Mountain Dew Introduces MDX Energy Soda
Mountain Dew is bridging the gap between energy drinks and soda with the launch of MDX. Pioneering a new category of energy sodas, MDX features the familiar citrus flavor of Mountain Dew, but is fueled by a “power pack” of ingredients including Ginseng, Guarana, Taurine, and D-Ribose. The launch of MDX also marks the debut of a new single-serve 14-oz PET bottle that is convenient, portable, easy to grip and features a re-sealable cap.
“Mountain Dew helped create the energy category and MDX is the next logical step in our evolution,”said Katie Lacey, V.P., Marketing, Carbonated Soft Drinks, Pepsi-Cola North America. “Consumers are increasingly looking for energy-witness the explosion of energy drinks-there is great opportunity for a new category. MDX satisfies the consumer who is looking for a boost of energy but refuses to sacrifice taste and refreshment.”
Stone Cellars By Beringer Launched In Single-Serve Bottles
Stone Cellars by Beringer has introduced the first nationally available premium wine in unbreakable single-serve bottles.
At one-fourth the size of traditional 750 ml bottles, the unbreakable 187 ml bottles easily go where glass can't, including sporting events, the beach, picnics and camping.
The launch of the new Stone Cellars package comes at a time when wine has replaced beer as Americans' number one preferred alcoholic beverage, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Displays Promote New Hershey's Kissables
The Hershey Co. has introduced Hershey's Kissables candy, which are miniature candy-coated versions of Hershey's Kisses chocolates. The colorful blue, red, yellow, green and orange candies come in convenient, single-serve packaging as well as take-home packages.
A special corrugated shipper display supports the launch. “Hershey’s Kissables candies deliver the power of Kisses to new retail channels, such as convenience stores, and the packaging means consumers can enjoy them on-the-go,” said Jay Cooper, V.P., Chocolate, at Hershey’s
Kissables will take to the track at Daytona International Speedway in February as the sponsor of the season opening 2006 NASCAR Busch Series-the Hershey’s Kissables 300. The race will feature a specially painted Hershey’s Kissables Chevrolet.
Charmin Features Mobile Demo Display
This display was created to fill the need of Proctor & Gamble for an eye-catching, innovative unit to introduce the new Charmin Mega roll.
The display is built on a standard metal shopping cart which allows for mobility throughout the store. The primary header is mounted on poles and constructed of 200# flute corrugate.
The most noticeable portion of the display is the large “Mega Roll” located on the front of the cart. A second smaller, laminated header on the front of the display holds an actual roll of the new product. The display has a very high interaction rate among customers.
This display was created by Linpac Displays, a Tullahoma, TN based display firm.
Waddajuice Healthy Beverage Is Launched
Waddajuice, a healthy on-the-go juice beverage with an innovative kids sports cap, has been launched by Snapple founder Arnold Greenberg and entrepreneur and father of two children.
The idea started with the advice of a pediatrician who opened the parent’s eye to the growing childhood obesity epidemic.
Waddajuice is made with wholesome ingredients, no added sweeteners, flavors, dyes, preservatives or additives, and contains half the sugar, calories and carbohydrates of other fruit juices. Waddajuice’s unique spill-proof package design allows children to easily pop off the overcap, remove a small seal and drink away. Waddajuice offers 100% vitamin C, 10% calcium and 10% of the essential B vitamins and comes in four kid-favorite flavors: Apple, Orange, Wild Berry and White Grape. Special display racks will call attention to the launch.
Displays Offers Rip It Power Energy Fuel & PowerBlast
National Beverage Corp. has introduced Rip It Power Energy Fuel and PowerBlast powders in convenient power-paks ready to mix with water.
Rip It Power Energy Fuel powder contains the same energy burst offered by the Company’s fast growing energy beverage, Rip It. PowerBlast powder provides a vitamin boost in addition to an extra ‘blast of energy’. Both powders will be available in 24-pack display cartons.
“Our mission is to successfully launch the first nationally distributed ‘powdered’ energy and vitamin-enhanced products offered in unique power-paks,” said Joseph Caporella, President. “We are positioning PowerBlast to appeal to active adults in the 24-44 age bracket. Rip It powders are targeted to men aged 18-24 who are looking for a quick burst of energy.”
Chopin Vodka Displays New Look
Chopin Vodka, the world’s only luxury potato vodka from Poland, is making a fashion statement with enhanced packaging, and elegant point-of-purchase displays.
Melissa Frank, Brand Director, Moet Hennessy USA Vodkas, said, “Chopin is a refined brand that has always made a bold packaging statement. It was time to introduce some changes to enhance our look.”
The artistic inspiration for the change came from the famous 19th Century Polish composer Frederik Chopin. The signature hand drawing of the artist is now more visible from the front, seen as an elegant profile through a looking glass window into the bottle. The artist’s signature appears even larger on the front of the bottle.
The words “Potato Vodka” immediately below the signature call out the brand’s point of difference, the rich flavor that stems from cultivated, naturally grown potatoes in the Podlasie region of Poland.
Flying Fish Merlot Features On-Premise Display
Big Fluke Wine Co., a subsidiary of Click Wine Group, has introduced Flying Fish, a premium Merlot from the Columbia Valley in Washington State.
Committed to protecting the environment, Click Wine Group has partnered with The Ocean Conservancy and pledged a portion of the proceeds from Flying Fish to help protect wild healthy oceans.
Flying Fish Merlot draws inspirations from Washington’s state natural and cultural heritage. The label’s image blends classic art of the Pacific Northwest together with the emblematic Sockeye salmon. The artwork for the bottle and display is a replication of Northwest artist Blaine Billman’s painting entitled, “Spirit of the Sockeye.”
The name Flying Fish was chosen based on the graphics Blaine created.
P.O.P. Materials Support Grains For Life Campaign
The Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) is running a campaign to promote bread in 1,800 Kroger stores nationwide. Kroger is highlighting the nutritional value of bread and grains through point-of-purchase materials, which will be supported by a creative message that addresses the necessity of bread in making sandwiches.
The floor decals will be featured in the bread aisle in addition to the deli and peanut butter aisles.
The Grains For Life campaign and in-store materials were created by the Mullen agency, Wenham, MA.
Curad Powerwing/Floorstand Targets Children
Beiersdorf is featuring the Curad Maya & Miguel powerwing/floorstand display, designed to add value and grow market share in the competitive small bandage category.
The powerwing/floorstand display provides the retailers with great flexibility. The powerwing portion can be displayed independently in a wire cage or mounted on the base.
The display utilizes five color offset litho-lam corrugated board with UV coating. The display base is B-flute corrugated board and printed one color flexo with aqueous varnish.
The artwork on the display matches that which is on the product packaging, making for a colorful, eye-catching presentation.
The Curad Maya & Miguel Powerwing/Floorstand display was designed and produced by Menasha Display Group, a Philadelphia, PA-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Outwater Plastics
Marketers To Bolster In-Store Efforts In 2006, Predicts Yankelovich
Marketers will boost their in-store marketing efforts in the next 12 months, according to marketing consultancy Yankelovich Inc.
Yankelovich President, Walker Smith said marketers have the potential to revolutionize the retail experience if they take the time to give consumers the in-store experiences they desire. “The place where consumers are most receptive to buy something-the point-of-sale-is the place where marketers do the worst marketing,” Smith said.” Clutter, crowded aisles and cheap cardboard displays do not create good branding opportunities. Marketers can change consumers’expectations at the point-of-sale if they create experiential and tangible environments for consumers, as Whole Foods has done for grocery shopping.”
Other predictions for 2006 include: Multicultural-U.S. Hispanics will become an even more important target for marketers as their disposable income and clout continue to rise. Self-Expression-Being quirky will gain steam in 2006 as consumers continue their search for novelty and personal satisfaction, often opting for the offbeat and unexpected. Healthcare-Expect increased efforts to market a health message, including changes in packaging and labeling, and the launch of more healthful convenience foods.
Calorie Control Council Predicts Trends In Dieting & Weight Loss For 2006
According to a recent Calorie Control Council survey, 33% of Americans or 71 million people are currently on a diet.
The Council, a non-profit association that has tracked dieting and weight loss trends for the past 20 years, has made the following predictions for the coming year: Portion Control Becomes Easier-Snacks such as 100-calorie packs and mini-sized cans of soda allow adults and children to enjoy their favorite treats with fewer calories. Additional companies are likely to roll out similar product lines as these snacks continue to fly off the shelves. More consumers will begin making simple substitutions in their meals and snacks. Many companies now feature light, low-calorie or sugar-free versions of their products and consumers will increasingly use these products to save calories. Companies will continue to fight obesity with more corporate wellness. The popularity of sugar-free gum will continue to rise as consumers find small ways to cut calories from their diet. The increasing use of Pedometers will encourage people to get up and get moving.
Changing Attitudes Reported Towards Dieting and Long-Term Health
Consumers are rejecting diets, in favor of healthy choices they can live with over a lifetime, according to the recent HealthFocus report, “The National Study Of Public Attitudes and Actions Towards Shopping and Eating.”
“Shoppers tell us that diets are recipes for failure. Even if successful in the short-term, the weight comes back on later unless real lifestyle adjustments are made,” said Linda Gilbert, President of HealthFocus International. “Toward that end, shoppers are more interested in ‘eating healthier’ than in dieting.”
The study shows that while more shoppers today describe themselves as overweight, fewer are dieting to lose weight. Only 8% of all shoppers choose healthy foods or beverages primarily to “lose weight,” while 30% make choices to “ensure future good health.” And, 75% of shoppers strongly agree or agree that it is more important to eat light rather than diet.
“Almost nine in ten shoppers agree that eating from all of the food groups in moderation is a healthy way to eat,” said Gilbert. “Healthy and unhealthy choices co-exist in a balanced diet for consumers, so companies need to find the intersection between health and indulgence that will increase their product use without compromising consumer satisfaction.”
Americans Seeking More From Today’s Convenience Products
A study released by Information Resources, Inc. shows that while the market for convenience products remains strong, consumers are now demanding a more robust convenience-based product. “Yesterday’s consumer was content with purchasing a product that promised to be quick and easy,” said Janet Eden-Harris, EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer, IRI. “Now, consumers expect those same offerings to provide significant nutritional benefits, as well as greater portability, quality and value.”
In the quest for healthy offerings, consumers are increasingly reaching for refrigerated meals and meal components, reportedly perceiving these items to use fresher ingredients and contain fewer additives than their frozen and shelf-stable counterparts. The report encourages traditional grocers to protect and grow their footprint in the high-growth refrigerated meal solutions segment through targeted marketing and merchandising initiatives.
Portability and portion control appear to be the primary benefits driving strong growth in the convenient snack segment. According to the report, personal care products appear to be the next big convenience growth area, with more consumers engaging in on-the-go grooming and utilizing personal care products at work.
Supermarket Industry Rebounds In Price-Driven Market
The supermarket industry rebounded financially in 2005 led by the top 25% profit leaders, which posted particularly strong results, according to the Food Marketing Institute. Total industry net profits averaged 1.16%, crossing the 1% mark for the first time in three years. The profit leaders reported net earnings more than three times the average at 3.68%.
“Companies of all sizes are performing extraordinarily well during what many regard as the most competitive era in the industry's history,” said Tim Hammonds, FMI President and CEO. “Many companies are opening smaller stores to target people at specific income levels, and shoppers seeking ethnic foods, gourmet delicacies, and organic and nutritious products to promote wellness.”
A large majority of financial executives surveyed (85%) are optimistic that their companies will perform well in the 2005-2006 fiscal year, including 30% who are “very optimistic.”
NPD Releases Study On Eating Patterns In America
The number of meals eaten in a restaurant annually has decreased from 93 meals per person in 1985 to 80 meals per person today, according to The NPD Group's 20th Annual Eating Patterns in America report.
However, the number of meals purchased at a restaurant and eaten in the car has increased from 19 meals per person in 1985 to 32 meals per person today. 92% of take-out lunches come from fast food restaurants, today, and 92% of individuals consume some form of “ready-to-eat” foods in the home on a daily basis.
Some other key findings of the study are: Today, 53% of people say they try to avoid snacking, as opposed to 71% in 1985. We use our stovetops less (down 18% from 1985) and our microwave ovens more (doubled from 10% in 1985 to 20% today).
We are significantly more accepting of people who are overweight today than 20 years ago. People have traded in their health concerns, from sodium back in 1985 to trans fat today.
The usage of fresh products in our main meals at home has decreased today, as compared to 1985. Back then, 56% of in-home main meals included a fresh product. Today, 46% of in-home main meals include a fresh product. We are more likely to see carbonated soft drinks included in our diets today for all meal occasions, and less likely to see toast.
Coca-Cola Blak Offers Cola & Coffee Fusion
Coca-Cola Co. is launching Coca-Cola Blak, a Coca-Cola and coffee fusion lightly carbonated beverage.
Marc Mathieu, V.P., Global Core Brands, said, “We have created a new category of soft drink--an adult product in a carbonated beverage. This brand is ideal for any part of the day when people are looking for renewed energy.”
Kraft Extends South Beach Diet Line
Kraft Foods is expanding its South Beach Diet line of convenience foods with new Asian-inspired flavors of frozen entrees, frozen breakfast wraps in four varieties and a refrigerated sandwich wrap.
There is also a new line of salad dressings and two new varieties of meal replacement bars.
Quaker Weight Control Instant Oatmeal Introduced
Quaker has introduced Weight Control Instant Oatmeal, specially designed with 25% more whole grains, fiber and protein to help people feel full. Todd Magazine, V.P., Marketing, Quaker Foods, said “A quarter of our consumers already connect oatmeal with weight management, which is a great starting point for this new product.”
Philips Introduces amBX Experience
Philips Electronics has introduced amBX, a technology that will redefine the experience of playing video games, watching movies and listening to music.
Utilizing light, color, sound, heat and air, amBX submerges the user within a complete “sensory surround experience,” which extends the gaming world out of the screen and into the real world by barraging the senses with audio and visual queues tuned to the action on the screen.
Hostess Promo. Features Racing Divas
Three of professional racing’s leading women drivers-Danica Patrick (IRL), Leilani Munter (NASCAR) and Melanie Troxel (NHRA), have signed on to become Hostess “Racing Divas” under a sponsorship agreement with the Hostess snack cake brand.
The racing sponsorship program will feature a range of promotional activities including special limited edition packaging and displays, with photos of the three drivers.
“Interest in women in professional racing continues to grow, with Danica, Leilani and Melanie serving as excellent ambassadors for the sport,” said Kevin Kaul, Hostess Marketing Manager, Interstate Bakeries Corp. “We are pleased to sponsor these drivers as they inspire an even more diverse fan base, and, connect the iconic Hostess brand with the enthusiasm surrounding racing and women’s increasing prominence in the sport.”
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