives from drug, food and mass retailers along with their supplier counterparts to build vital strategic partnerships and gain new insights into today’s changing marketplace.

The NACDS Annual Meeting offers many opportunities to engage and connect with key trading partners.

To register online click here

Lunchables is entering a new snack category following a partnership with Fresh del Monte Produce.

“At Kraft Heinz, we are transforming through innovation by making bigger bets to fuel growth and create new products for our fans,” said Naor Danieli, director of marketing at Lunchables. “Lunchables with Fresh Fruit is a ripe example of how we are quickly moving to introduce new offerings rooted in real consumer needs. Teaming up with Fresh Del Monte helps accelerate the innovation our brand strives for, lending its expertise in fresh produce to expand the delicious, buildable and real food experience we provide for kids.”

Featuring pineapple, clementines, grapes and apples, the new Lunchables with Fresh Fruit also contains the brand’s turkey and ham cracker stackers alongside the fruit.

“We see the partnership to introduce this evolution of Lunchables as a true game changer for children’s nutrition,” said Melissa Mackay, vice president of marketing at Fresh Del Monte. “By bringing together the freshness and quality that Fresh Del Monte fruits are known for with the convenience and fun of Lunchables, we have a real opportunity to change kids’ perspectives around fruits, ideally helping to make fruit consumption second nature to younger generations. It aligns closely with our mission to inspire healthy lifestyles and provide wholesome and convenient products to everyone.”

Consumers can find Luchables with Fresh Fruit in the produce aisle in the south-central region of the country.

Exuviance is encouraging consumers to put their best feet forward this summer with the launch of its Exfoliating & Conditioning Foot Balm.

The balm is designed to provide all the benefits of a foot peel without peeling or flacking. It also contains a blend of exfoliators that target dry, cracked and calloused skin, the brand said.

Featuring a 20% blend of alpha hydroxy acid, also known as AHA, and polyhydroxy acid, known as PHA, it also contains vitamin E and other emollients to smooth and hydrate rough skin on the feet.

Retailing for $29, consumers can find Exuviance’s Exfoliating & Conditioning Foot Balm available for purchase exclusively at Ulta Beauty.

Hero Cosmetics is bringing its Mighty Patch pimple patches to Canada.

The brand announced that its products are now available in the Great White North at several retailers including in stores and online at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and Amazon. 

“It’s always been our goal to ensure accessibility to everyone and anyone who may need our products. Launching in Canada is an exciting step towards that goal. I am so excited to bring the Hero brand story and our solutions to the Canadian customer,” said Ju Rhyu, co-founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics. “I’m thrilled to embark on a long-standing & deep connection with the Canadian community. I’m confident that we’ll continue to grow the category by reaching a new audience, and most importantly, get our pimple solutions into the hands of people with pimple emergencies.”

Canadians will be able to purchase Hero Cosmetics’ Mighty Patch Original, Mighty Patch Invisible+ patches, Mighty Patch Nose patches and Mighty Patch Surface patches. The brand has plans to expand its current lineup in the country beginning in 2024.

Carbona is expanding beyond its line of stain removers with the launch of its new laundry detergent sheets.  

The pre-measured sheets are designed to offer a simple cleaning experience. Each sheet can be used in a regular or short wash cycle in cold, warm or hot water and is dissolved completely with no residue left behind, the company said.

The laundry detergent sheets come in free and clear or fresh scent options, and can be used in front and top-load machines. Additionally, the sheets are designed to be gentle on fabrics and safe for use on colors and white.

“With the launch of the Carbona laundry detergent sheets, we’re now able to offer solutions for the complete laundry cycle, from pre-treat to post wash,” said Chris Albers, director of marketing at Carbona. “Carbona strives to be a company that provides sustainable, efficient, time-saving laundry and home care products for our consumers and the addition of laundry detergent sheets fully satisfies the slate of needs in the laundry room.”

Consumers can find Carbona’s laundry detergent sheets available for purchase beginning Oct. 1 at Amazon for a suggested retail price of $11.99.