New Product Launches

Grocery freezers will soon get a triple boost of probiotic power with a trio of new good-for-you cultured frozen dairy treats from Lifeway Foods, Inc.

Starting March 26, 2012 cola lovers everywhere will be invited to get a first taste of new Pepsi NEXT, the first to deliver real cola taste with 60 percent less sugar than Pepsi-Cola.

The Hain Celestial Group announces over 40 new grocery products were launched at Natural Products Expo West earlier this month.

Among optimistic and pessimistic shoppers alike, all indications point to continued frugality and conservatism in 2012. From new product development and technology to store layouts and consumer shopping patterns, here are a few trends that CPG marketers need to actively respond to with products and strategies in 2012.

The M&A environment for consumer markets companies is primed for a resurgence in the next two to three years, according to KPMG LLP. Nearly 70 percent of respondents in a recent survey expect their companies to make at least one acquisition in 2012, compared with 57 percent in 2011. Here's a recap of recent M&A activity in consumer goods.

The company's global "Banner Sun" potato chip portfolio has grown to more than $10 billion in annual retail sales, anchored by Lay's, the world's largest food brand and the No. 1 potato chip brand globally.

A new contest giving new products an opportunity to win virtual shelf space on Walmart.com has exceeded the retailer's wildest expectations. Consumer enthusiasm proves that @WalmartLabs, Walmart's hub for innovation at the intersection of social, mobile and retail, is on track to lead the next generation of e-commerce.

With product offerings like fruit and nut based clusters, bars and freeze-dried fruit, Mrs. Mays Naturals will help expand Doles offerings in new sections of the grocery store.