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INSIDE BEAUTY Beauty with a Purpose

Touching Virtually Every Aspect of Health

As a diversified health are leader, our solutions help patients a ess life- hanging therapies, make a real difference for patients with cancer, and equip pharmacies, health systems and clinics with technologies to operate more effectively.

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We work with biopharma companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, governments and others to deliver insights, products and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable.

Through our four business segments — U.S. Pharmaceutical, Medical Surgical, Prescription Technology Solutions, and

International — we help our partners navigate an evolving healthcare landscape and drive business performance, which ultimately helps providers spend more time focused on patient care.

We do all of this and more as we pursue our mission to improve health outcomes for all.

© 2022 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. All other products mentioned may be trademarks, servi e marks or registered trademarks of their respe tive owners. SA-2256952-1022

Three Cheers for Top Women

November is our time to stop and reflect on women’s contributions to retail pharmacy

By Nigel F. Maynard

November is a popular month for the immensely popular turkey day, but it’s also a month for niche observances. I know because I looked them up. Among some of the quirky entries I found were Banana Pudding Lovers Month, National Fun with Fondue Month, National Peanut Butter Lovers Month and National Raisin Bread Month. It takes all kinds, I suppose.

Here at Drug Store News, November is unofficially Women’s Month — specifically, Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty. Now in its fourth year, the program selects winners in three categories — Business Excellence, Commitment to Care and Rising Stars — recognizing women who are making strides in various levels of their careers. The program is a celebration of the past and the present. It recognizes and honors the women who are making or have made outstanding contributions to their companies and their communities, but it also is a glimpse into the future.

Women account for more than 50% of the U.S. population, which means they represent more than half of the potential customer base for retail pharmacy. Additionally, the Pew Research Center says that 43% of millennial women aged 25 to 37 years old have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with 36% of men of the same age. This means there is a large pool of potential applicants when it’s time to add talent. Is it really a coincidence that the three biggest retail pharmacy brands are helmed by women?

So to honor the occasion, turn to page 24 to read the bios of this year’s winners. And while you’re at it, join us in raising a glass (or having some banana pudding or fondue) and saying a heartfelt congratulations. And don’t forget to add Top Women to your November observances; it’s one you can be proud to celebrate. dsn

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Editor-in-Chief | Editorial Director Nigel F. Maynard nigelmaynard@ensembleiq.com

EDITORIAL

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SALES & BUSINESS

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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

John Beckner, NCPA Becky Dant, Costco J. Jeremy Faulks, Thrifty White Pharmacy Doug M. Long, IQVIA

Nancy Lyons, Health Mart Pharmacy

Katie Scanlon, Publix Super Markets

Heidi Snyder, Drug World Pharmacies

CORPORATE OFFICERS

Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Litterick

Chief Financial Officer, Jane Volland

Chief People Officer, Ann Jadown

Executive Vice President, Operations, Derek Estey

Executive Vice President, Content & Communications, Joe Territo

“IS IT REALLY A COINCIDENCE THAT THE THREE BIGGEST RETAIL PHARMACY BRANDS ARE HELMED BY WOMEN?”

Walgreens Boots Alliance Accelerates Full Acquisition of CareCentrix, Makes Executive Appointment

Walgreens Boots Alliance announced the acceleration of its plans to acquire full ownership of CareCentrix, expanding its reach into the growing homecare sector and advancing its healthcare longterm growth strategy.

WBA has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 45% stake for approximately $392 million, which is based on the exit multiple agreed to at the time of WBA’s initial majority investment announcement in CareCentrix.

WBA also announced that John Driscoll, CEO of CareCentrix, will assume a new role as executive vice president and president, U.S. Healthcare at WBA, including Walgreens Health, later this month. CareCentrix CFO Steve Horowitz will assume the role of CareCentrix CEO.

CareCentrix is a player in the $75 billion post-acute and homecare industry, providing care coordination and outsourced benefit management services. WBA’s full acquisition of CareCentrix follows WBA’s 55% majority

Leading Retailers Begin Selling Hearing Aids

OTC

Several retailers including CVS, Walmart and Sam’s Club are offering hearing aids over the counter now that Congress has passed the OTC Hearing Aid Act and subsequent rules issued by the Food and Drug Administration allowing consumers to purchase the devices directly without a prescription.

Walgreens announced that starting in October

investment in the company, which closed on Aug. 31, 2022. The full acquisition is subject to limited customary closing conditions and is expected to close by March 2023.

“We continue to see strong results and potential for growth from our partnership with CareCentrix. Our full acquisition further accelerates our transformation to become a consumer-centric healthcare company, leveraging innovative platforms that extend our capabilities into fast-growing segments of health care,” said Roz Brewer, CEO of WBA. “CareCentrix is key to offering services to our patients at every stage of the care continuum, and to driving long-term, sustainable growth as part of our U.S. Healthcare strategy.”

CareCentrix manages care for more than 19 million members through more than 7,400 provider locations, offering a suite of services on an integrated basis to support homecare models — including home nursing, durable medical equipment, home infusion and in-home palliative care.

In WBA’s fiscal year 2021, CareCentrix delivered pro forma sales of $1.5 billion. The company will continue as a distinct business and brand within Walgreens following the full acquisition.

RAISING THE BAR ON SERVICE AND

When it’s crunch time, you want TEAM CAMBER on your side. From supply chain, to customer service, to distribution, Camber is dedicated to raisin g the bar on our support, with timely solutions that make your job easier.

Quality, value, and supply are the hallmarks of Camber’s commitment to excellence.

THAT’S NEXT LEVEL GENERICS.

Leading Retailers Begin Selling Hearing Aids OTC - Continued

Lexie Lumen hearing aids will be available OTC at all of its stores nationwide for adults aged 18 years old and older with mild-tomoderate hearing loss. Walmart’s assortment of OTC hearing aids ranges in price from $199 to $999 per pair. Options will include top brands like Lexie powered by Bose and HearX that will offer cuttingedge technology like Bluetooth and self-tuning app capabilities.

Lucid Hearing, a Fort Worth, Texas-based provider of hearing technology and audio solutions, is offering its OTC hearing aids to consumers in more than 450 Sam’s Club locations nationwide.

Lucid Hearing offers free hearing tests for people aged 19 years old and older at more than 500 hearing centers across the nation, most located inside Sam’s Club locations. Lucid’s OTC hearing aids will generally range in price from $199.99 to $1,699.99 and can be purchased through Sam’s Club and other retail outlets and through Amazon and lucidhearing. com. Sam’s Club pricing for Lucid’s OTC hearing aids will range from $199 to $799.

Offering hearing aids online, CVS is carrying Go Hearing + Go Lite and Go Hearing + Go Prime hearing aids. The Go Lite works great for small groups or television viewing, while the Go Prime offers additional features that aid hearing in a variety of environments, the retailer said. Both versions feature a nearly invisible design, adjustable volume and three dome sizes. Each version comes with a portable charging case that charges in two to three hours and carries up to six charges for the hearing aids.

Walmart Launches Healthcare Research Institute

Walmart is making a foray into the clinical research space with the launch of the Walmart Healthcare Research Institute. The mission is to increase community access to healthcare research that may help lead to safer, higher quality and more equitable health care.

WHRI will be focused on innovative interventions and medications that can make a difference in underrepresented communities including older adults, rural residents, women and minority populations.

The company shared that WHRI initially is focused on inclusion in studies on treatments for chronic conditions and innovative treatments that should include members from these communities.

“At Walmart, we want to help ensure all our customers have access to highquality, affordable and convenient healthcare resources, including innovative research,” said Dr. John Wigneswaran, Walmart’s chief medical officer. “We know our customers are interested in participating in healthcare research, but many have not had access until now. We are already making an impact for our customers and for medical research, by raising patient trust and engagement in their care.”

For decades, clinical trials have not been representative of the population at large and often recruited participants who live near research centers, have the time and have the financial ability to participate, Walmart noted. Food and Drug Administration data indicates that in 2020 75% of trial participants were white, 11% were Hispanic, 8% were Black and 6% were Asian. Walmart is focused on studies that can have a health equity impact in the communities it serves and represent all populations. With 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of a Walmart, the retailer can offer solutions to care by meeting customers and patients where they live and work, the company said.

Walmart is working with a wide range of study partners, including clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical companies and academic medical centers, including CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services and Laina Enterprises. WHRI is already demonstrating strong results, with a referral rate three times the industry benchmark, the company said.

New & Noteworthy

HRG’s five notable products from October 2022

Product introductions continued to rebound, increasing almost 50% in October compared to their numbers in September. Shrugging off inflation news, interest rate hikes and slower job growth, suppliers unveiled 137 new products, which is a jump from the 90 new items from last month. Waukesha, Wis.-based HRG reviewed six products in the health category, 117 in the wellness sector and 14 beauty items to see which ones stood out as Products to Watch. Here is what they found:

1. Herpecin L Pain Relief

Herpecin L Pain Relief targeted spot treatment from Focus Consumer Healthcare was developed to numb cold sore pain and itch while protecting users from infection. The triple-action formula includes the active ingredient lidocaine, and the product is designed to go on clear without burning or causing irritation. It comes in a .15-oz. tube.

2. Fergon Iron Restore Chewables

DSE Healthcare’s Fergon Iron Restore Chewable Tablet is formulated to improve iron deficiency with no pills to swallow or metallic aftertaste. The orange-flavored tablet was developed to avoid stomach irritation and constipation, and is vegan and gluten free. It comes in a 60-ct. bottle.

3. Mommy’s Bliss h.soothe Hemorrhoidal Cream

Designed by moms for moms, Mommy’s Bliss h.soothe Hemorrhoidal Cream by MOM Enterprises is formulated to provide relief from discomfort while shrinking swollen tissue. It’s crafted with such ingredients as lanolin and glycerin and is free from artificial fragrances, parabens, petroleum, mineral oils and phthalates.

4. Goli Nutrition Ashwagandha Gummies

Goli Nutrition’s Ashwagandha mixed berry gummies are gluten free, non-GMO, plant-based, vegan and made with vitamin D and KSM-66 Ashwagandha. The company said ashwagandha offers a long list of benefits that include such things as improved sleep quality, stress reduction, calmness, endurance support and concentration. The product comes in a 60-ct. bottle.

5. Nair Spa Sugar Hair Remover

Made with just five naturally derived ingredients (plus water), Nair Spa Sugar Hair Remover by Church & Dwight is designed to be gentle enough for underarms and the bikini area. The company said the product is formulated with no perfumes, dyes or parabens and is safe for all skin types. It comes in a 8.5-oz. container. dsn

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Conquering Compliance

IoT sensing tools offer a simplified solution to regulatory compliance complexities

By Guy Yehiav

Guy

president of SmartSense by Digi

For retail pharmacies, meeting intensive regulatory compliance standards can be a strenuous and convoluted challenge. From CDC and FDA requirements to VFC and BOP regulations, the margin for compliance errors across the pharmaceutical industry is now tighter than ever. And there’s data to back it up. Take the FDA, for example, which issued more than 200 warning letters containing 1,120 citations to drug companies regarding cases of noncompliance from October 2020 to September 2021.

The strict standards for pharmaceutical compliance are understandable. Maintaining continuous compliance ensures the safety and efficacy of medications and vaccines. However, for pharmacies operating with primarily manual-based workflows and processes, meeting compliance is far easier said than done. A 2020 study by the National Library of Medicine found that clinical activities accounted for 82% of a pharmacist’s time during a single shift.

The applied integration of IoT Sensing-as-a-Service (SaaS) tools across retail pharmacy offers a simplified solution to regulatory compliance complexities. From real-time vaccine temperature monitoring to AI-powered digital decision-making, the scalable IoT SaaS framework has game-changing potential for the future of pharmaceutical compliance.

Continuous Temperature and Humidity Monitoring

With IoT SaaS, retail pharmacies can automate continuous temperature and humidity monitoring of vaccines and medications to increase compliance visibility and improve staff productivity. That means no more tedious and time-consuming manual logging and physical reporting that takes pharmacists away from tending to patients. Instead, the advanced solution’s IoT cellular gateways, rather than infringing on company Wi-Fi that is not stable and less secure, send the environmental recording data to an interconnected dashboard, which automates it into a simplified compliance log. This provides verifiable proof that the products were stored in adherence to federal and state regulations.

In the event of an excursion, the prescriptive analytics

solution will alert a pharmacist in real time and direct them to alleviate the issue before it evolves into a noncompliant event. The heightened levels of interconnected, IoT-afforded visibility coupled with automated reporting provides an effective way for pharmacies to mitigate the risk of noncompliance while also reducing the rate of human error. And with digitized task management, employee productivity is enhanced by eliminating routine and mundane compliance workflows.

Continuous Pharmaceutical Asset Protection

Retail pharmacies can leverage IoT SaaS to pivot from reactivebased corrective equipment repairs to predictive and preventive maintenance for proactive asset management — a shift that further streamlines compliance and can even save them millions in annual repair costs. While a calendar-based maintenance approach leads to unpredictably high maintenance costs and elongated operational downtime, predictive and preventive maintenance enabled by IoT technology maximizes the lifecycle of each individual asset while facilitating lower and more calculated repair costs.

Within the IoT SaaS platform, each asset inside the retail pharmacy — a large freezer, mid-size refrigerator or small pill storage container — is continually monitored for performance and maintenance scheduling. By automating the entire process, pharmacies can reduce the likelihood of equipment malfunctions.

In reality, the complexities of pharmaceutical compliance will only continue to grow as more medications and regulations are introduced to the market. With the integrated adoption of IoT SaaS, they can take proactive steps toward fostering a more efficient and compliant workplace environment for years to come. dsn

Yehiav,

”From real-time vaccine temperature monitoring to AI-powered digital decisioning, the scalable IoT SaaS framework has game-changing potential for the future of pharmaceutical compliance.”

B IT R T . . .

I T

B FOR IT T R T ... IT

Every now and then a product comes along that becomes iconic in the home + housewares industry. An innovation in functionality or design that captures the hearts and minds of consumers and becomes ubiquitous in households of all shapes and sizes.

But before it was in every consumer’s home, it was at the Show.

Over the years, the most game-changing home + housewares products have made their mark in Chicago in March. It was an idea—maybe a prototype— maybe from a company or inventor no one had ever heard of. But the buyers who recognized its potential early brought competitive differentiation and consumer loyalty back to their stores with them.

Somewhere on our Show floor is the next game-changer. You can find it, or your competition will.

Investing in Pharmacists to Improve Patient Outcomes

By Sonak Pastakia

significant reductions in clinical outcome markers such as glycosylated hemoglobin and blood pressure.

So, what does this mean for players in the healthcare space?

When patients lack resources like food, housing, economic and social relationships, transportation and education, important routines such as managing medications and prioritizing personal health can become a challenge. In fact, the World Health Organization says that these “social determinants” can have a more significant impact on a patient’s overall health than healthcare access or lifestyle choices.

An innovative philanthropic program spearheaded by leading global medical technology company BD (Benton, Dickinson and Company), determined that pharmacists, particularly those who serve low-income patients, can help solve this challenge. They realized the value of this role. They support clinical pharmacists to go beyond medication dispensing to better help patients optimize medication use and address the social determinants that can have positive health outcomes. Recently published, peerreviewed research in the Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy demonstrates that BD’s insights hold value.

Since 2017, BD has worked with nonprofit partners Direct Relief and the National Association of Community Health Centers to invest $26.8 million in funds and products in the BD Helping Build Healthy Communities program. It’s a philanthropic effort that empowers pharmacists working at Federally Qualified Health Centers — many of whose patients live below the federal poverty line — to provide Medication Therapy Management, Comprehensive Medication Management and, most recently, services that address social determinants of health.

The recent research published in JACCP found that when six of the program’s participating health centers empowered pharmacists to deploy a novel mix of approaches that address social determinants of health, like nutrition counseling, remote patient monitoring, telehealth visits and community health worker support, patients showed very specific, measurable health improvements. For example, patients experienced

As pharmacists continue to demonstrate their value in addressing the needs of underserved populations, individuals, companies and organizations that prioritize quality patient care should advocate for the passage of legislation like HR 2759, which helps codify the structure for reimbursement for pharmacists who provide these types of services.

This philanthropic initiative should also attract the attention of payers interested in value-based care innovations, which prioritize care quality over the quantity of care delivered. This kind of rigorous evaluation definitively documents that pharmacists can play a vital role in maximizing patient outcomes when they are empowered to, and appropriately compensated for, addressing social determinants of health.

Companies like BD that have made Environmental, Social and Governance commitments to improving the health of the communities where their employees live and work should also take note: Investments that empower pharmacists to practice at the top of their license and meet the holistic needs of their patients are investments that are very likely to pay off. dsn

Have something to say? Drug Store News accepts columns on a rolling basis. Please send all contributions to nmaynard@ensembleiq.com.

To best address social determinants of health and improve the health of low-income patients, start with pharmacists

Sonak Pastakia, professor, Purdue University College of Pharmacy and the Center for Health Equity and Innovation

“This kind of rigorous evaluation definitively documents that pharmacists can play a vital role in maximizing patient outcomes when they are empowered to, and appropriately compensated for, addressing social determinants of health.”

Sneaking a Peek

Gateway Genomics’ makes DNA-based prenatal and pediatric information accessible for parents

Gateway Genomics is a La Jolla, Calif.-based company that develops prenatal and pediatric tests to help parents give their children healthier, better lives. The company said the brand’s gender test has been used by more than 500,000 parents to make plans and connect with friends and family earlier than ever.

At NACDS Total Store Expo, the brand was a Product Showcase Winner for an introduction that it says breaks new ground in the industry. Drug Store News recently caught up with Sarah Cacia, director of retail business development, to get the scoop and to find out what’s next for the brand.

Sarah Cacia, director of retail business development, Gateway Genomics

Drug Store News: Can you tell us a little bit about Gateway Genomics and the markets you serve?

Sarah Cacia: Our company was founded with the goal to make DNA-based prenatal and pediatric information accessible and affordable for parents everywhere. Since 2014, we’ve worked with OB/ GYNs, medical clinics and directly with consumers to help them answer important questions about their baby.

DSN: What types of products do you offer?

SC: We offer a variety of tests, but our most popular product is the SneakPeek Gender Reveal DNA Test. It’s the No. 1 OBGYN-recommended early gender test kit. SneakPeek is clinically proven to identify a baby’s gender as early as six weeks into pregnancy, with 99.9% accuracy. So, expecting moms can learn whether they’re having a boy or a girl almost as soon as they have a positive pregnancy test!

DSN: You were a Product Showcase Winner at Total Store Expo 2022. Can you tell us about it?

SC: We know moms want as much information as possible, as soon as possible, so they can start planning for their family. So many leading retailers are also focused on accessible health care, so it seemed the perfect fit for a retail launch. The SneakPeek Gender Reveal test can be used as early as six weeks into pregnancy. It’s a DNA test that is 99.9% accurate. Previous at-home gender tests have required a finger prick and squeezing blood from a finger tip. This hurts!

Our exclusive Snap device makes the process virtually painless because only half as much blood is collected and we use microneedles that don’t reach past the skin epidermis. Snap sticks to your arm like a bandage, and all you do is press the button to start the collection. Several people at TSE tried Snap for themselves and loved that it was painless. Two-day shipping and one-day results are included. We send a super fun, animated results message — kind of like a mini gender reveal party in your inbox.

DSN: How do you envision the new item being used?

SC: As one mom put it, “If my pregnancy test is positive, I’ll be back tomorrow to buy SneakPeek!” More than half of our customers use SneakPeek for greater peace of mind. They say that knowing gender gives them a sense of control during pregnancy. It also helps parents to bond with their baby sooner.

DSN: What other product areas are you exploring as a company?

SC: We believe all parents deserve to know as much about their children as soon as possible. We’ve helped more than 500,000 families with SneakPeek. We have other tests, such as a DNA test that can help predict sleep and nutrition patterns. And we’re developing tests to help answer questions about gestational diabetes and prenatal vitamin deficiencies. Look for these retail kits in 2023 and beyond. dsn

Finally, an easy, pain-free Gender Reveal Test! SneakPeek is the only 99.9% accurate DNA Test that can be used as early as 6 weeks pregnant. Our patented Snap Device collects blood from the arm using tiny microneedles, so you don’t feel any pain. Easy mail-in instructions. Free shipping. $69 lab fee. Next day results.

SneakPeekTest.com

Contact: steve.smith@retailsmarter.com

On Her Account

Fruth Pharmacy names Dana

In September, Fruth Pharmacy, a familyowned company with 29 locations throughout West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, named a new CFO: Dana Richardson.

As the regional pharmacy chain’s controller for the past four years, Richardson has worked to manage and streamline the workflow in the accounting department, as well as play an integral part in its new Magstar computer system. Richardson’s added responsibilities as a senior member of the executive team will include finance, accounting, financial business developments and relationships, debt management and internal controls.

Hailing from Mason County, W.V., Richardson brings to the new role 27 years of accounting experience and 18 years of management experience. Drug Store News talked to her about what’s to come as she takes on the role.

Drug Store News: What excites you about joining Fruth’s executive team?

Dana Richardson: As a member of the executive team, I can be more directly involved in important discussions and business decisions. The executive team here at Fruth has incredible knowledge of the industry, and it is a well-rounded team. We all contribute with our own perspectives. All our opinions are heard, discussed and considered. With that, you can’t help but to be excited.

DSN: As an accountant, why did you decide to utilize your skill set in health care?

DR: While in school, my goal was to start my career at one of the Big 6 (there were six at the time) Public Accounting Firms. At that time, I did not have health care on my radar or any other industry. It was later during my time at the public

Richardson new chief financial officer

By Hannah Esper

accounting firm that I started focusing on clients in the healthcare industry. I later left public accounting and went to work at one of my clients. I spent 20 years of my career in the accounting and finance departments of hospitals, and as years progressed, my knowledge in the healthcare [field] grew tremendously. When joining the Fruth team five years ago, I was able to bring my healthcare knowledge with me. I do know, however, that the healthcare industry is very dynamic and changes all the time; you must continue to evolve with the changes and continue to broaden your knowledge in this industry.

DSN: What do you enjoy about working for a regional pharmacy and Fruth Pharmacy specifically?

DR: There are many advantages working for a regional pharmacy. One of the reasons is the size. You develop relationships with all pharmacists and management. You understand and come to know the uniqueness and similarities of each location.

Fruth Pharmacy’s tag line is “Your Hometown, Family Pharmacy.” That tag line is truly what we are. We are your hometown pharmacy to serve your healthcare needs and we will treat you like family. Fruth cares about their customers and that is important to me.

DSN: What is your favorite fall/winter activity to do in Mason County?

DR: This December, I will be participating in the Wreaths Across America Ceremony that will be held at a cemetery here in Mason County. I’m looking forward to remembering and honoring our veterans. dsn

“There are many advantages working for a regional pharmacy. One of the reasons is the size. You develop relationships with all pharmacists and management.”

— Dana Richardson

NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEAR, the Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty awards program recognizes the women who are at the top of their game, making their mark in the health care world. The DSN staff selected 94 winners in three categories — Business Excellence, Commitment to Care and Rising Stars — recognizing women who are making strides in various levels of their careers.

Back in person this year, the award winners will be honored at the Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty event this month in Chicago. Networking opportunities, keynote speakers and content-driven panels will round out the event to demonstrate what it takes for women to grow and succeed in retail pharmacy.

Read on to find out more about these exceptional women who go above and beyond the call of duty by leading in their communities or achieving significant career accomplishments.

DSN raises a glass to the winners of this year’s Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty

A healthier life: it is everyone’s right

We don’t just believe it, we help you better it. Committed to more inclusive everyday health. SCAN TO LEARN MORE

COMMITMENT TO CARE

Amy Ellis

Manager of Pharmacy Services

SpartanNash

As director of clinical care and pharmacy operations, Amy Ellis, RPh, is responsible for the development and provision of all services through SpartanNash’s 84 Midwest retail pharmacy locations as well as the dedicated clinical pharmacy team. During the past year, this included operationalizing the provision of COVID-19 vaccinations in retail locations but also through developing collaborative relationships with community leaders, such as health departments, school leaders and businesses offering on-site clinics. Under her direction, a previously empty grocery store was opened as a community vaccination destination.

Cindy Haney

Patient Care Pharmacist

Albertsons Companies, Acme Pharmacy

Cindy Haney is a highly skilled and respected pharmacist with more than 25 years of retail experience. Since joining Acme Pharmacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has been an integral part of vaccination events throughout Delaware. She is keenly focused on the expanding role of the pharmacist in the community, particularly through her significant work on clinical programs. Her current responsibilities include comprehensive medication reviews, medication therapy management, long-acting injectable administration and travel health consultations. Cindy is known as a collaborative team member who embodies a patient-first approach and is skilled at building strong patient relationships.

Crystal Isaacs

Pharmacy Team Leader, Market Clinical Coordinator, D&iRx Founder/Leader

Meijer

Marrying her passion for patient care and diversity, equity and inclusion, Crystal Isaacs actively works to increase healthcare access to marginalized communities. Crystal founded and leads a Pharmacy Diversity and Inclusion Team within Meijer and serves on the Meijer Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee. Outside of Meijer, she serves as co-chair for the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Crystal is a practicing Pharmacist-In-Charge and Team Leader at her store in Louisville, Ky. In 2021, as Market Clinical Coordinator, she led large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinics across Indiana and Kentucky.

nity

Jade Ranger

Owner/Pharmacist

The Prescription Shoppe

Jade

Prescription Shoppe, an

Jennifer Zilka

President, Good Neighbor Pharmacy AmerisourceBergen

Jennifer “Jenni” Zilka is president of AmerisourceBergen’s Good Neighbor Pharmacy, a network of locally owned independent pharmacies, where she works tirelessly to keep independent pharmacies independent during challenging times. Jenni leads a team of experienced professionals committed to improving and evolving GNP members’ in-store experience, patient care, marketing and business performance. During the pandemic, she was a fierce advocate for including independent pharmacies in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 vaccination.

Katie Carnett Patient Care Pharmacist Albertsons Companies

Katie Carnett provides hands-on training and support to more than 300 pharmacists in the Denver Division of Albertsons Companies. She has been instrumental in managing and educating staff on subjects including pharmacist prescribing services, point-of-care testing and medication administration. Katie was an invaluable resource in the implementation of 15 new prescribing services in Colorado pharmacies and was a panelist at the 2021 APhA/ NASPA Pharmacy-Based Medication Administration Services Summit. She also precepts pharmacy students from local colleges of pharmacy and is a primary preceptor for the Denver Safeway Community-Based PGY1 Residency Program.

Laura Cihlar-Tomala Director of Sales i-Health

Laura Cihlar-Tomala has spent most of her 30+-year CPG career in health and wellness, where she launched several items from Rx to OTC. Over the past five years, Laura has been the director

Ranger, alongside her husband, owns The

independent commu-

pharmacy located in Williamsburg, Va. She was chosen as a top 15 under 50 recipient by the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, and one of the Top 20 Women in Business by Hampton Roads Inside Business for 2021.

COVER STORY: COMMITMENT TO CARE WINNERS

of sales at i-Health, leading the Costco and BJ’s Team. With 10 years working in the club channel, Laura is an expert at leading cross-functional teams through identifying solutions and flawlessly executing opportunities, earning her customer’s trust and building long-lasting relationships — ultimately leading to double-digit growth, enhanced shelf presence and improved pallet shipping efficiencies. Laura also mentors in DSM’s Bright Mentoring program and is i-Health’s Wellness Champion.

Margaret Haldeman

Global Scientific Engagement Leader

i-Health, a Division of DSM

Margaret Haldeman works with internal teams and external partners to deliver safe and efficacious products. As a subject matter expert, Margaret participates in scientific meetings, collaborates on clinical trials and creates educational programs that highlight i-Health’s portfolio with healthcare professionals to foster the use of evidence-based products like Culturelle. As co-chair of the Education and Communication Committee and Healthcare Professional Taskforce of the International Probiotics Association and through activities of the Council for Responsible Nutrition Probiotics Group, Margaret works to educate consumers and healthcare professionals on the importance of the microbiome.

Marla Fielder

Division Health and Wellness Leader

The Kroger Co. - Houston Division

As the Houston Division Health and Wellness leader, Marla Fielder oversees 105 pharmacies in Texas and Louisiana. She has been recognized for her efforts in the community and pharmacy industry, including Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery, TSU Distinguished Alumni, Excellence in Leadership award, and, most recently, by Ragan as a 2021 Top Women in Health and Wellness. Fielder is a trailblazer. During the pandemic she partnered with the City of Houston, Montgomery County OEM and other municipalities to bring testing and vaccines to the most vulnerable communities.

Meagan Bonkowski

Regional Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Meijer Pharmacy

Meijer

Meagan is responsible for the regulatory compliance and training of Meijer pharmacy team members associated with clinical service programs throughout Michigan. She oversees the development and implementation of clinical programs that help patients achieve optimal health. Expanding these clinical programs advances the pharmacy profession through growth-focused strategies to increase patient’s access to medical care and improve medical

outcomes. Meagan also collaborates closely with hospital systems, health departments and universities. Partnering with these groups throughout the pandemic forged relationships that have proven to be invaluable.

Rachel Phillips Manager, Pharmacy Service Center

Meijer

Rachel has been a leader with Meijer for 10 years, most recently building and developing the Pharmacy Service Center team that supports retail operations across Meijer’s six-state footprint. She believes in the importance of continual personal and professional growth through mentoring, education and community service.

Wilma Wilibanks Staff Pharmacist

Walgreens

A third-generation pharmacist, Wilma Wilbanks practices at Walgreens in Cleveland, Miss., where her commitment to patient consultation and medication therapy management in the medically underserved Mississippi Delta continues her family’s legacy of care and practice philosophy. Wilma believes that pharmacy is a service ministry and that community service is a natural extension of that calling. She has served in leadership positions in more than 40 organizations, including international, national and regional offices. Wilma also has been recognized with several national awards for her leadership prowess and exemplary service to others.

OTHER WINNERS

Patel Executive Director Patient Safety, Clinical and Quality CVS Health

Swati

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

Alice Badami

Becky Dant

Senior

Marketing Manager - Retail Pharmacy

embecta

Alice has more than 25 years of diverse retail and marketing experience, having managed food, HBC and many other CPG brands and then transitioning into the healthcare industry. Her classic CPG background has helped her excel in understanding consumer needs, turning insight into action. In her current role, she leads customer marketing initiatives, working closely with the account team and their customers to communicate the value of their products, programs and educational tools to serve the needs of people living with diabetes.

Angela Zazzu

Vice President, CVS/Rite Aid, GSK Consumer Health, US GSK Consumer Health

Angela is the U.S. lead for the CVS and Rite Aid teams at Haleon. She is responsible for developing and executing three-year joint strategic plans that deliver sales, profit, market share and category growth in line with GSK’s purpose and business goals. She has a passion for developing future talent within the organization and industry. Recently, and along with her team, Angela won the CVS Healthcare Supplier of the Year Award for 2021. The award is a recognition of constant pursuit of bringing relevant and impactful insights in delivering transformative results and customer solutions.

Anne Brolly

Senior Vice President of Marketing Quest Products, LLC

Anne Brolly is the senior vice president of marketing at Quest Products, a company specializing in OTC solutions that put the power of self-care in consumers’ hands. In this role, Anne is responsible for growing Quest’s brands through all aspects of marketing and product innovation. She joined Quest Products in 2019, bringing her strong CPG skills to help accelerate the company’s growth. Prior to Quest Products, Anne held progressive marketing roles at SC Johnson for 18 years, in Paris and London before relocating to the United States where she led several of their global brands.

AGMM Professional Services

Costco Wholesale

Becky Dant oversees development and expansion of clinical pharmacy and quality programs for Costco pharmacy. She completed an acute care residency at Stanford Hospital and is Board Certified in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy. She is proud of launching and expanding programs that allow pharmacists to work at the top of their scope of practice and to provide care to patients.

Beth Potere

Vice President, Sales

Piping Rock Health Products

With a strong conviction of nutrition, a wealth of merchandising knowledge and 29 years of experience in the nutrition industry, Beth Potere has developed a team of experienced sales executives who have produced exponential growth. Beth has been with Piping Rock Health Products since its inception. She oversees all channels of distribution and development of sales and strategies and is a key leader at Piping Rock Health Products. An asset to the industry, Beth is a member of the executive committee that oversees the direction and future initiatives of Piping Rock Health Products.

Bobbi Jamriska

Vice President of Robotics and Automation iA

Bobbi Jamriska is vice president of product management at iA, responsible for the entire portfolio including software, robotics and integrations. She manages the strategy, development and go-tomarket planning for iA’s solutions. As a leader, she brings 30 years of experience in pharmacy operations and industry, with the last 20 focused on global technology and automation solutions for the pharmacy and warehouse markets. Bobbi’s team is working to redefine the pharmacy automation footprint, expand software capabilities and refresh what technology is used for iA’s solutions. She is adept at managing change, communicating with crossfunctional stakeholders and leading high-performance teams.

Colette Heimowitz

VP Nutrition and Education

The Simply Good Foods Company

Colette Heimowitz is a New York Times bestselling author who educates on the impact nutrition has on health issues such as weight loss and weight management, heart disease, prediabetes and dia-

betes. As vice president of nutrition at The Simply Good Foods Company, she brings more than 25 years of experience as a nutritionist, which includes the time she spent with Dr. Atkins as Director of Nutrition at The Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine in New York City. She has been featured on national television networks such as NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC. She earned her Masters of Science from Hunter College in New York City.

Debbie Eklund

Category Manager - Health and Wellness Kinney Drugs

Debbie’s 30+-year career in the consumer products industry has spanned manufacturers, distributors, brokers and retailers. Today, as a Category Manager for Health & Wellness at Kinney Drugs, she manages the company’s core health categories, including all Rx-toOTC switches, and works in tandem with the pharmacy team to support innovative programs. “I genuinely love what I do, bringing the optimal mix of products and programs to our patients/ customers to support their total health and wellness. This can only be accomplished through close collaboration with our dedicated pharmacy and retail teams, our innovative marketing team, and some amazing vendor partners.”

Diane Murdock

Vice President Strategic Accounts, Pharmacy Market Development Walgreens

Diane manages the enterprise-wide relationship between Walgreens and its largest health plan/PBM client. Through strategic planning and collaboration with this key partner, she has successfully brought to market innovative, affordable and accessible pharmacy, clinical and retail product solutions that improve patient outcomes and generate significant incremental revenue streams for Walgreens. One of her proudest achievements is the development and launch of a co-branded Medicare product portfolio offering seniors quality health care and affordable copays for life-saving medications. She is a multi-award-winning leader and has been a mentor throughout her 30-year career in the pharmaceutical and retail pharmacy industry.

Jan Burkett

President Strategic Global Sourcing AmerisourceBergen

Jan Burkett is the President of Strategic Global Sourcing at AmerisourceBergen, a global healthcare company. In this role, Jan leads a team of professionals that work each day with global pharmaceutical manufacturers and support making their products accessible in sites of care across the United States, including retail pharmacies, health systems, specialty physician

practices and more. Burkett is a pharmacist by training and has spent decades dedicated to supporting access to today’s most innovative therapies. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Health Sciences in St. Louis and her MBA from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

Janet Carter Smith

Formerly North American President Nelsons Bach

As a founding Board Member of WE — a community of female leaders with a mission of empowering women to advance wellness, Janet has championed career opportunities and mentorship of women in the healthcare industry, while creating her own impressive decades-long track record expanding consumer access to health, wellness and beauty products. Her customer focus and strong strategic partnerships are the hallmarks of her business philosophy, whether she’s working with new to market or established consumer brands. She has held leadership roles with GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (now Haleon), Kantar, Mölnlycke Health Care, Sundial Brands and, most recently, Nelsons Bach.

Jennifer Nadelson

Expert Marketing Lead, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Americas GSK

Jennifer is an experienced marketing leader with a proven track record in building brands, driving innovation and leading digital acceleration. She brings both Consumer Marketing and Expert Marketing expertise with years of leading teams to build category-leading brands and delivering strong results. In her current role as the Senior Director of Expert Marketing at Haleon, she is focused on driving transformational change and unlocking health inclusivity. With Haleon’s crystalized purpose, she is leading a team to continue to unlock new ways to deliver better everyday health. She is a big champion of developing capabilities and building high-performing teams.

Jennifer Troast

Senior Director of Eyecare Marketing Bausch + Lomb

With 20 years of experience in the consumer healthcare space, Jennifer Troast is a performance-driven leader with a track record of delivering exceptional results. As a result of her inclusive cross-functional leadership, the lens and eye care portfolio has received a number of industry awards and includes Biotrue, a product that she helped grow to become the No. 1 multi-purpose solution in the United States. She spearheaded the expansion of the Biotrue brand to include two additional products, and launched the Biotrue Eye Care Recycling program — the first and only eye care recycling program in the U.S.

WINNERS

Karen Merrill Sr. Director, Provider Development & Patient Safety McKesson

Karen Merrill serves as the senior director, provider development and patient safety for Health Mart/McKesson. She leverages her diverse, 30+-year pharmacy career that includes experience in pharmacy operations at the chain and independent pharmacy levels, regulatory compliance, clinical programs and managed care as she guides operational compliance for Health Mart’s participation in the COVID-19 federal vaccination program. Looking forward, Karen plans to do everything she can to help community pharmacies build upon the support for pharmacist-provided care.

Kathy Leonard Director of Retail Pharmacy Operations

Publix

Super Markets

Kathy Leonard is the director of retail pharmacy operations at Publix Super Markets. She is responsible for ensuring effective and efficient business across Publix’s seven-state operating area, including directing, coaching and mentoring pharmacy operations managers and administrative associates.

Over the last two years, she spearheaded the implementation of a historical COVID-19 vaccination program and is proud of her teams for showcasing the impact pharmacists can make when they are included as key contributors in the healthcare system.

Kelly Donovan Executive Director, Marketing Operations Prasco

With more than 15 years of experience at Prasco, Kelly serves as executive director of trade and marketing services. She oversees the development and implementation of Prasco marketing projects in efforts to gain public interest and raise brand awareness about Prasco Authorized Generics. She also coordinates the company’s participation in industry-related trade shows, conferences and events with the goal of highlighting Prasco’s high-quality prescription products, exceptional customer service and dedication to our pharmacy partners and their patients.

Kim Gawronski

Senior Demand Planning Specialist Crossmark

As the Senior Demand Planning Specialist at Crossmark, Kim Gawronski is one of the creators of the Collaborative, Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment service provided to drug channel vendors since 2015. During this time, Kim has not only educated her clients

on the best ways to maneuver the supply chain within the drug channel, but she has streamlined and strengthened partnerships between vendors and their retailers. Kim was a key player during last year’s supply chain challenges by maintaining her client’s POS forecasts, communicating supply constraints, planning new item launches, ensuring promotion readiness and store level in stocks.

Kristine Urea

EVP Business Intelligence Market Performance Group

Kristine has more than 25 years of experience in the CPG industry, with primary focus in natural health and wellness. She serves as MPG’s head of enterprise consumer analytics as well as consulting supporting Commercial/GTM strategy, M&A advisement and PPA optimization. Through her focus in well-forward brands, she finds inspiration in uncovering new ways to elevate consumer adoption of healthier habits in their everyday lives. As a passionate advocate for women’s wellness, Kristine is a founding board member of WE, a CPG health and wellness women’s leadership group, and currently serves as vice chair of the organization.

Lauren Ourednik

Supply

Chain Director

Procter & Gamble

Lauren Ourednik is P&G’s senior director, customer supply chain. Lauren is responsible for supply chain management across P&G and customer joint supply chains — from P&G manufacturing through on-shelf availability in-store. Throughout her 20+-year career, Lauren has been recognized for outstanding leadership. She is known throughout P&G for balancing strategic thinking, pragmatic solutions and operational excellence. Lauren leverages supply chain mastery to orchestrate new, innovative programs. She developed real-time analytics and tools to identify trends and anticipate outages during continued supply challenges. Lauren leverages communication and collaboration skills, creating brilliant partnerships to unlock joint value and drive business growth.

Mendi Brown

Director, Customer DevelopmentWalmart Team

Nestle Health Science

Mendi Brown leads Nestle Health Science’s vitamin and digestive health businesses with insights, passion and customer obsession. Partnering with Walmart, Sam’s Club, Walgreens and CVS over the past 10 years, she has gained unique experiences across complex categories and classes of trade. She works closely with internal teams to identify emerging trends and fine-tune innovation, delivering value to shoppers. Mendi is focused on delivering solutions to keep consumers healthy and look their best.

Natalie Ryan Strategy

The Emerson Group Natalie Ryan leads the Consumer Insights division for The Emerson Group, which provides objective category growth strategies for retailers across the country. Five years ago Ryan led the initiative to create the company’s Consumer Insight Division, separating it from Analytics and Reporting by focusing on Future Trends. The company went from having 15 retailer touchpoints to more than 200 across 20 categories. This capability has set them apart, providing trust, credibility and deeper relationships with retailers.

Nawshi Williams Vice President, Business Insights & Analytics

Crossmark

With more than 30 years of category management and sales experience in the CPG industry, Nawshi is the vice president of analytics and insights at Crossmark. She manages a team of more than 70 professionals who support CPG clients such as Clorox, Kimberly Clark, General Mills and Duracell. The bottom-line objective for Nawshi and her team is to utilize data to drive analytics and insights that drive growth for clients. Nawshi plays a key role in defining strategic direction and future for the Analytics and Insights department. Most recently she led the development of Crossmark’s new analytics platform, which empowers sales teams to drive faster brand growth for clients.

Nermeen Youssef Vice President West Region Albertsons

Nermeen Youssef is responsible for six divisions (Portland, WA, Denver, SoCal, NorCal and Arizona) of Albertsons, a total of 952 stores. She has been a pharmacist for almost two decades. She is a passionate leader that enjoys mentoring and leading teams in a positive direction. She’s thrilled to have a role that supports the divisions and pharmacy teams in their efforts to create loyal customers for life by unleashing the pharmacist’s power and building holistic care models that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Nikki Price Director, Pharmacy Operations Albertsons

Currently, Nikki serves as director of pharmacy operations for Albertsons’ Denver division, overseeing 112 pharmacies in five states. Over the past year, she oversaw the operations of 184 pharmacies in eight states and the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, where she collaborated with local and state health departments to ensure her pharmacies were able to take care

of their communities. In addition, she worked with the Denver Health Department to provide vaccines to Denver International Airport employees and passengers.

Orsula Knowlton

President, Co-founder,

Chief Marketing & New Business Development Officer

Tabula Rasa HealthCare

Orsula V. Knowlton brings more than 25 years of entrepreneurial pharmacist, business executive and innovation experience to Tabula Rasa HealthCare. During her tenure, she has supported the company from start-up to the market leader supporting value-based care organizations, focusing on the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, Medicare and commercial markets. Orsula has extensive experience in the pharmacy and medication safety industry, including leadership roles in community, hospital, long-term care and hospice pharmacies.

Ramita Tandon

Chief

Clinical Trials Officer

Walgreens

Health

As the chief clinical trials officer at Walgreens, Ramita Tandon is responsible for leading the company’s new clinical trials business. Ramita brings more than 25 years of leadership and operational experience. As a transformational leader, Ramita is passionate in her belief that a best-in-class operating model employing insights and innovation can deliver gains in operations and forge stronger connections with all stakeholders, including biopharmaceutical companies, healthcare systems and payers.

Rebecca Lane

Customer Replenishment Analyst - Walgreens Beiersdorf

Rebecca manages all things in the Beiersdorf/ Walgreens CPRF process, including shipment forecasting, order monitoring, reporting, inventory management, shortage allocation, retailer communication, problem solving and troubleshooting. Her varied experience has taught her to see any situation from different perspectives to come up with solutions that will work for Walgreens. She has excelled in the past two years where the supply chain has had ever-changing circumstances. As the voice of the customer, Rebecca brings the Walgreens perspective internally and has communicated clearly and effectively with innovative and collaborative, short- and long-term solutions.

Rita Widner

Senior Manager Customer Logistics

Bausch

+ Lomb Consumer Healthcare

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Rita Widner is a performancedriven leader with a demonstrated history of delivering exceptional results. Widner is skilled in fostering relationships with the customer and all cross functional teams in order to meet both the customer and the company’s goals. She joined Bausch & Lomb more than 25 years ago first as a buyer/ planner and then to the sales side of the business. Her main focus has been on vendor-managed inventories and ensuring her customers have products on their shelves at all times.

Sharon Meckes

Senior Director, Marketing, Lumify eye drops

Bausch + Lomb Consumer Healthcare

Sharon Meckes is a dedicated and passionate marketing professional with more than 20 years’ experience launching and building brands for leading consumer and pharma healthcare companies, including Bayer Women’s Healthcare, Pfizer, Novartis and Pharmacia. Meckes launched and continues to lead all marketing efforts for the Lumify eye drop brand. After their introduction in 2018, these one-of-akind drops quickly became the No. 1 redness relief brand in sales, share and doctor recommendations. With Sharon’s continued strategic and collaborative leadership, the brand is now more than $120 million with about 50% market share.

Stacey Weber

Senior Director of Customer Operations iA

Stacey Weber is vital to iA, managing a team to assist customers with iA’s fulfillment solutions. Stacey’s role includes streamlining processes for iA’s customer support team and ensuring customers receive timely assistance. Since joining iA, her team has improved on-time resolution rates for remote support they provide, developed a Critical Response Team to address level-one severity issues, and standardized support processes to deliver consistent service across the current portfolio. Stacey’s role is integral as iA continues to add and improve on their product offerings.

Sue Smith Partner/Co-Team Lead

The Emerson Group

Sue is a member of the leadership team, responsible for helping guide the company’s purpose and values, customer and expert sales, innovation and speed to market. Under her leadership, she has brought diversity and inclusive brands to life while invigorating heritage brands, building brands for divestiture, and involved with Rx-to-OTC switches. Sue is part of the team that built the portfolio from under $1B to $5B+ in retail sales, launched an innovative logistics solution, and became a top 1-4 health-and-wellness supplier in the top seven strategic categories, all while supporting the company give-back program.

OTHER WINNERS

RISING

Adriane Antoine

eTail

Sales Manager

Twinlab

Consolidation Corporation

Adriane Antoin is responsible for growing branded revenue for Twinlab Consolidation Corporations’s e-tail online business. She has full-line P&L accountability and a larger percentage of the branded business. Her role involves account negotiations and management, promotional strategy, conducting quarterly business reviews with category managers, placing new products into distribution,

business development and order processing. She touches everything from A to Z and is personally accountable for the success of the company’s online channel.

Alissa Golden

Formerly

National Business Manager - Drug Henkel

Alissa Golden managed the Walgreens Beauty business for Henkel’s North America division. She delivered a tremendous 2020-

Sheetal Amin Independent Owner Farmacia Bristol

Courtney Garvey Category Manager/Healthcare CVS

JoEllen Kelly Director of Accounting Twinlab Consolidation Corporation

Kristi Murati Senior Demand Planner Walgreens

Tricia Simpson Vice President, Marketing, E-commerce, and Transformation Cardinal Health

Julie Young General Manager, Equelle Pharmavite

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS

Bausch + Lomb is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates. Any other product/brand names and/or logos are trademarks of the respective owners. © 2022 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates. BLNP.0107.USA.22

COVER STORY: RISING STARS WINNERS

2021 year with regard to top-line, bottom-line and share growth. She delivered top-line sales growth of 24%, leading the channel and significantly ahead of the North America average while over-delivering her bottom-line targets. Alissa’s crossfunctional experience drives her acute understanding of both customer and consumer needs. In addition to driving results, Alissa is a member of Chicago’s NextUp Steering Committee, focusing on advancing all women in business.

Amber Armstrong

GM / Health & Beauty Sales Manager

Albertsons

Amber is the General Merchandise Sales Manager for Albertsons Cos. MidAtlantic Division. She headed up sales and merchandising for GM/HBC departments for 273 ACME and Safeway stores generating $618 million in annual sales and was one of the companies GM/HBC national sales leaders in 2021, responsible for 7% sales lift.

Amy Baxter

Founder, CEO, Chief Medical Officer Pain Care Labs

Amy Baxter, MD, is CEO of Pain Care Labs, founded in 2006 to eliminate unnecessary pain. After Yale and Emory Medical School, she founded the Pediatric Emergency Research program at Scottish Rite, CHOA. Federally funded for needle fear, pain relief and opioid reduction research, she publishes and lectures internationally. With 10-plus patents, inventions include VibraCool Cryovibration, the frequency for canceling pain; Buzzy, DistrACTION cards and DuoTherm. Buzzy has blocked pain for 45-plus million needle procedures. Launching three new products, PCL achieved 30%+ growth over prior year.

Andrea Collaro

Angela Lee

Manager

Twinlab

of Treasury Ops

Consolidation Corporation

Angela is responsible for various controls to ensure the integrity of the treasury, manage the exceptions and override of those controls. Her most important responsibility is cash management, ensuring funds are available to limit borrowing costs. She has implemented new technology to the organization, updated and streamlined the processes and modernized the AP and AR departments. As a result, TCC had positive cash flow for 2020, which was the first time in two years.

Becki Murphy

Senior National Account Manager

i-Health, a Division of DSM

Becki successfully leads i-Health’s Target business in addition to being an omnichannel expert. Becki drives business initiatives that have surpassed key company milestones, while going above and beyond in her role to advance key areas such as women’s leadership development and sustainability. She’s recognized internally and externally as a collaborative partner who delivers results, while being focused on team development and mentorship. Becki’s past experience in category management and insights, coupled with mass channel and omnichannel expertise, puts her in a unique class of talent that will continue to shape our industry.

Beth Arnold Professional Services Manager Costco Wholesale

Senior

Director, Owned Brand Product Development & Brand Management Walgreens

Andrea Collaro earned her PharmD from UIC College of Pharmacy. She has a strong professional background rooted in health care with positions spanning pharmacy operations and procurement to merchandising. She is currently senior director product development & brand management, responsible for Owned Brand Healthcare at Walgreens Boots Alliance. At WBA, she spearheads the product development of insight-driven, consumer-led healthcare products and is a skilled strategist who articulates direction, promotes collaboration and inspires diversity of thought.

As Pharmacy Services Manager at Costco Wholesale Pharmacy, Beth works with her corporate team and pharmacies across the U.S. to implement and maintain pharmacy professional services, such as immunizations, naloxone, contraception and travel medicine. Over the past year, she has been instrumental in the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.

Brandi Jackson

Target Team Leader - Oral Health & Lip, GSK Consumer Health, US GSK Consumer Health

Brandi is the Target Sales Team Lead at Haleon with 20 years’ experience across sales, shopper insights, category management and trade strategy. She is a change agent, building and executing longterm strategies with the consumer at the heart. In 2021, Brandi delivered her sales goals at 111 indices and improved trade revenue efficiency, reducing $1 million in spending. She championed the 2022 “All for Wellness” collaboration with Target and is an active member of Haleon’s Reverse Mentoring and Accelerating Differences Leadership programs.

Join us as our guest for an in-depth discussion on drug channel go-to-market strategies and how you and your organization can pivot to capitalize on emerging trends.

Presented by: Nik Modi, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets

Joined by Panel Participants:

Nik Modi

Moderator, Kristen Abreu, VP Customer Development, CROSSMARK Sales Agency Naomi Duvall, VP Consumer Health and Manufacturer Services Cardinal Health Kim Gawronski, Senior Demand Planning Analyst, CROSSMARK Sales Agency Bryan Gildenberg, SVP Commerce, Omnicom Commerce Group Nawshi Williams, VP Business Insights, CROSSMARK Sales Agency

Agenda: 1:00-2:00 Nik Modi will share macro-economic trends and their impact on the drug channel 2:00-2:30 Panel discussion and Q&A

Location: Gramercy Room Sheraton Times Square 811 7th Ave, New York, NY

Date: November 30, 2022 Time: 1:00-2:30

to Nawshi Williams and Kim Gawronski for their recognition in Business Excellence from Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty 2022

Nik Modi is a Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, where he oversees the coverage of the Tobacco, Beverage and Household Personal Care sectors. In total, Nik covers companies with a total market capitalization of close to $1 trillion, including P&G, Coca-Cola, Altria, Lorillard, PepsiCo, Estée Lauder among others. Nik has been ranked for 6 consecutive years in the Institutional Investor for his coverage of the tobacco sector and has been recognized as a leading analyst in the Household Personal Care sector in both Fortune, StarMine and Forbes. Prior to joining RBC Capital Markets in September 2013, Nik worked at UBS, where he spent 13 years covering various sectors including eCommerce, Semiconductors, Beverage, Tobacco and Household Personal Care.

Kim Gawronski

Nawshi Williams

Nik Modi

COVER STORY: RISING STARS WINNERS

Brittany Myland Pharmacy Team Leader Meijer

During her time with Meijer, Brittany has brought her excitement for education, patient care and forward thinking into her pharmacy career. As the Meijer/Ferris/Pfizer PGY1 Residency Program Director, Pharmacy Team Leader, and throughout her career, she has contributed to driving a number of educational initiatives in the region. Brittany is a grounded and collaborative leader with a successful history of supporting and leading as well as finding and developing incoming talent. She engages teams with an emphasis on collaboration and driving organizational goals, while focusing on growing personally and professionally and supporting others to do the same.

Daira Driftmier

Director, Hy-Vee KidsFit & Fitness Hy-Vee Daira is the creator and director of HyVee KidsFit, a free program committed to educating and motivating kids to improve their physical, social and emotional well-being through exercise, nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Created in 2015, Hy-Vee KidsFit has reached more than 580,000 youth participants across the Midwest under Daira’s leadership. A certified personal trainer and youth fitness specialist, she was nationally recognized by Progressive Grocer in 2021, earning the publication’s GenNext and Top Women in Grocery Rising Stars awards. In 2022, Daira received the 2022 Healthiest State Individual Award from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative.

Holly Doan Regional Dietitian The Giant Company

Throughout her tenure with The Giant Company, Holly Doan has played a key role in launching and growing wellness initiatives in the communities she serves. As an expert of wellness, Holly promotes healthy eating habits and behavior change through a variety of offerings, including virtual nutrition education classes and culinary demonstrations. In 2021, Holly helped The Giant Company dietitian team contribute to more than 450 virtual classes, reaching more than 25,000 attendees. She also led the effort to launch a one-of-a-kind shopper marketing wellness package, connecting customers with better-for-you brands in an effort to drive awareness and sales.

Isabel Avila

National Account Manager

Colgate

Isabel’s strong commercial skills and global experience set her up for success. Most recently, Isabel moved to Canada to manage Colgate’s Costco business. Prior, Isabel was CDM on Walgreens US. In this role, she stepped up Colgate engagement, strengthened distribution and drove market share in a complex environment. Isabel joined Colgate Mexico in 2010 and progressed in Category Management and Retail Marketing. In 2015, Isabel joined the Corporate Global Customer Development as BDM for Asia, EMEA and eCommerce on the Walmart International Team. Isabel has won Global Chairman’s You Can Make a Difference and CDO Excellence Outstanding Results awards.

Jacque Franklin

Customer

Sales Manager, Walmart

Oral Care Team, US GSK Consumer Health

Jacque is responsible for the oral health portfolio at Walmart – Haleon’s largest category, customer and brand (Sensodyne). A focused sales leader who is driven by results throughout her 30+-year career, she is motivated in finding the sweet spot where the consumer, retailer and Haleon all win. Together with her cross-functional team at Haleon and amazing merchants at Walmart, they have brought unique offerings to the Walmart shopper. Jacque’s other passion is coaching and mentoring. She is a trained Job Plus Coach and has worked with dozens of clients with a focus on DEI and women’s leadership development.

Jacqueline Rusch

Director Managed Care

Publix Super Markets

Jacqueline serves as director of managed care for Publix Super Markets. In this role, she defines and directs the managed care strategy for Publix pharmacy, including all aspects of payer contracting and reimbursement, analytics, audits and billing. Jacqueline started her career with Publix in 2009 and has performed in a variety of roles throughout purchasing and managed care. Actively involved with industry groups such as NCPDP and NACDS, she holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of South Florida and an MBA from the University of Florida.

Jennifer Volz

Senior Manager, Beauty Customer Care Program Development Walgreens

With more than 25 years in the beauty industry, Jennifer is responsible for leading

COVER STORY: RISING STARS WINNERS

strategic partnerships with Walgreens’ global consumer brands and beauty merchants to drive incremental sales for Walgreens beauty and personal care offering. Her commitment to the evolution of our education programs for Walgreens in-store Beauty Consultants helps to provide high-touch support to customers in the aisle. By partnering closely with brands, suppliers and Walgreens clinical team, Jennifer ensures that Walgreens team of 3,500+ Beauty Consultants have trusted education to be able to assist customers in-aisle with personalized health and beauty expertise.

Jessica Paul

tomers. When customers walk the aisles in Beauty, they should see themselves represented because Beauty is for all!

Kayla Villatoro

Sales Operations Manager

Twinlab Consolidation Corporation

Senior

Director for Kroger Health and Wellness Finance and Payor Contracting

Kroger Health

Jessica Paul joined The Kroger Co. in 2000 as the CFO for Kroger Health, where she leads all aspects of the financials, third-party contracting and trade relations. Since joining Kroger Health, Jessica has focused on improving reimbursement and reducing financial barriers to provide customers access to care. She uses her expertise to design strategic programs growing revenue, increasing EBITDA and expanding business opportunities that increase market penetration. Prior to joining Kroger Health, Jessica worked for Humana, spending nine years leading retail/specialty financial operations and strategy.

Julie Anne Lalicon

Senior

Manager Specialty Pharmacy

Publix Super Markets

Julie has been with Publix Super Markets for eight years. She is the senior manager of specialty pharmacy and is responsible for developing strategies and executing operations to grow the business. Julie is a board-certified pharmacist and a hands-on leader committed to providing optimal care and services. She has built strong relationships with manufacturers, enabling the Specialty Pharmacy to gain access to different limited distribution medications across multiple disease states. Julie also develops and implements new initiatives and monitors existing programs to drive operational success and profitability. She provides mentorship and coaching for Publix and UF College of Pharmacy.

Karen Langeland Director of Merchandising Beauty & Baby Meijer

Karen Langeland is the director of merchandising beauty and baby at Meijer. Over the past seven years, she has held various merchandising leadership roles throughout Meijer. Karen is most proud of the relationships built with her team, peers and suppliers since joining the team 18 months ago. She and the team spent the past year developing a Beauty roadmap that is focused on creating an elevated and inclusive experience for cus-

Kayla began her career with Twinlab Consolidation Corporation in 2019 and in three years she has moved into a leadership position and worked hard to learn many aspects of the business. Kayla’s primary responsibilities as the Sales Operations Manager for TCC includes project management, support of each department and link between departments. She is passionate about team collaboration and enjoys bringing the team together with a positive influence. Kayla is growing in the business world and has quickly become passionate in her commitment to advancing women in the workplace.

Lindsey Ryan VP, Grocery/Target Bayer

Lindsey is a passionate self-starter driving toward continuous improvement. Operating at her peak at the intersection of health, wellness, inclusivity and sustainability, she strives toward continued industry leadership by improving quality, access and outcomes across the evolving healthcare landscape. She pays this forward by serving on multiple women’s boards.

Megan DeLonge National Business Manager - Drug Henkel

Megan is a dynamic national business manager, selling the Dial and Right Guard brands to Walgreens. Despite pandemic headwinds, she created consumer-focused strategic solutions to improve liquid hand soap in stocks and omnichannel plans to launch new products. A strategic promo plan was implemented that aligns to the customers’ key sales objectives and has grown brand market share. Leveraging industry relationships, she has executed cobranded displays driving increased basket spend and brand conversion. Continued collaborative planning with key internal and external stakeholders has resulted in productive partnerships that have improved the retailer and supplier P&Ls.

Rachael Clark

Vice President, Commercial Sales iA

As vice president of commercial sales, Rachael Clark is a passionate servant leader working with retail chain food and drug stores, mass market, e-commerce, mail-order pharmacies and independent pharmacy groups to unleash the full potential of

Congratulations to Quest Products Sr. VP of Marketing, Anne Brolly, named to Drug Store News Top Women in Health, Wellness & Beauty.

We celebrate Anne and all the women at Quest Products and the industry making great contributions every day!

COVER STORY: RISING STARS WINNERS

pharmacy. Rachael’s responsibilities include promoting iA’s centralized fulfillment solutions across North America. The iA solution starts with the proprietary fulfillment software platform, NEXiA, which is hardware and PMSS agnostic. NEXiA in conjunction with iA automation hardware is designed to allow pharmacists the time to practice at the top of their license, decrease the cost to fill and focus on patient care.

Rachael Marsteller

Director of Sales - North Zone Coca-Cola

Rosemarie Grillo Sales Account Manager Twinlab Consolidation Corporation

With 15 years of CPG

experience

within the Coca-Cola system, Rachael serves as the sales director for retail, where she leads a stellar team of account executives across multiple retail channels, including drug. Her leadership over the past year has contributed $14.5 million or +6.1% in dollar sales to the drug channel, fueled by the successful launch of Coca-Cola Starlight and the brand strength of Coke Zero and Smartwater. Rachael is passionate about her customers and has worked to build a collaborative partnership where everyone wins.

Rebekah Frost Unit Director - Central Fill Pharmacy Meijer

Over the past year, Rebekah has focused on improving culture through monthly diversity, equity and inclusion events as well as building a team and environment that can better serve the patients in our community. Her DE&I efforts have been focused on understanding each other’s cultures, identities and creating a safe space regarding mental health, which helped increase the company’s culture scores by 5bps. Through continued process and culture improvement, Meijer has been able to expand service to the Toledo market and increase volume by 20,000 prescriptions a week.

Rosa Zamudio Shift Manager Meijer

Rosa is the pharmacy distribution area shift manager for Meijer’s only pharmacy warehouse and manages a team that provides CII-CV and noncontrolled prescription medication to 264 Meijer pharmacies. In 2021, her team assisted during COVID-19 by shipping 413,700 COVID-19 tests and more than 86,000 units of supplies to Meijer stores to test and vaccinate its communities. She also managed a successful expansion of the CIII-CV cage, which will allow the company to grow during the next 10 years. So far in 2022, she has led her team on increasing shipping volume by 8.2% versus last year.

As a sales manager at Nutra Science Labs, Rosemarie is responsible for working with brand owners to curate their ideal products. Being the link between a brand’s idea and finished product, Rosemarie strives to execute each of her brands’ visions flawlessly. Rosemarie has since built an extensive book of business with product niches ranging across the board. Her passion drives her to continue obtaining certifications to assist her customers to the best of her ability.

Rosemary Onuegbu

Patient Care Services Manager

Albertsons/Randalls/Tom

Thumb

Rosemary is the patient care services manager for Albertsons

Companies

Southern Division stores — about 140 pharmacies (Albertsons, Tom Thumb and Randalls banners in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas). With a focus on optimizing patient care and building healthier communities, Rosemary’s big focus this past year through the pandemic was in getting pharmacy teams trained, procuring vaccines and getting several hundred thousand COVID-19 vaccinations administered in our communities. She made targeted outreach to senior groups, underserved communities, essential workers and she partnered with state health departments, police and fire departments, and community organizations to provide vaccinations and care.

Sherrel Sampson

CEO and Founder Canviiy

Sherrel is the founder and CEO of Canviiy, and over the past year she has expanded the brand’s retail footprint to over 2,000 doors in CVS and Sally Beauty with its first-to-market proprietary scalp care innovations. In addition, Canviiy is identifying white space by improving the scalp health of cancer patients through leading cancer center partnerships. Moffitt Cancer Center is approaching five years of partnership, while Canviiy has newly secured partnerships with Harvard and City of Hope Cancer Centers. All rank in the top 1% and are three of the top 15 cancer hospitals in the nation.

Stacey Emmons Director, Patient Outcomes Performance Walgreens

As a director at Walgreens and pharmacist with more than 16 years of community pharmacy experience, Stacey leads a team focused on delivering patient health outcomes services. Stacey’s responsibilities include development and deployment of unique services, tools and

programs that support medication adherence across the Walgreens organization. In addition, Stacey’s scope includes Medication Therapy Management, chronic disease state management programs, medication synchronization and the Walgreens team member-facing clinical platform. Stacey maintains a passion for the role that community pharmacy plays in the healthcare ecosystem.

Stefanie Kruse

Vice President of Digital Commerce and Omnichannel Walgreens

Stefanie is the group vice president of digital commerce at Walgreens. She heads digital retail and digital Rx for Walgreens, with responsibility over digital pharmacy and sales channels, and omnichannel offerings. Her focus is on bringing together digital and physical experiences to make it easier for Walgreens customers and patients. At Walgreens, she has led initiatives to improve the omnichannel customer journey, including same-day delivery partnerships and buy online, pickup from drive-thru/curbside.

Stefanie has an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA from Northwestern University.

Stephanie Householder Team

Lead Shopper and Category Insights

GSK Consumer Health

Stephanie leads the Shopper & Category Insights team for the food class of trade at a leading consumer healthcare organization. She has immense passion for turning data and analytics into insights that drive commercial value. Over the last year, Stephanie has focused on driving efficiency in reporting practices, developing elevated analytics capabilities and resources, and

leveraging both custom and industry research to design retailerspecific strategies that better engage our shoppers and improve their health. By combining data, research and technology, she and her team have transformed working relationships with their retail partners for stronger go-to-market plans.

Tara Thompson

Pharmacist, Director of Clinical Education Innovation Compounding

Tara has been a practicing compounding pharmacist for 10 years at Innovation Compounding in the field of sexual medicine, developing and designing pharmaceutical drug combinations for various sexual and pelvic health conditions. She built her website, www.thesexualhealthpharmacist.com, to advocate patients to talk to their healthcare providers about their sexual health.

Vickie Sykes

Senior Sourcing Manager/Analyst

Amber Specialty Pharmacy (a Hy-Vee subsidiary)

Vickie is a dedicated and experienced sourcing expert for home infusion and specialty pharmacy with more than 23 years of experience. As senior sourcing manager and analyst for Amber Specialty Pharmacy, Vickie is responsible for procuring hard-to-find medications and supplies at the lowest cost. She has identified cost savings in many areas of the pharmacy space and is a go-to leader when it comes to sourcing critical medications and supplies. Most recently, Vickie played a leading role in procuring COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies in every state where Amber Specialty Pharmacy operates to provide the life-saving therapy to patients. dsn

OTHER WINNERS

Sejalben Dasondi

CELEBRATING TOP WOMEN IN HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY!

rs t t 2022 W i H t , W ss d B ut ! A d s i t k u t ur wi r f r r fr s i g t w r d d ki g diff r t r ug r r rk b tributi s. Y u r i dis s b i gr di t i ur s r t f r u . gr tu ti s!

RACHAEL MARSTELLER Dir t r f S s, R t i

Beauty with a Purpose

Mission-driven brands seek to answer consumer demands for businesses as a force for good

It’s important to look good and to do good. Consumers like to buy from companies that have philanthropic missions and advocate for certain issues. Beauty brands that partner with nonprofits or develop their own initiatives as a force for good can benefit from customer loyalty and increased sales. For purpose-driven beauty brands, the key is to work with a cause that shoppers deem important and matches the brand’s messaging.

According to the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, a survey by Edelman Data & Intelligence, people want more business engagement with various issues: 52% said business is not doing enough on climate change, and 49% said business is not doing enough on economic inequality.

Beauty brands are answering demands to do more than sell products. “Customers are looking for community and a sense of shared ‘power for good’ that a purpose-driven brand can provide,” said Psyche Terry, founder and CEO of UI Global Brands. “You’ll even find that customers don’t say ‘shop’ or ‘buy from.’ They use words like ‘support’ and ‘help.’”

Since 2016, the Plano, Texas-based company, which makes Urban Hydration products, has partnered with WATERisLIFE and donates water to a community that does not have easy access to drinking water. “Hydrating

Cantu Guava & Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

SRP: $5.97

The shampoo clarifies the scalp to eliminate dandruff and dry scalp irritation and is formulated with a unique blend of guava, ginger, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and menthol, to remove product buildup. Zinc pyrithione uses antibacterial properties to stop dandruff at the source, relieve dry, itchy scalp, and promote hair growth.

Love Beauty and Planet Plant-Based Body Washes

SRP: : $7.49 for a 20-oz. bottle

The reintroduced body washes now have 100% biodegradable formulas with plant-based cleansers infused with vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The washes are cruelty free, and the bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic. To promote the launch, the brand partnered with actress Diane Guerrero to announce a $50,000 donation to Mujeres De La Tierra, a Latina-owned organization that works toward making their local communities cleaner, greener and more beautiful.

Urban Hydration Hand Cream Collection

SRP: $4.99

The hand creams help refresh dry skin, remove dead skin cells, support the body’s natural collagen production to brighten skin tone, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and age lines. Lemon extract improves the luster of dull skin, and vitamin B-rich vanilla extract protects skin from environmental aging factors. Coconut oil moisturizes and keeps skin soft, and the product is sulfate, paraben, dye and silicone free.

—

Juan Morillo, marketing director, Xtreme Beauty

skin and hydrating communities just felt right,” Terry said. “We have since raised enough funds to contribute to the building of two clean drinking water wells in communities in Kenya and are now aiming to construct our own well in Kenya.”

Closer to home, Urban Hydration made a $50,000 scholarship pledge to help college juniors get through the graduation process, and takes kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to movies, pumpkin patches and to get haircuts for back to school. The efforts reflect a larger movement in the beauty industry. “We started as a mission-driven company, and we are elated to see so many historic brands take an interest in serving and giving back,” Terry said. “Mission driven is here to stay.”

For some brands, the mission is to update ideas surrounding beauty. “Inclusion such as age, race, gender or lived experience has defined the current expression of modern beauty,” said Yamit Sadok, vice president of marketing for Twinlab Consolidation Corporation.

Source: The 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer

Consumers are looking for brands to be more socially responsible.

52% of survey respondents said businesses are not doing enough to address climate change, and 49% said businesses are not doing enough to address economic inequality.

Among the Boca Raton, Fla.-based company’s family of brands is Reserveage, which, Sadok said, is led by a diverse team of talented women. The brand’s mission is to help women from every background feel beautifully healthy inside and out, at every life stage. “We really believe that what makes a woman unique is also what makes her beautiful,” Sadok said. “We want to redefine the way we approach beauty with original product lines, a holistic mindset and a purpose-filled mission.”

Empowering women is a mission at Cantu Beauty. The Stamford, Conn.-based company partners with Gyrl Wonder, offering career development, mentorship and mental wellness to young women of color. “While our business was born out of promoting inclusivity and meeting the hair care needs of people who historically were underserved, we’re thinking beyond products when it comes to finding ways to impact the lives of our consumers,” said Cantu’s global head of marketing, Dametria Kinsley. “Focusing on building the leaders of tomorrow and supporting new entrepreneurs is how we elevate visibility and representation, ultimately bringing value and creating change within our communities.”

Cantu also has joined forces with Women Empowering Nations, which provides mentorship and professional development to girls of color from marginalized communities. “Our continuous goal as a brand is understanding what our audience needs and showing up for them as best as we can to meet those needs,” Kinsley said.

Sustainability Focus

Sustainability is a huge topic now, and Unilever brand Love Beauty and Planet has a goal of making 100% of its ingredients biodegradable by 2030, minimizing the impact on water and aquatic ecosystems. The challenge is that while consumers want eco-friendly items, they also expect the products to be effective.

“We need to make sustainable products work as well as, if not better than, the ones not working with a mission toward being kinder to the planet,” said Sonika Malhotra, chief marketing officer, U.S. Hair Care at Unilever, and co-founder of Love Beauty and Planet. “The urge to do better for the planet remains. We need to make it easy for the consumers to make that choice.”

One way to make it easy for consumers to buy mission-driven products is to make them affordable. “With continued pressure on household budgets, providing access to purpose-driven, clean beauty products at an affordable price is the most important trend right now,” said Michael Marquis, CEO of Raw Sugar Living. The Sarasota, Fla.-based brand makes clean, premium products and supports Eco-Soap Bank, which employs women to recycle soap from manufactures and provide it to developing countries.

The work of purpose-driven brands is likely to continue. “Consumers are looking for brands to be more socially responsible,” said Juan Morillo, marketing director for Miami Gardens, Fla.-based Xtreme Beauty, which makes the OKAY Naturals line of products. “The future is bright for mission-driven beauty brands that stay true to their values. Once the mission is stated, brands must follow through, be consistent and persistent.” dsn

Sonika Malhotra, chief marketing officer, U.S. Hair Care at Unilever

The urge to do better for the planet remains. We need to make it easy for the consumers to make that choice.

—

Fair Trade Beauty

A report finds that beauty consumers are calling for fairness and asking companies to deliver the facts about their products

By Gisselle Gaitan

A new report by Beauty Pie and The Future Laboratory points out how a period of financial uncertainty and increased free time during the pandemic have increased access to greater information to the consumer about the efficacy of products and supply chain.

The Beauty Futures 2025: Beauty, Beautility and the Rise of ‘Question Everything’ Economy report highlights how 15 beauty brands are sourcing their products from the same three manufacturers and post-manufacturing markups are leading to wildly varying retail pricing.

Searches

229%

artistry? Why is it OK still to be paying crazy retailer markups, and not even know that the stuff you’re actually paying for might only cost a tenth of the price to make and manufacture?”

Higher prices mean that consumers are not only re-evaluating their spending habits but also researching the varying cost structures and calling for fairness in the beauty industry when it comes to price points and product efficacy.

Armed with this new wealth of information, the average consumer is also no longer falling victim or being easily sold products marketed with buzzwords, but instead asking companies to deliver the facts. This includes consumers asking and being given the lowdown on everything from ingredients to prove that the products actually work.

According to stats from The Hut Group, searches for beauty-related ingredients rose by 229% in 2021 alone.

“Across generations and across the world, people are now looking for experiences, services and products that help them become better versions of themselves,” said The Future Laboratory’s co-founder Chris Sanderson. “This mission to be healthier, wealthier and happier is leading to the rise of the transformation economy, putting new demands on brands to deliver more meaning to their customers.”

Consumers today are also turning to their own communities to learn more about a product, including turning to influencers and their peers. According to the report, 62% of those surveyed look to their community when it comes to learning more about a product, which has resulted in brands pivoting to see how they can begin to forge a more meaningful connection with the modern-day shopper.

This turn has led brands, specifically direct-to-consumer ones, to look into how they can build longer-term connections with consumers and provide more value. This has begun to evolve into memberships to aid in building interactive communities with the average consumer.

With inflated product markups, consumers are paying higher prices for products with the same ingredients, the report states.

“Why is it still an industry that does things the ‘traditional’ way?” said Marcia Kilgore, founder of Beauty Pie. “Why perpetuate the myth that people want to buy into the mystique of beauty; the smoke and mirrors, rather than the glorious revelations of the ingredients, technology and

“We commissioned this report to explore the evolving attitudes to luxury and fairness, and the growing consumer instinct to be part of something bigger — and to see if our instinct that overpaying is officially over is correct,” Kilgore said. “The Beauty Futures 2025: Beauty, Beautility and the Rise of the ‘Question Everything’ Economy report shows how this will create new challenges for future-facing brands, but also exciting opportunities to create a more honest, open and fair industry.”

The future of the beauty category and how consumers are shopping for their must-haves is evolving, and in order to connect with the consumer it is clear that brands need to continue to be more transparent about everything, the companies said. dsn

for beauty-related ingredients rose by

Source: The Hut Group

in 2021 alone.

Generics, Generics Everywhere

Generic drug companies are on a tear, unleashing new products into the market

By Sandra Levy

Currently 90% of all prescriptions dispensed in the United States are for generic drugs, according to the annual report from the Office of Generic Drugs in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration. In 2021, the generic drug program approved hundreds of abbreviated new drug applications.

Accord Healthcare

Accord Healthcare has added carmustine to its line of chemotherapy drugs. The drug is formulated as a sterile lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder to be reconstituted for intravenous infusion.

Carmustine is the generic of Avet Pharmaceuticals’ BiCNU and is approved for use in the treatment of certain types of brain tumors and blood cancers.

Accord is offering carmustine in a 50-mg size, as well as the new, larger 300-mg strength, which was not previously available in the market and overcomes the potential need to use multiple vials of the smaller size, the company said.

“We are proud to be able to provide carmustine lyo. injection in a unique dosage size that is not currently available in the market,” said Kevin Congdon, Accord’s vice president of institutional sales. “Adding this chemotherapy drug to our portfolio illustrates Accord’s commitment in the U.S. market to support healthcare providers in prescribing accessible oncology medications.”

Carmustine lyo. injection is used alone or with other drugs to treat glioblastoma, astrocytoma, medulloblastoma and other types of malignant brain tumors; relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma; multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that affects the bone marrow; and relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (the disease has recurred or has not gotten better with other treatment).

Alembic

Following closely on the heels of FDA approvals, generic drug companies have launched a slew of generics, as well as biosimilars, in a broad range of therapeutic categories that include dermatology, oncology, antibiotics, ophthalmology and more. Here’s a look at the latest exciting introductions in the generic drug categories.

Alembic recently launched two generic products: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide 0.3%/2.5% topical gel.

The medication, which is the generic of Galderma’s Epiduo Forte, is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.

Alembic’s product comes in 45-g tubes.

Alembic also recently debuted diclofenac sodium 3% topical gel, which is the generic of Fougera’s Solaraze.

The medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses.

Diclofenac sodium topical gel is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the company noted.

Alembic’s generic product is available in 100-g tubes.

Amneal

Amneal recently debuted several generic medications: Clindamycin phosphate gel, 1%, which is the generic of Clindagel, a dermatologic agent; atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution, 1%; famotidine for oral suspension, a gastrointestinal agent, which is the generic of Pepcid; micophenolate mofetil tablets, which is the generic of CellCept, an immunologic agent; and dexamethasone tablets, 2 mg, an anti-inflammatory agent.

In October, Amneal launched two biosimilars: Releuko (filgrastim-ayow), a biosimilar to Neupogen, and Alymsys (bevacizumab-maly), a

biosimilar to Avastin. Both medications are oncology products typically administered in the acute care or clinic settings.

Releuko is a man-made form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor indicated for neutropenia in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Alymsys is a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor indicated for treatment of various cancers — mainly colorectal and non-squamous nonsmall cell lung cancer.

“The launch of Alymsys provides additional access and choice to affordable oncology therapeutics for providers and patients,” said Harsher Singh, senior vice president of Amneal Biosciences. “As a new entrant to the fastgrowing $28 billion U.S. biosimilars market, we are leveraging our commercial expertise in the Buy and Bill injectable space and have built a dedicated biosimilar commercial team. We look to be an exceptionally customer centric organization and support stable, system-wide adoption of Alymsys and our biosimilars to come as a long-term player in this space.”

“Amneal has officially entered the U.S. biosimilar market. Beyond these initial launches, we are working to expand our biosimilars portfolio with additional molecules where we can be early to market and vertically integrate over time,” said Chirag and Chintu Patel, co-CEOs. “Biosimilars represent the next wave of affordable medicines and are closely aligned with our mission to provide high-quality, affordable medicines to as many patients as possible.”

ANI

ANI recently debuted prochlorperazine maleate tablets, the generic of Compazine.

The medication, which is used to treat the symptoms of psychosis and severe nausea or vomiting, was developed in technical collaboration with Biophore.

“We are pleased to bring prochlorperazine, another limited-competition product to the market and provide customers and patients access to highquality generics,” said Nikhil Lalwani, president and CEO of ANI.

“In keeping with our mission of providing affordable, high-quality options for patients, we are pleased to partner with ANI on the launch of this limited-competition product,” said Jagadeesh Rangisetty, CEO of Biophore.

Prochlorperazine maleate tablets have a market value of roughly $30 million, according to IQVIA.

ANI also recently launched dexamethasone tablets in dosage strengths of 1.5 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg. The product is the generic of Decadron. Dexamethasone tablets have a market value of roughly $59.8 million, according to IQVIA.

Apotex

Apotex Corp is offering a new generic product. The company is presenting brimonidine tartrate/timolol maleate ophthalmic solution, which is a generic of Combigan.

Armas Pharmaceuticals

Armas Pharmaceuticals has unveiled oxacillin 2 g/vial.

Oxacillin for injection is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat staphylococcal infections. This is Armas’ second product in their antibiotic line and it follows the launch of piperacillin-tazobactam for injection in August.

The product has a market value of $6.5 million, according to IMS.

Aurobindo

Aurobindo recently launched dicloxacillin sodium capsules in dosage strengths of 250 mg and 500 mg.

The medication is the generic of Wyeth Ayerst’s Pathocil.

Dicloxacillin sodium capsules are indicated for the treatment of infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci, which have demonstrated susceptibility to the drug.

Dicloxacillin sodium capsules have a market value of roughly $5.3 million for the 12 months ending July 2022, according to IQVIA.

Aurobindo said that the company is first to market with this product.

Camber

Camber has introduced several new generic products.

The company recently launched tolvaptan tablets, which are the generic of Otsuka’s Samsca.

The medication is used to treat hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in your blood) in people with heart failure and certain hormonal imbalances.

Camber’s tolvaptan tables are available in a dosage strength of 15 mg in a 10 (1x10) unit dose blister pack.

Camber also debuted solifenacin succinate tablets, which are the generic of Vesicare. The medication is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination and incontinence (urine leakage).

Camber’s solifenacin succinate tablets are available in 5-mg and 10-mg strengths. Both strengths are available in 30- and 90-count bottles.

Lastly, Camber recently launched acyclovir oral suspension, a generic of Zovirax.

The medication is a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses.

Camber’s acyclovir oral suspension is available in 200-mg/5-ml strength in 473-ml bottles.

Haloperidol Tablets Metolazone Tablets Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic Solution Propranolol Tablets Diclofenac Potassium Tablets Captopril Tablets

Pilocarpine Tablets

Metronidazole Tablets

Celltrion

Celltrion USA plans to launch Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd), a biosimilar to Avastin (bevacizumab), in the first half of 2023.

The medication is used for the treatment of six types of cancer: metastatic colorectal cancer; recurrent or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer; recurrent glioblastoma; metastatic renal cell carcinoma; persistent, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer; and epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer.

Coherus BioSciences

Coherus BioSciences is offering Cimerli (ranibizumab-eqrn), a biosimilar product interchangeable with Roche’s Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) for all approved indications.

An anti-VEGF therapy within a class of biologics that has been revolutionary in helping retinal patients maintain or gain vision, Cimerli was approved by the FDA in August 2022.

Cimerli is indicated for patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy and myopic choroidal neovascularization.

Cimerli launched on Oct. 3, 2022, through U.S. specialty distributors at a list price of $1,360.00 and $816.00 per single-dose vial for the 0.5 mg and 0.3 mg dosages, respectively. This represents a 30% discount from the list price of the reference product, the company noted.

Additionally, through Cimerli Solutions, Coherus offers healthcare professionals comprehensive practice and patient support that includes patient assistance, electronic services and office support to ensure successful access and reimbursement.

“With the upcoming launch of Cimerli, retina specialists, patients and payers can expect the same efficacy and safety as Lucentis delivered with the comprehensive savings and patient support services that Coherus is known to deliver,” said Paul Reider, chief commercial officer of Coherus BioSciences.

Dr. Reddy’s

Dr. Reddy’s recently introduced lenalidomide capsules, a generic of Revlimid.

With this volume-limited launch, Dr. Reddy’s is eligible for first-to-market, 180 days of generic

drug exclusivity for lenalidomide capsules in 2.5-mg and 20-mg strengths.

Revlimid is used to treat adults with multiple myeloma in combination with the medicine dexamethasone or as maintenance treatment after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a type of stem cell transplant that uses your own stem cells.

As previously announced, Celgene agreed to provide Dr. Reddy’s with a license to sell volume-limited amounts of generic lenalidomide capsules in the U.S. in settlement of all outstanding claims of its litigation. The agreed-upon percentages remain confidential. As part of the settlement, Dr. Reddy’s also is licensed to sell generic lenalidomide capsules in the U.S. without volume limitation, beginning Jan. 31, 2026.

Dr. Reddy’s lenalidomide capsules are available in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg, each in a bottle-count size of 28, as well as 15-mg, 20-mg and 25-mg strengths, each in a bottle-count size of 21.

Fresenius Kabi

Fresenius Kabi is offering gadoterate meglumine injection, a generic of Guerbet’s contrast agent Dotarem.

Contrast agents are used by radiologists to enhance the visibility of internal structures in imaging procedures such as MRI or CT scans. Contrast agents are a new category of healthcare products for Fresenius Kabi.

“Fresenius Kabi is pleased to expand our contrast agent portfolio and our support for the radiology community with the launch of gadoterate meglumine injection,” said John Ducker, president and CEO of Fresenius Kabi USA. “Contrast agents are vital to patient diagnosis, and the addition of Fresenius Kabi gadoterate meglumine will provide hospitals and clinics across the United States with more high-quality choices to support patient care.”

Gadoterate meglumine injection is a gadolinium-based contrast agent indicated for intravenous use with magnetic resonance imaging in brain (intracranial), spine and associated tissues in adult and pediatric patients (including term neonates) to detect and visualize areas with disruption of the blood brain barrier and/or abnormal vascularity.

The product is available in 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-ml single-dose vials.

Xiromed

Insud Pharmaceuticals’ Xiromed division is offering fulvestrant injection 250 mg/5 ml (50 mg/ml), a generic of Faslodex, which is used to treat advancedstage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.

Faslodex and its generics had a market value of $101.4 million for the 12 months ending July 2022, according to IQVIA.

“The launch of fulvestrant injection demonstrates Xiromed’s ability to leverage Insud Pharmaceutical’s breadth of manufacturing capabilities to bring high-quality, vertically integrated generic products to the U.S. market,” said Rob Spina, CEO of Xiromed. dsn

What’s Bugging You?

Probiotics lead the OTC trend attracting the natural shopper

By Taffel Sturgeon

The unmistakable shift in consumer sentiment toward all things natural is percolating to OTC shelves. Savvy drug stores should thoughtfully curate product offerings to reflect this desire among shoppers to use medicines that have at least a veneer of natural ingredients in them.

A 2017 white paper from data analysts at IRI and Kline found one-third of consumers considered natural OTC products to be safer than their traditional counterparts. That trend has continued, with consumers increasingly choosing more natural products and ingredients, and willing to pay more for them. Most consumers are now using natural OTCs, mostly because they think natural products are safer and with fewer nasty side effects, but, perhaps surprisingly, many consumers believe natural OTCs are just as effective as synthetics.

“In terms of trends appealing to the ‘natural’ shopper, research conducted by IRI in November 2020 found that 20% of consumers look for products that are free of artificial ingredients and chemicals when they shop for health items,” said Barbara A. Kochanowski, senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, “and 13% seek out products that contain only natural ingredients.”

Probiotics Offer Natural Access

Probiotics are the top-selling natural ingredient in supplements.

They are billion-dollar ingredients, according to Nielsen data measuring all of 2021 sales. The “friendly bacteria” populate the body’s digestive tract and larger microbiome that runs throughout the body to the tune of about 10 times as many cells as the entire rest of the human body’s cell count.

Think about that — our bodies are made up of far more bacterial cells than human cells! That may be why the health applications for probiotics is growing far afield from the traditional digestive health and even immune function (some 70% of the body’s innate immunity is housed in the gut). Virtually every part of the human body has various bacterial cells exerting influence on the structure and function of organs and tissues.

Probiotics are quite the consumer-resonant term, which first came to consumer attention thanks to the live active cultures found in yogurt. Probiotics are probably the leading supplement-style ingredient to cross over to other categories, including foods, beverages, supplements and cosmetic applications. Researchers are now finding probiotics to aid in everything from cognitive function to weight management.

Probiotic supplements now line shelves in all retail channels, and, unlike earlier generations, do not necessarily need to be stocked in refrigerator boxes. Hundreds of reputable science and press articles have provided the public with valuable information about the role of probiotics and the microbiome in digestive health.

Our patented blend of probiotics for your mouth crowds out the bad bacteria that cause oral health problems.

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Brushing, flossing, special toothpaste...maybe you’ve tried it all...with frustrating results. That’s because none of these products restore the good bacteria a healthy mouth needs. ProBiora is a chewable, daily dose of good bacteria that completes your oral care routine.

The Oral Care category is projected to grow 8%+ through the year 2030¹ as more people look for natural solutions, like ProBiora, that really work — and bring incremental sales to the shelf. probiorahealth.com

Source: IRI

ProBiora uses three strains of beneficial bacteria that crowd out the disease-causing bacteria that brushing and flossing cannot reach.

Bacteria and Oral Health

Tom’s of Maine was the first natural toothpaste to break into the mainstream food and drug channel when the fluoride-free natural toothpaste was sold to Colgate for a cool $100 million back in 2006. We don’t know how Tom himself thinks of the deal today, but a line extension now offers Tom’s toothpaste that actually does contain fluoride. Still, there are other ways to diversify oral health product sets that meet the moment with consumers.

The oral microbiome is changing oral care away from simply brushing, flossing and rinsing. Traditional fluoride toothpaste brands, like Crest and Colgate, use sorbitol, a sweetener known to feed cariogenic bacteria in the mouth.

“Why are we feeding the bacteria?” said Nathan Jones, founder and owner of Xlear, which makes toothpaste using

xylitol instead of sorbitol. “This is like sending a carpenter in to start rebuilding a house while the firemen are still there fighting the fire burning it down.”

Jones said use of xylitol changes the microbiome in the mouth and is a curious case where a sweetener not only does not contribute to cavities but can actually prevent cavities more so than fluoride. One study found that over a roughly three-year period, xylitol reduced cavities 13% more than fluoride-only toothpaste.

Xlear also adds sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), an enamel remineralization agent that a recent study showed led to 36% stronger enamel compared to fluoride.

An oral probiotic formulation, ProBiora, uses three specific streptococcus bacterial strains that are found solely in the mouth. These friendly bacteria crowd out the bad, diseasecausing bacteria that brushing and flossing cannot reach, between teeth and below the gum line.

“For retailers, ProBiora provides a great opportunity to fill a missing gap on their oral-care shelves,” said Susanne Reimer-Fey, who represents the company. “Additionally, they can benefit from the increasing consumer interest in both oral care and probiotics, as well as the desire for convenient oral care products.”

Probiotics and Gut Health

Oral care represents one of those new frontiers of probiotic research and development, but the core for probiotics remains digestive health. And digestive health is a perfect category to talk about the difference between supplement shelves and drug stores.

OTC digestive health stalwarts hone in on acute digestive complaints up and down the GI tract. These include fast-acting Tums’ calcium carbonate for heartburn or milk of magnesia for “transit” issues like constipation. While modulating the body’s beneficial bacteria can have real, positive health benefits, it can take a week, maybe three, for consumers to experience digestive relief through the use of probiotics. This actually makes the sale of a single bottle of probiotics just about a perfect pitch to consumers and stores alike.

OTC medicines for upset stomach or other gastrointestinal symptoms can be used to self-manage minor and acute conditions when used as directed. If symptoms don’t resolve after a short period, it’s time to consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

“Once it has been established that there is no serious condition causing symptoms, it could be appropriate to take dietary supplements such as probiotics,” Kochanowski said. “Although supplements and OTCs tend to appeal to consumers committed to self-care, it’s important to note that there is a clear line between short-term use of OTC medicines to manage acute conditions and daily use of dietary supplements.”

Dietary supplements and OTC products that contain probiotics, or otherwise modulate the body’s microbiome, are natural, on-trend — and effective. That’s a win all the way around. dsn

of consumers look for products that are free of artificial ingredients and chemicals when they shop for health items.

Thirsty for More

Today’s consumers seek beverages with health benefits that go beyond simple hydration

By Kathie Canning

Most U.S. consumers understand the importance of hydration. In fact, 60% of them specifically seek out nonalcoholic beverages as a way to stay hydrated, according to “Trending Flavors and Ingredients in Non-Alcoholic Beverages, US,” a 2022 report from global market research firm Mintel.

But these days, many of those consumers also want a little something extra in the name of health and wellness. The trend toward better-for-you beverages is not new, noted Gary Hemphill, managing director of research for Beverage Marketing Corp. It has accelerated in recent years, however, with the COVID19 pandemic being a likely push.

“We’re seeing great emphasis on both wellness and functional benefits with new refreshment beverages coming to the market,” Hemphill said. “In addition, we’re seeing more category blurring.”

Functional Boasts Appeal

Lynleigh Kersting, senior manager, retail channel strategy and commercialization for Atlanta-based

Gary

Coca-Cola North America, said 71% of shoppers admit that the pandemic spurred them to “rethink their priorities,” citing “Impact of COVID-19 One Year Later,” a 2021 Mintel report. Better physical and mental health are among their top three desires.

Prioritizing overall health and wellness, drug store shoppers now want functional enhancements and beverages that promise restorative properties and better hydration, Kersting noted. “Drug stores are doubling down on the investment in these beverages,” she added.

On the functional front, there now are many greattasting, cool-looking ready-to-drink beverages with adaptogens (herbs or mushrooms that help the body respond to stress, anxiety and fatigue) and nootropics (compounds that enhance cognitive functions), noted Gui Jaroschy, co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality, a consulting and brand development company based in Miami, Fla. He pointed to Parch and Kin as two popular functional brands that were designed as alternatives to alcoholic beverages.

“We’re seeing great emphasis on both wellness and functional benefits with new refreshment beverages coming to the market.”

—

Hemphill, managing director of research, Beverage Marketing Corp.

SlimFast Intermittent Fasting Beverage Mix Line

SRP: $9.99/$16.49

SlimFast’s philosophy of “real simple, real tasty, real results” comes to life through the drink mix offerings in the new SlimFast Intermittent Fasting line. The snack shake mix is packed with 15 g of slow-digesting protein and 6 g of fiber per serving. Available in Double Chocolate Cake and Vanilla Cupcake flavors in a 10-serving canister, it is formulated with hunger control in mind. SlimFast Intermittent Fasting energizing hydration supplement drink mix, meanwhile, is designed to be enjoyed anytime during an eating or fasting zone. It boasts zero sugar, 1 g of carbs, hydrating electrolytes and 100 mg of caffeine per serving. It retails in a 12-count box.

Just Ice Tea Organic RTD Beverage

SRP: $2.69 to $2.89

The co-founders of Honest Tea, Seth Goldman and Barry Nalebuff, launched Just Ice Tea ready-to-drink tea. The brand’s name refers to the set of working standards and environmental principles the team aims to support through Fair Trade premiums and working standards. Retailing in 16-oz. glass bottles, the Fair Trade Certified organic tea is sweetened with agave and/or honey and comes in six varieties.

Alani Ready-to-Drink Protein Coffee

SRP: $34.99

Alani Nu debuted Alani ready-to-drink coffee. The beverage offers 10 g of protein and 6 g of sugar per serving. A blend of cold-brewed coffee and cream, the product is gluten free, high in calcium and low in fat and cholesterol. It comes in four flavors — Cappuccino, Vanilla, Maple Donut and Mocha — and retails in cases containing 12 12-oz. bottles.

“A wide range of people are drinking less alcohol or choosing not to imbibe at all,” Jaroschy said. “Still, they want something to drink socially that tastes good and can be consumed at times when they might have otherwise consumed alcohol, like social gatherings or to unwind after work.”

For its part, Coca-Cola soon will be launching innovations that mesh with the functional beverage trend. For one thing, the company is adding an antioxidant boost and +9.5ph to its SmartWater alkaline with antioxidant offerings, Kersting said.

“Perfect for an action-packed day, the new and improved Smartwater alkaline with antioxidant will be made using the same pure, crisp, vapor-distilled water with electrolytes that fans know and love, now combining the top benefits into one bottle,” she noted.

Also in the works, Kersting said, is the introduction of zero-sugar Vitaminwater with a new sweetener system — combining monk fruit and stevia — that offers an improved taste. The company will launch two new zero-sugar flavors, too: coconut and lime-flavored Forever You and dark chocolate and raspberry-flavored With Love.

Powerade also is getting a makeover. “As a part of a strategic

reformulation with strategic direction under Bodyarmor, Powerade will relaunch in 2023 with a new formulation, visual identity, athlete partners and more,” Kersting said. “The Powerade and Powerade Zero Sugar reformulation will offer 50% more electrolytes than the leading sports drink.”

Not Sweet on Sugar

Zero-sugar and low-sugar formulations are trending beyond the functional beverage side, too. Childless consumers tend to gravitate toward beverages with no/low sugar attributes, the Mintel report noted.

Coca-Cola is championing its Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite Zero Sugar and other zero-sugar sparkling soft drink (SSD) innovations, Kersting said, adding that diet flavors are helping to drive SSD growth in the drug store channel.

And making a splash on the low-sugar side is the Frescos Naturales sparkling beverage lineup. The winner of the 2021 Naturally Boulder Pitch Slam event, which recognizes up-andcoming natural and organic brands, the minority-owned Boulder, Colo.-based brand combines real fruit with flowers

60% of U.S. consumers specifically seek out nonalcoholic beverages as a way to stay hydrated.

Source: Mintel

and plants to create refreshing aguas frescas with just 5-10 g of added sugar.

The line also meets current trends toward Hispanic flavors. As founder and CEO Juan Ignacio Stewart pointed out, Latino purchasing power is growing steadily in the United States. The beverages come in six varieties: Rosa de Jamaica, Tamarindo, Maracuyá, Mango, Piña and Guayaba.

Packed with Protein

Protein-packed beverages also resonate with many of today’s consumers. In fact, a September 2022 report from India’s Mordor Intelligence projects that the global protein supplements market will enjoy a compound annual growth rate of 7.8% between 2022 and 2027. Protein supplements are popular among gym fanatics and fitness enthusiasts, the report notes.

But dieters also look to protein for satiety benefits and more. In line with this reality, the SlimFast brand of Downers Grove, Ill.based Glanbia Performance Nutrition recently rebranded its Advanced Nutrition and Advanced Energy products to the High Protein line. The brand introduced a new packaging design, too, noted Sarah Lombard, senior brand director for the brand.

“The new modernized packaging simplifies the brand differentiators and attributes, dialing up the flavors, ingredients and ‘deliciously doabe’ imagery,” she explained. “Validated by consumer testing, the new packaging modernizes the brand, aligns with current consumer need states and trends, and strengthens the taste appeal and flavor cues.” dsn

RangeMe Top Performers: Beverages

Mad Tasty Unicorn Tears 20MG Hemp Infused Sparkling Water

SRP: $4.99

Unicorn Tears is an exotic and mysterious blend of natural fruit flavors developed to be delightful on the nose and refreshing for the brain. At 20 mg CBD and less than 15 calories a can, this clean, hydrating beverage is made to fit into any wellness routine. The hemp (containing CBD) is sourced and extracted for all the benefits with no earthy aftertaste. It has no additives, sugar or sweeteners.

Pocas International

Pocas Bubble Tea Brown Sugar 16.5 Fluid Ounces

SRP: $2.49 - $2.99

The Pocas Bubble Tea Brown Sugar drink was created to satisfy lovers of authentic Taiwanese milk tea. Enjoy the silky-smooth texture and flavorful taste in all Pocas Bubble Tea ready-to-drink beverages, which come filled with its signature soft and chewy tapioca pearls. Additional flavors include Taro, Matcha, Honey Dew and Thai Tea.

Ryse Up Sports Nutrition

SunnyD Ryse Fuel Energy Drink

SRP: $2.99 - $3.49

Ryse Up Sports Nutrition has teamed up with the SunnyD brand to launch an energy drink inspired by the tangy original flavor for which the brand has long been known. The Ryse Fuel energy drink featuring SunnyD combines 200 mg of natural caffeine with an efficacious dose of focus and flowenhancing ingredients. It’s sugar free, and has zero calories and 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.

Methodology: The products selected are RangeMe Verified™ brands that received the highest positive buyer interaction scores within the Beverage category — a score that represents a combination of buyer views, messages, saves, sample requests and purchases of the product. The RangeMe verification process confirms that brands and products meet certain standards and requirements that RangeMe’s retail partners look for before doing business with a brand.

Christmas in Every Flavor

Holiday cards are targeting more secular shoppers and those with varying levels of faith

By Debby Garbato

When it comes to God and religion, today’s U.S. population encompasses staunch followers, moderate observers, resolute atheists and many shades in between. The number of nonreligious consumers continues to grow, with millennials being the least religious group. Since millennials spend the most per December holiday card, suppliers are offering more products recognizing their values.

Cards are more secular and generic, emphasizing humor, fun and pop culture. Using heartfelt, nonsectarian messages that are not too long, gooey or serious, they celebrate the value of relationships in a post COVID-19 world. Art can involve animals, nature, word plays or celebrities. Holiday cards targeting African-Americans and Hispanics are also important.

Classic Christmas designs involving

icons like Santa and baby Jesus continue to perform. But they are taking a lighter approach and utilizing contemporary colors and designs. Customary red and green remain popular, but they are being complimented by pink, teal and other hues, yielding new looks and reinterpretations of established themes.

“While traditional and religious designs are still important, there’s a trend toward being a bit more generic,” said Don Kallil, president, Design Design. “This is the biggest transition over the past 10 years. Many people want to send cards across groups with varying degrees of faith. We still use traditional Christmas trees and religious images. But they’re executed in more contemporary, secular ways. They appeal to Christians who are progressive, current thinkers.”

Religious interest began waning about

40 years ago. In 1971, 96% of U.S. adults indicated a religious preference; just 4% cited no affiliation, said a 2021 Gallup Poll. In 2021, 20% cited no religious affiliation. Among millennials, 33% identified as nonreligious. Millennials are also the most culturally varied generation in U.S. history, with 38% being of non-Anglo descent. And 9.1% identified as LGBT, compared to 3.8% for Gen X and 2% among Boomers, indicated Gallup.

“Younger generations are more diverse across culture and faith,” said Amy McAnarney, vice president and general manager, key accounts and business development, Hallmark Cards. “It’s not uncommon for them to spend $5 to $10 on cards whose holiday messages are open-minded, inclusive and sensitive to everyone’s beliefs.”

(left) Targeting millennials, Up With Paper pairs a Yeti photo with a play on words. (center) Design Design’s nonsectarian “Celebrate the season” card uses pastel colors. (right) A long-time bestseller for Avanti Press shows a dog in the snow licking a pole and getting its tongue stuck.

Holiday Card Choices

Big companies like Hallmark and American Greetings have something for everyone, while smaller entities target popular niches. This gives retailers many choices.

“The biggest focus is having options,” said Nora Weiser, executive director, Greeting Card Association. “When people look for a card, they want to see themselves reflected in it. If I’m very religious, that’s what I’ll pick. If I’m a ‘happy holidays’ person, I might pick that. You want it to feel right to you and the recipient. The bigger brands cater to broad ranges of people; smaller makers have more specific viewpoints.”

Hallmark’s religious cards include traditional subjects like mangers, angels and wisemen. Messages emphasize God, blessings and faith. More secular cards emphasize fun, like its National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Musical 3D Pop-Up card with lights and a card that lists all the places Santa sees you — shopping, watching TV, etc. A third card emphasizes relationships, with two astronauts floating in space amid Christmas lights. It reads, “My favorite place in the universe is right next to you.” The latter two designs were finalists in the Greeting Card Association’s 33rd Louie Awards (2021-22).

Design Design has an embossed card with a pine wreath shaped like a peace sign that says, “Peace on earth.” Another depicts multi-racial angels and reads, “Christmas blessings to you and yours.” Said Kallil, “It appeals to somebody religious or moderately religious.”

That’s Funny

Humor is often supplanting traditional sentiments. “There’s

always a strong market for traditional, which will never go away,” said Monika Brandrup, vice president and creative director, Up With Paper. “If I take a snapshot and compare Christmas cards 10 years ago to today, they’re definitely less traditional, with more humor interjected.”

The company’s specialty is pop-up cards, often with lights and sound. One plays on the popular Yeti beverage mug, saying, “Are we ready to open presents Yeti?” It retails for $12.33 at Walmart. “Millennials want the perfect card,” she added. “They don’t care if it’s $12 if it has the right sentiment.”

Hallmark’s Shoebox collection helps consumers connect in “funny, real and unexpected ways,” McAnarney said. One card shows Michael Scott in a Santa suit saying, “Presents are a tangible thing you can point to and say ‘Hey, Man, I love you this many dollars’ worth’; You are worth many dollars to me. Merry Christmas!” Another collection’s card shows a dog in a Santa hat saying, “I ate tinsel and my poop sparkles.”

Shoppers’ interpretations of humor continually evolve. “Before, we tapped into sentimental, nostalgic images like snowmen in a conga line,” said Aubrey Stalnaker, senior art director, seasonal, Avanti Press. “We’ve kind of been all over. Language and people’s sense of humor changes.”

Avanti is all about humor. One card features a cat downing eggnog. Another shows a cat with a wine bottle and says, “Dreaming of a white Christmas... because someone drank all the red. Merry Christmas.” A long-time bestseller shows a dog in the snow licking a pole and getting its tongue stuck. It reads, “Merwwy Chwithmuth!”

The humor segment has moved away from the somewhat

The secular messages of this Hallmark Christmas card embody intimacy and humor. It was a Greeting Card Association Louie Awards finalist.

In 1971,

Source: Gallup

96% of U.S. adults indicated a religious preference; just 4% cited no affiliation. In 2021, 20% cited no religious affiliation.

obnoxious focus of several years ago, favoring more heartfelt sentiments and personal relationships. “It’s become warmer and more real,” said Avanti spokesperson Dave Phipps.

Brandrup credits COVID-19. “There’s definitely been a change in sentiment that focuses on gathering with friends and family.”

COVID-19’s path of death and disruption made people value kindness more. “For a while, cards were sassy,” Kallil said. “Now, we’re facing challenging times. People want laughter without being mean.”

Trendy Religious Cards and Ethnic Consumers

Not all Christmas cards are humorous. Naomi Paper Co. focuses entirely on religion. Its contemporary cards creatively use typefaces, vintage images and other unique elements. “They’re not traditional,” said Sarah Schwartz, editor-in-chief of Stationery Trends and editor of PaperNerd.com. “That’s where the segment is going, particularly among younger people. Even super religious millennials don’t want mom’s Christmas cards.”

Multicultural consumers are growing in ranks and importance. Hallmark’s Mahogany collection celebrates African-American history and values. Hallmark also offers VIDA, a Spanishlanguage lifestyle brand, and Navidad for Latinos, which emphasizes faith and family. Tree of Life targets Jews for Hanukkah and other holidays.

“Multicultural relevance includes themes around faith, family and home,” McAnarney said. “Timely and topical content is an expectation, especially for African-Americans and Hispanics who see themselves as early trend adopters.”

More Colors

Today’s Christmas cards transcend red and green with pink, aqua, neons, bold primary colors and pastels. Diverse colors make cards less generic and more personal. For example, Design Design’s nonsectarian “Celebrate the season” card uses green, blue, pink and yellow pastels against shiny silver above a winter skating scene.

“It’s not ‘Here’s what I think of the holiday,’” Weiser said. “It’s more about ‘How I feel about the holiday.’ Colors add a fresh look.”

Dusty pink on white and black and white are also popular. “It feels like holiday, but it’s a bit updated,” Schwartz said. Embossing is another trend. “It increases perceived value,” she added.

As the holidays near, inflation, slower job growth and other economic woes continue. Some experts say a recession is imminent. This would be good news for holiday cards, which perform well in economic downturns.

Regardless of economic conditions, shoppers’ impetus for sending cards remains unchanged. “Holiday cards are one of the many ways people connect and spread joy into the world,” McAnarney said. dsn

Doubling Down on Community Support Efforts

Retailers

have raised the bar with creative initiatives that spotlight deep knowledge of local needs

By David Orgel

It doesn’t take a hurricane for food and drug retailers to shine in supporting communities.

Of course, natural disasters showcase retailers at their best in coming to the rescue for communities, as evidenced by donations and other support efforts in response to Hurricane Ian in Florida and tragic flooding in Kentucky.

But retailers did a lot of other things in 2022 to lift up communities in ways that didn’t always receive as much national media attention. These include initiatives such as charitable donations, hunger relief, education scholarships and targeted health efforts.

These types of activities showcase how much retailers understand the needs of their localities, as they double down on support in ways that raise the bar going forward.

Targeting Efforts to Community Needs

Retailers are getting into the weeds — which is a good thing in this case — to identify the biggest local needs. Here are two examples of how this is playing out.

Southeastern Grocers has announced a donation of $340,000 to aid more than 420 public schools throughout the Southeast, with the company’s customers and associates contributing to the cause. The choice of how to use the money represents the ultimate in targeting local needs. Donations will support each store’s local school partner to provide supplies and resources.

Food Lion Feeds recently donated $450,000 to Meals on Wheels America to support hunger relief initiatives and expand senior nutrition services in 13 communities where Food Lion operates. Some of the funds will be used to build capacity with kitchen equipment, as well as support staffing and technological investments, Meals on Wheels said.

The Employee Tie-in

Store associates are part of local communities, and many retailers are wisely focusing on support efforts that benefit employees. A case in point

David Orgel is an award-winning business journalist, industry expert and speaker. He is the principal of David Orgel Consulting.

is Vallarta Supermarkets. The Latino-owned independent in California and its foundation awarded $253,000 in 2022-23 education scholarships in a program aimed at eligible fulltime Vallarta employees and their dependents, part-time students and graduate students.

New Strategies Expand Capabilities

Retailers are expanding their community support capabilities, through technology, partnerships and other strategies. Meijer, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., is working to help clean up the Great Lakes by becoming the first retailer to make use of beach and water cleaning drones in partnership with the Council of the Great Lakes Region. Meijer and the CGLR are leading cleanup projects at busy beaches, marinas and waterways in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin in collaboration with a variety of community, state and environmental NGO partners.

Rite Aid is collaborating with WellSpan Health, an integrated health system, to improve outcomes for communities in Central Pennsylvania. Rite Aid and WellSpan Health will share data and insights to close gaps in care and improve continuity across a broader continuum of services.

Local Initiatives Drive Differentiation

Community support isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also a powerful way for retailers to differentiate their businesses. Consider these data points from The Food Industry Association from its latest research for The Food Retailing Industry Speaks. Community support/community ties was the most used 2021 service differentiation strategy cited in its survey, with 83% using it and 61% reporting it successful — one of the highest rates of strategy effectiveness.

These findings say a lot about why retailers continue to expand efforts and update capabilities. Community needs keep changing, and retailers must make sure their investments are relevant and impactful. dsn

“Community needs keep changing, and retailers must make sure their investments are relevant and impactful.”

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