Jamba Juice has announced the launch of its Jamba Probiotic Fruit and Yogurt Blends made with Jamba's specially formulated Probiotic Boost. The beverages contain more than 500 million active cultures per serving, according to a company release.

Jamba Juice will offer its Probiotic Fruit and Yogurt Blends in three flavors: Vibrant Blueberry, Strawberries Alive and Thrivin' Mango. The blends are made with whole fruits, probiotics, and no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives.

"We understand that there is a growing demand for on-the-go products that satisfy the needs of the health conscious consumer," said Susan Shields, chief marketing officer for Jamba Juice Company. "More and more consumers are seeking functional beverages and foods to help solve a variety of dietary needs and we wanted to offer a new product that is innovative, nutritious, delicious, and serves a special purpose."

Jamba Inc. also reported preliminary sales at company-owned stores open for at least 13 quarters improved 0.2 percent in the fourth quarter, which reflects sequential comps improvement during the last six of seven quarters. It also is the first positive quarter of company-owned comparable store sales increase since 2007.

The company predicts greater improvement for its older stores in 2011 and a 2 percent to 4 percent increase in same-store sales.

Prior to the end of 2010, Jamba completed the refranchise of 15 stores in the Denver market and signed a purchase agreement to refranchise 41 stores in the Chicago/MidWest market, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011. With the execution of this transaction, the company expects to exceed its goal of refranchising up to 150 stores. As of the end of the year, the company had 351 franchise stores and 394 franchise stores in its system.

Additionally during 2010, Jamba signed a development agreement with SPC, a food company with more than 4,500 retail locations, to develop more than 200 stores in South Korea throughout the next 10 years. The first Jamba location store is set to open in late January.

Jamba Juice and International Franchise Inc. also signed a non-binding letter of intent to open 125 stores in Canada over a 10-year period.

Licensing growth

At the close of 2010, the company had nine license agreements in place. These nine agreements include one with Nestlé USA, to introduce a line of fruit-based energy drinks. The company also signed agreements with One Natural Experience (O.N.E.) to develop a line of fruit-infused coconut water. This new line of Jamba-branded beverages will be brought to market via the O.N.E. distribution system, which includes distribution through the Pepsi Beverage Company.

The company also signed agreements with Zola for a line of functional wellness Brazilian super fruit shots, and with Sundia Corporation for a line of functionally boosted all-natural fruit cups. These products will be available in select retail outlets in early 2011.

In addition to several other new offerings, Jamba launched a line of specialty frozen yogurt treats featuring signature flavors. The line, called Whirl’ns Frozen Yogurt, is available in 22 select Northern California locations.