Beverages

Sales for 2006 climbed 6.0 percent from 2005.

Drug stores have a lot in common with c-stores. They are both small boxes, have convenient locations and generate the bulk of their sales from a handful of margin-pressured categories. Prescription medicines are to drug stores what motor fuels are to c-stores. The good news is that the more progressive drug chains have figured out that they have no future if they are nothing more than c-stores with a pharmacy attached. The increasing differentation between the two channels will help both flourish.

The hectic and, at times, exhausting pace of modern life has consumers turning to more and more products aimed at giving them a quick energy boost. Energy drinks, energy gum, energy bars and energy chews are just a few that have captured a share of the growing business. Consumers are even adding energy-enhancing ingredients to their fountain beverages.

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls are hearty breakfasts in a hurry.

Jolt, which claims to be one of the first high-caffeine soda brands, was relaunched as an energy drink to grab a new generation of consumers.

Redbridge brand, made from Sorghum grains, is the first available nationwide.

New research finds U.S. market worth more than $121 billion in 2005.

7-Eleven takes up photography services, private labels in Japan, will halt expansions in Thailand.