#OnShelf: New products focus on health

by Louise Burgers. Both Kotex and BOS brands are providing health benefits during this time of Covid with new campaigns and new products aimed at helping consumers and meeting their needs during this crisis.

Kotex commits R43m for menstrual education and access

We know the COVID-19 pandemic has led to job losses around the globe, but it has also had a “disproportionate impact” on women; leaving more than 743 million girls in 185 countries out of school. In response, Kimberly-Clark and its Kotex brand are engaging consumers, communities and employees in a global effort, the Kotex She Can Initiative, “to fight stigmas within society, ensure access to education, and open doors for women and girls to pursue their dreams,” the brand announced. “The stigma attached to menstruation or simply the lack of access to products will keep millions of women and girls from pursuing dreams of becoming one of those heroes on the front lines,” said Juanita Pelaez of Kimberly-Clark. “The Kotex She Can Initiative is a long-term effort to build a future where a period never gets in the way of any woman’s progress.” One study found that adolescent girls in South Africa miss up to five days of school per month due to menstruation.

The Kotex She Can Initiative will focus its social impact of Kimberly-Clark’s feminine care brands in four key areas: Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and education, through the Alliance for Period Supplies and other efforts around the world; partnership with Plan International to invest R43 million over three years into menstrual hygiene solutions including basic sanitation and product access to help 1.4 million women to manage their periods with dignity; supportive education and resources for girls, boys and teachers to destigmatise menstruation; and investments and grants through efforts around the globe to open doors for women to pursue independent futures.

“Over the past five months, we’ve donated millions of Kotex products to COVID-19 response and relief efforts around the world,” added Pelaez.

Have a shot at Bos

Rooibos iced tea brand, BOS Brands has launched a new range aimed at boosting health in these perilous times. BOS Shots are functional rooibos-based health shots in four variants. Each 50ml shot is packed with the benefits of brewed organic rooibos, a healthy dose of functional ingredients, and natural fruit juice. Will Battersby, managing director of BOS Brands South Africa, says: “We wanted to develop a product that leverages rooibos’s unique health benefits and combines it with known functional ingredients that deliver a specific consumer need; while also fulfilling our brand promise that ‘healthy can be fun.’”

During this time of crisis, the company has already seen their Bounce Back immune booster shot attract a lot of attention. Amongst its many health benefits, rooibos increases the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (compounds that fight inflammation) and reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (compounds that promotes inflammation). The Bounce Back shot contains brewed organic rooibos, orange juice, lemon juice, ginger extract, turmeric extract, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This powerful combination of ingredients with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, helps to defend the body against viruses and bacteria. Other shots in the range are Chill Out (CBD); Let it Glow (Collagen); and Gut a Problem? (Probiotics). BOS Shots retail online; as well as at a range of retailers, including Pick n Pay. Recommended retail price is R19.99.

Wag the dog

Montego Pet Nutrition has introduced a new Karoo wet food range for adult dogs and puppies in three different varieties: Real Lamb, Rice and Country Vegetables; Real Ostrich, Potato and Carrots; as well as Real Lamb, Rice and Butternut in Gravy for the puppies in your life. Montego states that there are no unhealthy additives and fillers or fruit; as well as only one healthy grain to ensure all-round nutrition. Montego’s premium Karoo range of wet food for dogs and puppies is also ideal for sensitive tummies, skin and coat, and supporting health from the inside out. It is available at selected pet and vet stores nationwide at a recommended retail price of R36.00 per tub.

Louise Burgers (previously Marsland) is the Publisher and Editor and Co-Founder of RetailingAfrica.com. She has spent over 20 years writing about the FMCG retailing, marketing, media and advertising industry in South Africa and on the African continent. She has specialised in local and Africa consumer trends and is a passionate Afro-optimist who believes it is Africa’s time to rise again and that the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will be a global gamechanger in the next decade.

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