Packaging

Menlo Park, Calif. – Facebook has released a new update designed to help make brand promotion through contests easier to handle. Brands can now create a contest and control it through their Facebook business page timelines.

However, personal profile timelines cannot be used to back up a brand promotion contest. Facebook has removed the requirement that promotions on Facebook may only be administered within apps. With the change, promotions may now be administered on page timelines and in apps on Facebook, but not on personal timelines.

Seattle – Starbucks Corporation has reportedly applied to trademark the term “Fizzio.” According to the Associated Press, the trademark would cover beverage-making machines as well as beverages, including soft drinks.

A Starbucks spokesperson is quoted as saying the filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is related to tests of flavored sodas and other carbonated beverages in the Austin, Texas, and Atlanta markets the retailer has been running since June, which so far have been successful.

Wayne, N.J. – Toys ‘R’ Us is opening Trick ‘R’ Treat “Bootiques” inside Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. These in-store shops feature a broad assortment of Halloween costumes, accessories, candy, gear and more.

Hill's Science Diet has embarked on a Vets Know Best tour as part of a marketing campaign showcasing the brand’s revamped formulas and packaging for many of its pet foods. 

As part of its efforts to strengthen its digital footprint, Walmart has launched its first-ever original reality series developed specifically for the Web. 

The new weekly Web series highlights 20 finalists in the Walmart Get on the Shelf contest, which encourages entrepreneurs to present products to Walmart customers.

In a move designed to expand its existing consumer base, Gerber has launched its 2013 photo search, leveraging social media to encourage parents or legal guardians of children up to 48 months of age to participate. 

Participants are asked to upload a recent photo of their children on the Gerber Facebook page for a chance to win a grand prize of $50,000 as well as the chance for their child to star in a future advertisement for Gerber. In addition, six Milestone winners will be selected based on Facebook fan votes. Photo entries are being accepted now through Oct. 27.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway and Food Network host Marcela Valladolid have unveiled a Safeway-exclusive Marcela Valladolid brand, which offers an assortment of Mexican food products.

Pampers has upgraded its entire line of diapers, training pants and wipes. The new product enhancements come after the company sponsored a survey of moms to address their concerns of unmet needs for their babies.

“At Pampers, we strive to meet the needs of every mom and baby,” said Fama Francisco, Pampers VP and general manager. “In the last 18 months, we’ve listened to thousands of moms on what they want for their baby. They told us a diaper that provides superior dryness, comfort and fit, particularly overnight.”

Trick or treaters looking for a different type of costumer this Halloween will want to head to Target, a retailer that knows a few things about differentiation.

The company has teamed up with fashion and costume designer and former Project Runway contestant Chris March to create an exclusive line of larger-than-life Halloween wigs. The collection of wigs which retails for $20 or less is said to serve as a centerpiece of Target’s seasonal presentation merchandised under a large skeletal sign that says, “fright done right.”