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NEWS ROUNDUP

AB Wins IGA Red Oval Family Awardcer's Association here presented Anheuser-Busch with the "1998 Red Oval Family Award of Distinction for Extraordinary IGA Growth."The award was presented to August A. Busch III, chairman of the board and president of Anheuser-Busch Companies, during a recent ceremony at Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis, Mo., headquarters. The award recognizes the brewer's commitment to the

AB Wins IGA Red Oval Family Award

cer's Association here presented Anheuser-Busch with the "1998 Red Oval Family Award of Distinction for Extraordinary IGA Growth."

The award was presented to August A. Busch III, chairman of the board and president of Anheuser-Busch Companies, during a recent ceremony at Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis, Mo., headquarters. The award recognizes the brewer's commitment to the IGA system.

"Seventy percent of Anheuser-Busch's total customer base -- restaurants, institutions, supermarkets and so on -- is independent business," said Dr. Thomas Haggai, IGA chairman and CEO. "Anheuser-Busch is one partner that truly believes in the IGA system and views our virtual chain equal to the traditional supermarket chain and other food retailers."

The IGA selects one manufacturer annually for its award. Qualifications include commitment to and partnership support for the IGA.

Kool-Aid Adds Spanish Packaging

RYE BROOK, New York -- Kool-Aid-brand soft drink mix here has announced that its new Mandarina Tangerine flavored drink mix will now be available in English and Spanish packaging.

Joining Kool-Aid's 19 flavors, Manderina Tangerine is the only mix that appeals to Hispanic consumers, according to a company press release. Manderina Tangerine is available in both sugar-sweetened and unsweetened varieties, in bright orange 8-quart canisters, for a suggested retail price of $2.99, and in single envelope sizes.

Kool-Aid targeted the Hispanic community with the new flavor, said Thanos Chaltas, senior brand manager, because the group is "the fastest growing segment of America's ethnic population."

"Hispanic families have always been big fans of Kool-Aid. In that spirit, when we were looking to launch a new flavor, we conducted focus groups with Hispanic consumers. We tested a lot of different flavors -- Mandarina emerged as the favorite," said Chaltas.

Coffee Conference Set for Philadelphia

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- The Specialty Coffee Association of America here will hold its 11th Annual Conference & Exhibition in the Philadelphia Convention Center from April 30th through May 3rd.

The conference theme this year is "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Great Coffee" and will bring together 7,000 coffee delegates from more than 40 countries. There will also be 700 coffee exhibitors from around the world. Over 60 educational classes will be offered. For more information, call the SCAA at (562) 624-4100.

Sugar Soft Drink Offers No Calories

FARMINGDALE, N. J. -- The Jones Soda Company of the Dry and Thirsty Beverage Distribution, here has created a zero calorie diet soda made with sugar.

Slim Jones is made with Sucralose, derived from sugar. It is safe for children, nursing mothers, and people with diabetes. The new sweetener has a shelf life of over a year, as opposed to three months for most sweeteners, and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last April.

Slim Jones comes in four exotic flavors: Diet Cream Soda, Diet Lime Cola, Diet Orange Soda, and Diet Fu Fu Berry. The soda will be packaged in a plain-glass bottle that features photos from loyal customers on the label. Suggested retail price is $1.25 per bottle.