NEW SKUs

Yogurt Category Segmentation
If you thought yogurt had reached its segmentation limit from fruit on the bottom to a whipped, aerated product to beneficial microbes for digestion, think again. The Dannon Co., White Plains, N.Y., is rolling out a line of Activia Selects yogurt in French, Greek, and Parfait varieties. French is a silky and fruity French blended yogurt. It is available in cherry, blackberry & raspberry, mango, and pineapple. French style yogurt comes with large pieces of fruit (strawberry or mixed berry) on the bottom. The Greek style product is a thick and creamy blended Greek nonfat yogurt and is an excellent source of calcium and protein. It is available in strawberry, vanilla, blueberry, and pomegranate & berry. The Parfait style product includes smooth lowfat yogurt topped with crunchy granola. Flavors include strawberry, vanilla, peach, and mixed berry.

Like its sister brand Activia, Activia Selects contains Bifidus Regularis, a probiotic culture that helps regulate the digestive system.

Mini ‘Cola Wars’
The ongoing “cola wars” between Coke and Pepsi have moved to a new front—smaller size packaging. In the UK, PepsiCo UK, is using Ball Packaging Europe’s Handy Can to distribute Pepsi Max, Diet Pepsi, and Pepsi in the new shorter and more compact steel 250 ml (8.45 oz) package. The container shape is said to be a better fit for handbags and picnic baskets. In addition, consumer research has shown that many consumers, particularly women, appreciate the option of choosing smaller can sizes. The new cans are available in a variety of multipack sizes, including 10, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, and 36 units.

In the U.S., Coca-Cola announced that it will provide a more affordable price point for the popular 7.5-oz mini can. The new recommended pricing for an 8-pack of Coke mini cans will be less than three dollars. The soft drink giant also announced that a new 12.5-oz PET bottle will be available for Coca-Cola trademark brands this fall.

A Passing Grade for Chocolate Milk
Due to concerns about childhood obesity and added sugars in the diet, some school districts across America have banned the sale of chocolate milk. In response, Dean Foods, Dallas, Texas, has launched TruMoo, a better-for-you chocolate milk that contains only 40 more calories than plain white milk per serving and is made without high fructose corn syrup. The fat-free TruMoo milk served in schools contains only 130 calories per serving and 10 g of added sugar, compared to previous chocolate milk formulas made with high fructose corn syrup and up to 180 calories and 16 g of added sugar. With some regional variations, most TruMoo milk available at major retailers is lowfat (1%) with 150 calories and 10 g of added sugar. Depending on regional and retailer variations, other varieties include strawberry, vanilla, and coffee flavors and are available in gallons, half gallons, quarts, and single serve (10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-oz) bottles. TruMoo milk is offered in school and foodservice settings in half-pint containers.