Packaging

TORRANCE, Calif. — Yakult U.S.A. is introducing a probiotic drink to the U.S. market.

Yakult Light, which has nearly two-thirds less sugar and one-third fewer calories than regular Yakult, contains active probiotic bacteria called Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. The product also is made with natural sweeteners and natural flavors, and is free of preservatives, gluten and high-fructose corn syrup. Unlike regular Yakult products, Yakult Light will tout blue and white packaging, with the red Yakult logo.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Hasbro has introduced a new line of its Kre-O brand construction toys inspired by the upcoming "Star Trek" sequel. The Kre-O Star Trek line, under license from CBS Consumer Products, features a variety of vehicles from the movie along with fun Kreon figures based on iconic Star Trek. The collection will make its debut at Comic-Con on July 11.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR is going patriotic this weekend with many of its sponsors behind products and events designed to honor active servicemen and women, veterans and their families, ahead of the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway (DIS).

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA has promoted Paul Smailes to the position of digital manager Heineken Global. In his new role, Smailes will report to Cyril Charzat, global Heineken brand director, and will be responsible for developing Heineken's digital strategy and enhancing the brand's global competitive market advantage.

SAN DIEGO — Genius Brands International has named Sunscape Eyewear as an eyewear licensee for its Baby Genius brand.

The two-year agreement grants Sunscape rights to manufacture and distribute worldwide Baby Genius-themed eyewear for boys and girls ages 0 to 4 years featuring Baby Genius characters. Product categories include sunglasses, eyewear and eyewear accessories such as croakies and cases.

PASADENA, Calif. — The princesses may get most of the attention, but it's the villains that often become fan favorites. To capitalize on their popularity, Disney Store has launched an exclusive collection centered around some of its most iconic evil characters.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Jenn-Air, maker of luxury appliances, has launched a new blog to help consumers with their culinary, design and lifestyle needs.

Launching new products is difficult in the best of times, but winners of the 2012 Nielsen Breakthrough Innovation Award found ways to succeed during one the worst recessions in a generation.

Nielsen announced recipients of the awards at its annual Consumer 360 event in Hollywood, Fla., this week after analyzing more than 11,000 new products in the United States between 2008 and 2010. Of the products evaluated, only 34 met award criteria. These products comprise less than 0.5% of all new product introductions during the period.

Irving, Texas — Michaels Stores creative expert Jo Pearson will serve as one of three judges on TLC's new competition series, "Craft Wars." The show, hosted and executive produced by celebrity crafter Tori Spelling, premieres June 26 at 10 p.m. Eastern (9 p.m. Central time).

Duracell is bringing peace of mind to the battery category thanks to a new innovation that extends battery life to 10 years when left in storage.

Duracell manufacturer Procter & Gamble called the brand’s new Duralock technology the greatest innovation since the Coppertop was introduced and vowed a level of marketing support that is unprecedented in the brand’s 40-year history.