Most Clicked GMA SmartBrief Stories
1. Brands people can't do without
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 13, 2008
Some product categories and brands might benefit from the economic crisis, or at least not endure significant hardships. "If you're a brand you eat, drink, smoke or wash yourself with, you're going to be OK," said Marc Babej, a partner at strategy firm Reason. Private labels, discount stores and wholesale clubs also are expected to benefit from the struggling economy. Brandweek (10/12)
2. Pillsbury, Campbell top brand-health index rankings
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 10, 2008
Pillsbury and Campbell hold the top spots in a brand-health index ranking, while Lean Cuisine and Chef Boyardee round out the bottom of the list of 11 brands. The chaotic economy seems to favor companies perceived as offering good quality and value. MediaPost Communications (10/08)
3. Big CPG companies look to small ones for ideas
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 13, 2008
Gary Schwartzberg invented a filled bagel called the Bageler, then worked out a deal with Kraft Foods, which then created Bagel-Fuls. Increasingly, large consumer brands are looking outside their own corridors for product ideas. Wall Street Journal, The (subscription required) (10/13)
4. Del Monte sells seafood business
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 08, 2008
Dongwon Industries of Korea has purchased Del Monte's seafood business, which includes StarKist tuna. Factories in American Samoa and Ecuador were sold as part of the $359 million deal. American City Business Journals (10/07)
5. Goya Foods has ambitious growth plan
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 08, 2008
The largest Latino-owned food company in the U.S., Goya Foods, is expected to generate $1 billion in sales this year. "We see no reason why we shouldn't grow [20% to 25%] over the next five years," said a company executive. Pasadena Star-News (Calif.) (10/07)
6. Former StarKist chief reels in top job
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 09, 2008
Donald Binotto, who was head of StarKist when it was part of H.J. Heinz Co. and then Del Monte Food, is back with the brand, which was sold Monday to Dongwon Industries of South Korea. As the new president and CEO of StarKist, Binotto is promising product introductions within nine months. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (10/08)
7. PepsiCo renews push for soft drinks
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 13, 2008
PepsiCo will launch a major marketing campaign of its soft drinks to counter lagging sales. "The campaign is going to be totally different," said CEO Indra Nooyi, who believes carbonated soft drinks can return to growth of 1% to 2%. Boston Globe, The (10/10) New York Times, The (10/10)
8. Cause marketing more important in tough times
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 13, 2008
Companies including Sears, Target, General Mills, OfficeMax and Procter & Gamble are finding that cause marketing is more valuable in a weak economy. Feel-good programs, such as OfficeMax's Day Made Better that benefits teachers and schools, can persuade cautious buyers to spend. Advertising Age (10/13)
9. Former Kraft exec to lead Post Foods
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 09, 2008
Stephen Van Tassel, who was vice president of marketing for Post Cereal in North America, is staying with Post Foods under its new Ralcorp Holdings ownership. Ralcorp tapped Van Tassel as corporate vice president and president of its newly acquired Post Foods business. American City Business Journals (10/08)
10. Coke and Pepsi salivating over stevia
GMA SmartBrief | Oct 14, 2008
The Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo both have products in development using stevia, a sweetener with natural origins, zero calories or carbohydrates, and a zero glycemic index. The powerful sweetener has been approved as a dietary supplement since 1995, but the FDA is expected to soon allow its use as an additive in foods and beverages. MediaPost Communications (10/13)
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Companies in the news
- Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc.
- J Sainsbury
- Kroger Co
- Longs Drug Stores Co
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Mars
- McCormick & Co
- Meijer, Inc.
- Molson Coors Brewing Company
- New Belgium Brewing Co
- SABMiller
- Tnuva Food Industries Ltd.
- Unilever
- Walgreen
- Woolworths