NEWS ROUNDUP 1997-08-04 (2)

Jack & Jill Ice Cream Fetches New Packaging

ere has updated and improved the packaging of its ice cream and novelty products.

The new design features a red, white and gold emblem-like brand logo. Color coding is used to identify different segments, with red indicating premium products; green, nonfat products; and blue, sorbet and reduced-sugar novelties.

Also new is a half-gallon package with a "square-oval" paperboard container and plastic lid.

Healthy Choice Introduces Premium Seafood

OMAHA, Neb. -- Healthy Choice, a subsidiary of ConAgra here, has debuted a line of premium seafood products in selected markets. Healthy Choice Premium Seafood is a response to consumer demand for "center of the plate" frozen seafood products that deliver the quality and taste of a fresh catch, according to the company. The line comes in eight varieties: swordfish, scallops, shrimp, cod, orange roughy, salmon, halibut and flounder. Suggested retails range from $3.99 to $8.99.

The product launch will be accompanied by substantial marketing support through the first quarter of next year. Initial test markets are Florida, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Minnesota, Chicago and Detroit.

Starbucks Pours Its Frappuccino Into Bar Form

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Starbucks Ice Cream here has introduced Frappuccino Blended Coffee Bars, a new frozen novelty inspired by the company's Frappuccino cold coffee drink. The new product blends Starbucks coffee and low-fat milk. The bars are currently available on the West Coast and in the Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York and Baltimore/Washington markets. Sold in four-packs, they carry a suggested retail of $2.99 to $3.29.