Parkay's 'Talking Tub' Comes To Life
y "Talking Tub" from ConAgra Foods will make in-store appearances beginning this month.
From July 15 to Aug. 11, displays containing "Talking Tubs" -- courtesy of audio chips -- will publicize the "Find the Talking Tub" contest by telling customers nationwide, "The label says Parkay -- the flavor says 'butter.' Find a real 'Talking Tub' and you could be an instant winner!"
About 15,000 specially marked 16-ounce tubs will contain the audio chips that announce contest winners. One tub will disclose the grand prize -- a $10,000 dream kitchen -- while additional prizes include "Talking Tub" alarm clocks and key chains.
The contest will be supported by an advertising campaign and freestanding inserts. These new ads will cast the "Talking Tub" as a friendly, computer-generated celebrity.
"Bringing this icon to life demonstrates our commitment to bringing excitement and innovation to the spreads category, proving that nobody says 'butter' better than Parkay," said Rich Scalise, president and chief operating officer, Dairy Foods Group, ConAgra Foods.
The Parkay "Talking Tub" was introduced in TV advertising in 1973.
Calcium Water Joins Value-Added Segment
ATLANTA -- The Suntory Water Group has introduced Calcium Water, which it says is the first pure bottled water fortified with calcium.
Calcium Water is geared to consumers who are concerned about calcium deficiency-related health problems such as osteoporosis.
Containing a purified water base, Calcium Water is sold in one-gallon jugs and six-packs of half-liter bottles. It is marketed under the Hinckley Springs brand in the Midwest and under the Crystal Springs and Kentwood Springs brands in the South. National distribution is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
That's A Wrap
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. -- WrapWich is the name Unilever Bestfoods has given to tortilla sandwiches made with Hellmann's and Best Foods mayonnaise.
According to the Hellmann's and Best Foods Web sites, hellmanns.com and bestfoods.com, a WrapWich can be made in three easy steps: "Squeeze it" (Hellmann's or Best Foods squeezable mayonnaise onto an 8" tortilla), "stuff it" (with any kind of sandwich filling), and "wrap it" (roll the tortilla and pop it into a food-safe wrapper). The Hellmann's and Best Foods Web sites offer a free kit containing recipes and prefabricated, patterned wrappers, and a reusable template so consumers may make their own wrappers at home.
Oliver Obias, senior associate brand manager at Unilever Bestfoods, called the WrapWich "the perfect solution for anyone who wants to make a delicious alternative to sandwiches. They are great for picnics, barbecues and camping trips, and the free wrappers ensure the WrapWich is not only portable and mess-free, but convenient and fun to make."
Frito-Lay Launches Hispanic Snacks
PLANO, Texas -- Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., is marketing a line of snacks targeted at Hispanics.
The line is the result of consumer testing in the key urban markets that showed Hispanics preferred snacks flavored with chile, citrus and cheese flavorings, according to Frito-Lay.
Selections include Sabritas Adobadas tomato and chile potato chips; Sabritones puffed wheat snacks with chile and lime seasonings; Doritos Ranchero tortilla chips; Lay's Limon potato chips; Fritos Sabrositas lime and chile corn chips; Doritos Salsa Verde tortilla chips; Cheetos Flamin' Hot cheese-flavored snacks; and El Isleno Plantains.
Several of the products -- including Sabritas and Sabritones -- are the result of a collaboration between Frito-Lay and Sabritas, its Mexico-based sister company.
The line is currently being distributed in key urban markets, including Los Angeles; Albuquerque, N.M., Chicago, Detroit, Miami and New York.
Magazine Produces Color For Young Men
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Maxim Magazine and Just For Men Haircolor, a division of Combe here, have produced Maxim Magazine Haircare, a line of hair color created for young men.
Four different shades are available in drug stores and supermarkets: Bleach Blonde, Sandstorm, Black Jack and Red Rum.
"Maxim Magazine Haircolor is made by the experts in men's hair coloring specifically for young men -- it's not an afterthought of a woman's product," said Michael Wendroff, vice president, hair care marketing, Combe. "Men's hair color is clearly not a fad anymore, and Maxim Magazine Haircolor delivers the tools for guys to get just the look they want." The line also includes strong-hold gel and a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. Retail prices range from about $5.49 for the gel to $9.99 for the hair color. Maxim is published by Dennis Publishing, London.
Iams Caters To Traveling Pets
CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble here has granted a license to Travel Meals, Newport, R.I., to produce Travel Meals featuring Iams Cat and Dog Foods for on-the-go pets.
Each meal comes packaged in a plastic container. Food and water are individually packaged in sealed bags designed to maintain freshness and prevent leakage. Travel Meals for Dogs also contain Iams Biscuits and scoop bags, while Travel Meals for Cats include a disposable litter box and litter.
Iams Travel Meals will be shipped to retailers in August and are expected to retail for under $5 each.
