Wonder Women

Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women is here, and ranking among influential females like Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey are consumer packaged goods leaders making a difference in the industry.

PepsiCo Chief Executive Indra Nooyi tops the list at number four. Leading the company since 2006, the Yale University graduate directs the largest food and beverage business in the country, with almost $60 billion in annual revenues and approximately 300,000 staff worldwide. Nooyi's work is cut out for her the coming year; Pepsi slipped into third place behind both Coke and Diet Coke in 2010 market share within the soft drink category.

Coming in at number ten, Irene Rosenfeld, CEO of Kraft Foods, is now charged with successfully dividing the company into a global snacks business with an estimated $32 billion in revenues, and a North American grocery business with an estimated $16 billion in revenues. The world's second largest food maker employs 127,000 employees in 170 countries.

Earlier this month, Denise Morrison became the twelfth CEO in the Campbell Soup Company's 142-year history, earning her the number 80 spot on Forbes' list. With more than 35 years of CPG experience and eight years at Campbell's, Morrison has what it takes to turn around lagging sales; She plans to put salt back in to 31 previously reduced-sodium soups in the company's portfolio.

Within retail organizations, two women stood out as top leaders in the field: Jin Sook Chang, Co-Founder and Chief Merchandising Officer at Forever 21, and Carol Meyrowitz, CEO of TJX Companies, landed on the list at numbers 39 and 73, respectively.

Who are your choices for top female business executives? Take a look at other awards earned by top CPG and retail companies and leaders and leave your thoughts!

Do the Right Thing

Corporate social responsibility is a key aspect of today's business model. Organizations work to make a difference in the communities in which they operate to make a positive impact. They strive to earn the trust of consumers and stakeholders by participating as an active corporate citizen. Lately, several examples have surfaced of how food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies are giving back through successful CSR campaigns.

One such company is General Mills. According to an article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, one in-house volunteer project became so successful, the company turned it into a stand-alone charity called Partners in Food Solutions. The program started in 2009 when a group of the food manufacturer's engineers and food scientists started to package meals and donate them to schools in Malawi. In just three months, the volunteers provided one million meals.

Today, more than 500 employees contribute their time, knowledge, and a passion for helping people to the effort. Recently, Partners in Food Solutions announced partnerships with food and nutrition producers Cargill and DSM to strengthen its goal of helping to feed the people of Africa and developing a strong, sustainable food supply chain throughout the continent.

Over the next five years, Partners in Food Solutions hopes to broaden its network of U.S.-based food companies and expand its effort to other parts of the developing world.

In addition to General Mills, many companies endeavor to use their brand, name, and profits for good. Since 1984, The Coca-Cola Company's philanthropic arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation has partnered with organizations around the world to support initiatives and programs that respond in a meaningful way to community needs and priorities. Recently, the beverage maker announced $2 million in grants to 20 organizations across the country during the second quarter alone that support: education and youth development programs; community; diversity and inclusion; active, healthy living; water stewardship; and community recycling.

Just days earlier, the Foundation awarded grants totaling $1 million to six U.S. colleges and universities to send approximately 160 students to study abroad in China over the next four years. Specifically, the grants support the U.S. State Department's 100,000 Strong Initiative to increase the number and diversify the composition of American students studying in China.

Coca-Cola's biggest competitor, Pepsi, has been giving away millions each month to fund refreshing ideas that change the world, one community at a time. Since the Pepsi Refresh Project started in January 2010, the company has awarded more than $20 million in grants.

In addition to food and beverage CPG companies, retailers are working to better the community as well. Target store grants provide monies to K-12 schools and other non-profit organizations to bring art and cultural experiences to schools, support educations field trips, and provide early childhood reading programs. The company is committed to giving 5 percent of its income – more than $3 million – to communities each week. Moreover, the Target Foundation offers grants to support arts and social services programs and organizations based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area where the company's headquarters are located.

Finally, being environmentally friendly, or "green," is another factor of CSR that companies try to achieve to be a good corporate citizen. Just a few weeks ago, Interbrand announced its 2011 list of Best Global Green Brands. The report focused on planet-focused efforts of the world's most valuable brands. The results comprised this comprehensive report of public perception of environmental sustainability performance and a demonstration of that performance of these brands. In regards to food and beverage CPG manufacturers, the results are as follows:

• France-based yogurt, bottled water, and baby food maker Danone landed highest on the list at number 14. Recognized for its sustainability initiatives, the company also runs programs to solve clean water-related problems in urban areas and reduce packaging.
  
• Coca-Cola came in next at number 27. The company has worked to increase the fuel efficiency of the system's fleet of more than 200,000 vehicles used to deliver products around the world, and plans to create sustainable shelving made from cardboard.
  
• Pepsi follows closely behind at number 29 for its attempt to reduce packaging, reformulate its plastic bottles, and increase recycling. To do that, the company has introduced "Dream Machine" recycling centers and outlined policies for reducing environmental impact in its "Performance with Purpose" initiative.
  
• Campbell's listed at number 35 for identifying and eliminating more than 9.3 million pounds of packaging materials, including steel, plastic, and paper since 2009. The soup maker has also invested in renewable energy, including an agreement to power its Ohio plant from solar energy, and has committed to sourcing 40 percent of its energy from sustainable sources by 2020.
  
• Starbucks rounds out the food and beverage CPG list at number 42. The company has pledged to make significant improvements, including: ensuring 100 percent percent of its cups are reusable or recyclable by 2015; to make all new stores green compliant (LEED certified); to preserve ecosystems around their facilities; and to reduce water consumption by 25 percent by 2015.

What are your thoughts? Tell me what food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants you feel are making a strong impact in your community and around the world.

Whom Do You Love?

Are you feeling the love? A recently released list named this year's most liked brands in the country, and food and beverage CPG manufacturers have landed top spots. It's no wonder many of the consumer-friendly products ranked highly; each company has spent years honing its brand, image, and marketing.

The list based its standings on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, with each company earning its position based on thousands of consumer satisfaction surveys administered by ACSI.

Business Insider announced the results last week, and food and beverage companies rated as follows: ketchup maker H.J. Heinz earned the highest spot on the list, landing at number three. The 142-year-old business received a score of 88 out of 100 on the satisfaction index.

Quaker came in next, with a rating of 86. A push toward more whole grains and less sugar surely helped the PepsiCo-owned brand secure the eighth opening on the list.

While also achieving a satisfaction score of 86, Hershey came in at number 12, according to Business Insider. The Hershey Company is the largest chocolate manufacturer in North America, and distributes candies including Reese's, Jolly Rancher, and Twizzlers.

Next up, Sara Lee, number 13 on the list with a satisfaction rating of 85. Makers of fresh and frozen baked goods since 1939, the corporation continues to live up to its slogan, "Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee!"

With a score of 85, Dr. Pepper Snapple locked in the number 17 spot on the list. In addition to the obvious Dr. Pepper and Snapple, the company also owns well-known beverage brands such as A&W Root Beer, Hawaiian Punch, Sunkist, and 7UP. Last year, company revenues topped $1.33 billion.

The final company on the list, Mars, Incorporated, rounded out the food and beverage CPG manufacturers on the list at number 19, and a score of 85. Over the years, the candy maker has created sweet favorites like Snickers, Twix, and Skittles. In 2010, Mars reported revenues of $30 billion, and in 2008, the company purchased gum producer Wrigley along with Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated.

Luckily, no food and beverage companies landed on this year's most hated list. BNET, the CBS Interactive Network, also published a similar list, with the same ACSI scores, but slightly different rankings.

What do you think of this list? Did the companies, brands, and products you love make the cut? Leave a comment and tell me more!

Change of Pace

Food manufacturers introduce hundreds of new food and beverage products every year. From pre-packaged meals to flavored waters to bubble gum, retailers line store shelves with new items. Only the most innovative goods that fill a void in the market survive. Of those, only the best of the best earn the SymphonyIRI Group New Product Pacesetters award showcasing the year's most successful new CPG brands.

Now in its 13th consecutive year, the annual report highlights the most successful consumer packaged goods products launched in the past year. The 2010 product winners are as follows:

POWERADE® ION4® is an advanced electrolyte system in POWERADE® that helps replenish four electrolytes lost in sweat. The sports drink earned $190.5 million in its first year.

Chobani, an all-natural Greek yogurt with no preservatives and no artificial flavors. The yogurt is made with real fruit and has twice the protein of regular yogurts. The dairy treat made $149.4 million in 2010.

Wonderful Pistachios are tasty shelled nuts backed by a creative advertising campaign. Last year, shoppers bought $114.1 million worth of the snack.

glaceau vitaminwater zero is a calorie-free version of the original line of vitaminwater drinks. The bottled beverage comes in seven flavors and is sweetened with Truvia. In 2010, the drink brought in $110.3 million.

Nature's Pride, with its 100 percent natural ingredients, comes in an assortment of forms, including soft breads, hearty breads, ovenclassics, and premium harvest buns and rolls. The bread line earned $80.8 million last year.

Trop50 juices contain 50 percent less sugar and calories. Sweetened with Stevia, Trop50 comes in eight varieties, including orange juice, apple juice, and lemonade. Total 2010 sales topped $74.4 million.

Thomas' Better Start English Muffins have less calories and more fiber with the same great Thomas' English Muffin taste. Last year, consumers purchased $74.2 million of the breakfast food.

Green Mountain Coffee K-Cups made $62.1 million in 2010 – its first year on the market. Made for Keurig single brew coffee makers, the gourmet coffee comes in a range of flavors.

Adults 21 and older enjoyed Budweiser Select 55 to the tune of $59.9 million in sales last year. The premium light beer boasts just 55 calories per bottle.

Trident Layers sugar free gum sandwiches a chewy fruit flavored center in between two soft pieces of Trident gum. Buyers chewed $53.9 million of the gum in 2010.

SymphonyIRI Group claims the "New Product Pacesetters are best practice case studies in how to beat the new product launch odds." To find the entire list of winners, including the non-food awardees, visit CSP Information Group, Inc., news for convenience and petroleum retailing.

Which of these items are your favorites? Keep your eyes open in the coming year, because you never know which of this year's items will be the next set of Product Pacesetters!

Winner Take All

Last weekend, stars took center stage at the Oscars, but award season has only just begun! Recently, several media outlets announced honors for a number of retail companies and food and beverage consumer packaged goods manufacturers in a variety of prestigious categories.

Last week, Working Mother Magazine unveiled its first-ever list of Best Companies for Women's Advancement. According to the publication, the companies named "are dedicated to helping women secure the mentoring, networking, and training they need to make it to the highest levels." General Mills topped the list for its commitment to women, with more than 12 mentoring groups and women's networks from which employees can choose. Women also lead 71 percent of the company's major retail divisions.

Corporate Responsibility Magazine also revealed its 12th annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List, acknowledging the world's top corporate responsibility programs. The list, based on publicly-available information and recognized by PR Week as one of America's top three most-important business rankings, incorporates a wide variety of inputs and viewpoints to compile its rankings.

Among food and beverage CPG companies, Campbell Soup leads the pack this year, coming in at number two. Landing at number 12, General Mills made CRM's list as well. Coca-Cola entered the standings at number 14, while snack maker PepsiCo came in at number 25. Sara Lee, the company behind such brands as Ball Park and Jimmy Dean secured the number 27 spot on the list.

Also making the top 100: Hormel Foods – #30; Heinz – #31; Coca-Cola Enterprises – #49; and ConAgra Foods, makers of Healthy Choice, Reddi-wip, and Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn – #70.

Among retailers on the list, Target entered the list at number 42, while Wal-Mart and The TJX Companies, Inc. earned spot numbers 95 and 96, respectively. Food services companies were also recognized for their corporate social responsibility efforts. Starbucks landed at number 39 on the list, and Red Lobster/Olive Garden operator Darden Restaurants came in at number 75.

Finally, Fortune Magazine published its list of the World's Most Admired Companies, with many familiar names gracing the register. To create the standings, Fortune administered a survey to businesspeople, asking them to vote for the companies they admired most from any industry. The top 50 have been identified, and include CPG, retail, and food service companies, including:

• Coca-Cola – #6
  
• McDonald's – #10
  
• Wal-Mart Stores – #11
  
• Starbucks – #16
  
• Nordstrom – #21
  
• Target – #22
  
• PepsiCo – #26
  
• Costco Wholesale – #29
  
• Nestlé – #31
  
• Best Buy – #36
  
• Yum Brands – #44
  
• General Mills – #47
  
• Lowe's – #49

Congratulations to all the recognized companies, and be sure to check back in the coming months for additional award winners!

And the Winner Is...

Every year, consumers come across innovative products that we didn't even know we needed! Yet, they are such a fantastic addition to the marketplace that they not only thrive, but are also recognized for their contribution to society.

Just weeks ago, the 2011 Product of the Year Awards were announced in New York City, where the Product of the Year committee honored the year's best consumer packaged goods products in a variety of categories.

How are the winners chosen? The Product of the Year committee accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods that were launched within the previous 12 months and demonstrate extreme originality. Entered products are placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, and so on, with an item then chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study of 60,000 consumers conducted by global market research company TNS. Products are judged on elements of innovation such as ingredients, form, function and design.

Without further ado, say hello to the 2011 Product of the Year Award winners in the food and beverage categories!

Candy & Snacks: M&M'S Pretzel Chocolate Candies, Mars Chocolate North America

Frozen Food: Lean Cuisine Market Creations, Nestlé USA

Specialty Foods: Buitoni Riserva Frozen Complete Meals for Two, Nestlé USA

Cooking Spices: Recipe Inspirations, McCormick & Co. Inc.

Beverage: Lipton Brisk, Pepsi-Lipton Partnership

Breakfast: Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles, Sara Lee

Cooking: Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil, Sovena USA

Established 25 years ago in France and now present in 28 countries, Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation in consumer packaged goods. 2011 marks the third annual round of the program in the United States.

The Product of the Year seal serves as a shortcut for shoppers, helping them find the best of the best in the supermarket. Winning products are announced in February of each year and receive the right to use the Product of the Year seal in marketing communications for one year.

Tell me, have you tried any of these winning products? Leave a message with your thoughts, or share what products you’ve already seen that you hope thrive at next year's awards!

Best of the Best

The 2011 list of best places to work is here! Again this year, Fortune Magazine put together its ranking of the best companies for which to work. From robust paychecks to unexpected benefits, this year's winners span a number of industries, including retail businesses, manufacturers, and food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies.

Making the list were five grocers, all recognized for things like outstanding health benefits and wellness programs. Wegmans Food Markets, with stores in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, landed at number 3. Nugget Markets, serving the greater Sacramento, California, area, came in at number 8. At number 18, Connecticut-based Stew Leonard's made the list for the tenth year in a row. Whole Foods Market earned the number 24 spot, while Florida's Publix Super Markets entered the 2011 list at number 67.

Among food manufacturers, both General Mills and The J. M. Smucker Company found their way onto the annual list, securing the number 58 and 93 spots on the list, respectively.

Retailers were also scattered throughout the rankings. Outdoor and sports equipment giant Recreation Equipment, or REI, came in at number 9, and toy factory Build-A-Bear Workshop earned the number 48 spot.

Clothiers were also quite successful in regards to this year's list. Nordstrom landed at number 74; Men's Warehouse came in at number 87; and Aéropostale claimed the number 94 spot.

Finally, casual dining operator Darden Restaurants, which runs the Olive Garden and Red Lobster brands, attained the 97th place on the list, while coffee conglomerate Starbucks rounded out the industry list at number 98.

Congratulations to all of the fine organizations gracing the 2011 Best Places To Work list! If you work for one of these companies, I'd love to hear about what you enjoy about your workplace. Do you think any deserving companies were omitted from the list? Leave a message and tell me more.

Women Rule

Fortune Magazine announced its annual ranking of America's leading businesswomen last month, and leaders at several food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies and retail corporations took top honors, landing on the elite 2010 list.

Coming in at number one again this year, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi placed at the top of the list. Nooyi is credited for completing the purchase of the company's two largest bottlers and bringing revenues to more than $60 billion. This marks the fifth time she has come in at the top of the list.

Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO at Kraft Foods, came in second on the list, earning the same spot as 2009. In the past year, the company acquired candy maker Cadbury, giving Kraft $48 billion in revenue.

In regards to retail, Carol Meyrowitz, President and CEO of The TJX Companies entered the list at number 17. Under Meyrowitz's leadership, company profits increased 38 percent, and revenue surpassed $20 billion. Wal-Mart Executive Vice President, Global People Division, Susan Chambers and Rosaline Brewer, President, Wal-Mart South, both made the list as well, coming in at numbers 23 and 48, respectively. Shari Ballard, Best Buy's President for the Americas, helped to round out the list at number 48.

Internationally, Dominique Reiniche, President, Europe Group, for The Coca-Cola Company entered the list at number 22. President of the Asia Pacific Region for PepsiCo, Umran Beba, followed at number 23.

The Fortune report also outlined the highest-paid women in business. Kraft's Rosenfeld made that list as well, coming in at number four, with a total compensation package of $22.1 million, while TJX Companies' Meyrowitz landed at number nine, earning $14.8 million, and PepsiCo CEO Nooyi ending the list at number 10 with total compensation of $14.2 million.

2010 marked a year of change for some women, who due to personal and career moves, exited this year's list. Last year's tenth place businesswoman, Chairman and CEO of Sara Lee, Brenda Barnes, resigned for medical reasons. Claire Babrowski, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Toys "R" Us, and number 36 on last year's list, was terminated by the company.

As an aspiring leader in this field, I am encouraged and inspired by the stories of these CPG and retail executives. Read the entire list of Fortune's 50 Most Powerful Women in Business, and tell me, which of the women on the list do you admire most?

Worthy of Admiration

Earlier this year, Fortune Magazine named its 2010 list of the World's Most Admired Companies. Lately, I have noticed many of the food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies that made the list have been in the news for unveiling new products, sponsoring new causes, and earning awards for their outstanding treatment of employees. For this, it is worthwhile to point out which companies were a part of the list as we await the 2011 list early next year.

To rank the companies, Fortune surveyed businesspeople, asking them to vote for the companies that they admired most from any industry. Among the food and beverage CPG companies that landed on the overall top 50 list: Coca-Cola at number 10, PepsiCo at number 25, Nestlé at number 34, and General Mills at number 47.

Within the consumer food products industry, the survey recognized the following companies:

1. Nestlé
   
2. PepsiCo
   
3. General Mills
   
4. Unilever
   
5. Kellogg's
   
6. Danone
   
7. Kraft Foods
   
8. H.J. Heinz
   
9. Cadbury (On February 2, 2010, Cadbury became part of Kraft Foods.)
   
10. ConAgra Foods
    
11. Sara Lee
    
12. Dean Foods
    
13. Seasoning and sauce maker Ajinomoto

The survey acknowledged the following beverage companies as the World's Most Admired:

1. Coca-Cola
   
2. Anheuser-Busch InBev
   
3. Brewer SABMiller
   
4. Pepsi Bottling Group (Now part of PepsiCo.)
   
5. Coca-Cola Enterprises
   
6. Diageo
   
7. FEMSA, the world's largest Coca-Cola bottler
   
8. Heineken
   
9. Kirin Brewery
   
10. (Tie) Japan's Asahi Breweries and Danish brewing company Carlsberg A/S

Finally, survey results proved these food production manufacturers to be the best of the best:

1. Archer Daniels Midland
   
2. Corn Products International
   
3. Agribusiness and food company Bunge
   
4. Asia's leading agribusiness group Wilmar International
   
5. Chiquita Brands International
   
6. Smithfield Foods
   
7. Tyson Foods
   
8. Seaboard, maker of grain and agriculturally derived products
   
9. Sanderson Farms 100 percent natural chicken
   
10. Pilgrim's Pride

With innovation in products and manufacturing techniques, as well as exceptional corporate social responsibility practices and the support of employees through excellent benefits, these food and beverage companies deserve the title of one of the "World' Most Admired Companies."

How do you feel about the companies on this list? If you've worked for a business that made the list, leave a message and tell me more! If you feel that an important company was left off the 2010 list, let me know why. With so many industry changes, it will be interesting to see how the 2011 list will transpire.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Throughout the years, businesses have done a better job of fostering a supportive environment for women. So far this year, two organizations have released lists honoring the companies that are the best for working mothers and the top companies for executive women. Numerous food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies and retailers have landed on these prestigious lists.

Last month, Working Mother announced its 25th annual list of its 100 Best Companies. The companies on the list offered family-friendly benefits and programs that help keep the careers of working moms on track.

This year, Working Mother named General Mills among the top ten companies for working moms. At General Mills, 41 percent of managers, senior managers, and corporate executives are women, and women make up 36 percent of the company's board of directors. According to Working Mother, "Moms head five of the seven U.S. retail divisions of this food manufacturing company, with Yoplait president Becky O'Grady added in 2009."

Kellogg's also landed among manufacturers making this year's list. Working Mother reports that "parents who need to take their kids on a business trip for Kellogg's will have their child-care costs fully reimbursed by the company." What's more, 33 percent of women are among top earners at the cereal and snack giant.

As for consumer products, Diageo North America earned a spot on the list. At the spirits, wine, and beer company, parents can take advantage of an internal resource and referral service to locate childcare, and are able to use up to 15 days of subsidized backup childcare every year. More than 70 percent of the women promoted last year benefited from the company's established flexible work arrangement program.

Finally, Kraft Foods secured a place on the list. According to Working Mother, Kraft rewards high-potential leaders with an executive coach to help employees sharpen their skills and connect with company leaders.

Also last month, the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) released its 2010 list of the Top 50 Companies for Women Executives. General Mills once again took top honors for its hiring, mentoring, developing, and training practices for female employees. In addition, the company offers flex schedules for work-life balance and stretch assignments to give women an opportunity to work in areas they otherwise would not be exposed to in their everyday responsibilities.

Food and beverage CPG companies Diageo North America, Kellogg's, Kraft, and PepsiCo, along with retailers Macy's and Walmart rounded out NAFE's current list.

As per NAFE, list honorees are compiled from a comprehensive application by companies with a minimum of two women on its board of directors. The questionnaire focused on the number of women in senior ranks, including questions about the programs and policies that support the advancement of women.

If you work for one of the companies on these lists, congratulations! Leave me a note to tell me more. If you feel that your company should be added to one (or both) of these lists, write a comment explaining why.

Top Brands of 2010

Last week, brand consultancy firm Interbrand announced their annual ranking of 2010 best global brands. Several beverage companies made the list, as well as a number of food manufacturers.

For the eleventh year in a row, Coca-Cola topped the list. According to Interbrand, "Coca-Cola gets almost everything right. Its brand promise of fun, freedom, spirit, and refreshment resonates the world over and it excels at keeping the brand fresh and always evolving – all this, while also maintaining the nostalgia that reinforces customers' deep connection to the brand." The company also lauded Coke's involvement in social media.

Pepsi came in at number 23, remaining unchanged in the poll since last year. Interbrand recognized Pepsi's corporate citizenship programs, including an initiative to pull soft drinks from schools and its Pepsi Refresh Project.

Switzerland-based beverage company NESCAFÉ, makers of coffee, cappuccino, and latte drinks, landed at number 27, dropping two places since last year, while Anheuser-Busch's Budweiser entered the list at number 30, unchanged since 2009. Interbrand cited the beer's ability to continue advertising with its hallmark Clydesdales, making them more relevant for audiences today.

At number 35, the first food manufacturer to make the list is cereal giant Kellogg's, slipping one spot since last year. The consumer packaged goods company has pushed the nutritional elements of its cereals and snacks, while using Facebook to connect with consumers. Rising two spots since 2009, Heinz landed on the list at number 46. According to Interbrand, the company "went through a massive rebranding process, but only made a small change to its packaging and image, which demonstrates the consistency that Heinz values for its brand and its products."

Rounding out the list:

• Swiss-based Nestlé – #57
  
• Activita maker Danone – #58
  
• Newcomer Sprite – #61
  
• Jack Daniels – #78
  
• French champagne maker Möet & Chandon – #79
  
• Newcomer Corona – #85
  
• Smirnoff Vodka – #89
  
• Newcomer Heineken – #93
  
• Starbucks Coffee – #97
  
• Campbell's Soup – #99

To compile the list, Interbrand said it looked at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset. The company's method took into account all of the many ways in which a brand touches and benefits its organization, from attracting and retaining talent to delivering on customer expectation.

The three key aspects that contributed to the assessment were the financial performance of the branded products or services, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the strength of the brand.

Are your surprised by the 2010 list? Are there any companies that you expected to see that are not in the this year's rankings? Leave a message and tell me what you think.

Trust Me

Earlier this year, Forbes Magazine released its 2010 list of America's Most Trusted Companies. Several food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies made the cut, finding themselves in good company among standout businesses like Disney, Google, and Microsoft.

Kraft Foods stood highest on the list, coming in at number two. The Northfield, Illinois, company is the country's largest food manufacturer. Last year, Kraft rebranded, unveiling a new corporate logo to better position itself against private label manufactured goods.

Food manufacturer Kellogg's debuted on the list at number three. Headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan, Kellogg's is the world's largest cereal maker, earning $8 billion in 2009. With healthy brands like All-Bran, Smart Start, and Special K, the cereal maker has made a name for itself at the breakfast table.

Purchase, New York, based company PepsiCo also made the list. PepsiCo is probably best known for its Pepsi brand soft drinks, but is also responsible for the Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Quaker Oats, and Tropicana brands. Thanks to the Pepsi Refresh project, the company moved up to number five on the list from number 16 in 2009.

At number six, consumer goods company Sara Lee is best known for its breads and deli meats and cheeses. The company, headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, also produces sweet treats and owns the Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, and Ball Park brands.

Dean Foods rounded out the list at number ten. The food manufacturing organization based in Dallas, Texas, distributes products including Silk Soymilk, International Delight Coffee Creamer, and Swiss Premium Iced Tea.

Are there any companies that you think were left out and deserve to be on the list? Leave a message with your thoughts!

Company Accolades Continue

The June issue of DiversityInc magazine hit newsstands last week. The edition highlights the Top 50 Companies for Diversity and includes several food and beverage CPG companies and retailers, including The Coca-Cola Company at number 17, General Mills at number 29, Kraft Foods at number 35, and Target Corporation at number 40.

This year, 449 companies participated, up 12 percent from 2009. Thirty companies moved up on the list from last year, 19 moved down, and three companies are newcomers. To earn a spot on the list, corporations submitted a survey consisting of 200 questions that evaluated four areas: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity.

The survey results also determine the specialty lists:

• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Recruitment & Retention
  
• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Supplier Diversity
  
• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Blacks
  
• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Latinos
  
• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Asian Americans
  
• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Executive Women
  
• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees
  
• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for People with Disabilities
  
• DiversityInc's 25 Noteworthy Companies
  
• The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Global Diversity

The list is now in its tenth year. DiversityInc continues to refine the survey each year to reflect best practices in diversity management.

Do you work for one of the food and beverage CPG companies or retailers on the list? I would love to hear more about your company's commitment to diversity.

Extra Effort Awards

The work of a CEO cannot be easy. As the face of the company, the CEO's job is demanding. They must answer to employees, stakeholders, and consumers, and envision the strategic direction of the organization years in advance. In the food and beverage CPG field, several CEOs were recently recognized for their innovative contributions to the industry.

MarketWatch – 2009 CEO of the Year: Tim and Richard Smucker, The J.M. Smucker Company

Courtesy: The J.M. Smucker Company
In December, MarketWatch named brothers Tim and Richard Smucker the 2009 CEO of the Year. The brothers consider themselves co-CEOs of the more than 110-year-old family company based in Orrville, Ohio, and are now the fifth generation of Smuckers to run the company.

Under the duo's leadership, the J.M. Smucker Company acquired coffee giant Folgers at a price tag of $3.7 billion. The purchase added 1,500 employees to the company payroll, and more than half engaged in a three-day "Managing for Growth" seminar where staffers learned about the company's history, mission, and ethics. Analysts also credited the brothers for sales growth and rising stocks. For these reasons, Smucker's found itself once again on the 2010 Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work For", landing at number 47.

Global Supply Chain Leaders Group – 2009 CEO of the Year: Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo

Courtesy: PepsiCo
Last year was also a big year for Indra K. Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo. In 2009, the Global Supply Chain Leaders Group named Nooyi CEO of the Year for developing and maintaining sustainable, responsible business practices within the company's global operations.

According to the organization, "The CEO of the Year Award recognizes industry leaders who have made extraordinary contributions in the areas of responsible corporate citizenship, the combat against global warming, involvement in social causes, and creating jobs in America in a globalized economy." Specifically, Nooyi, who assumed PepsiCo's top position in 2006, has worked to make the organization more environmentally friendly and offer snacks that are more nutritious.

Earlier this year, Penn State University announced that they would be honoring Nooyi with a doctorate of humane letters at an upcoming graduation ceremony.

Forbes – America's Favorite Boss: Ken Powell, General Mills

Courtesy: General Mills
Most recently, the Web site Glassdoor named Kendall J. Powell, General Mills CEO, America's favorite boss. To earn the title, 100 percent of voluntary reviews posted by employees approved of the way the CEO handles the job of leading the company. Powell joined the company in 1979 and stepped into the leadership position in September 2007. To read the entire list of "America’s Favorite Bosses," visit Forbes.com.

Which CEOs do you admire? Leave a message and tell me, and I'll keep you posted as this year's award season approaches.

A Look Back at 2009...and into 2010

What do you remember about 2009? President Obama's inauguration? Michael Jackson's funeral? Swine flu? For those involved in food and beverage consumer packaged goods, last year was one to remember. As the recession took hold of Americans, consumers chose to purchase more food and beverage products to make and eat at home. The industry remained stable in an adverse economy. (See "Consumer packaged goods companies show resilience in recession" for additional perspective.)

Snack products also continued to thrive in 2009, according to Sally Lyons Wyatt, senior vice president at SymphonyIRI Group, who presented the "Snack Food State of the Industry" report at the Snack Food Association's annual convention earlier this month. In particular, healthy snacks increased by 3 percent in from 2008 to 2009, and rose 8 percent since 2005, as a majority of consumers choose snacks for nutritional benefits and attempt to save on medical bills by staying healthy.

Last week, SymphonyIRI Group announced its fifteenth annual "New Product Pacesetters" results for 2009. This report provides an analysis of new food and beverage brands and determines the top 10 performers based on the product's first year of sales. The top 10 include:

1. Campbell's Select Harvest – $202 million in sales
   
2. Bud Light Lime – $133 million in sales
   
3. Arnold Select Sandwich Thins – $87 million in sales
   
4. Similac Advance Early Shield – $87 million in sales
   
5. Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers – $85 million in sales
   
6. Dreyer's Edy's Fun Flavors – $72 million in sales
   
7. Gatorade Tiger/Focus – $65 million in sales
   
8. Miller Genuine Draft Light – $53 million in sales
   
9. Mountain Dew Dewmocracy – $52 million in sales
   
10. Bush's Best Grillin' Beans – $45 million in sales

Numerous companies within the food consumer products, food production, and beverage categories also registered on the 2009 Fortune 500 list:

Archer Daniels Midland – #27
PepsiCo – #52
Kraft Foods – #53
Coca-Cola – #73
Tyson Foods – #89
Coca-Cola Enterprises – #116
Smithfield Foods – #183
ConAgra Foods – #188
Pepsi Bottling – #189
General Mills – #193
Sara Lee – #199
Kellogg – #210
Dean Foods – #216
Land O'Lakes – #224
H.J. Heinz – #267
Pilgrim's Pride – #304
Campbell Soup – #309
Dole Food – #329
Hormel Foods – #373
Dr Pepper Snapple Group – #427
Hershey – #463
PepsiAmericas – #478
Molson Coors Brewing – #487

So far, 2010 is off to a great start for many companies. In its February 8 issue, Fortune magazine recognized J. M. Smucker as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in 2010," landing at number 47. General Mills also made the cut, coming in at number 90, up nine spots from 2009.

A few weeks later, Fortune announced its list of the "World's Most Admired Companies." Within the food and beverage CPG industry, Coca-Cola topped the list at number 10. PepsiCo landed at number 25, with Nestlé close behind at number 34. General Mills rounded out the list at number 47.

Let's keep the conversation going! What other hot topics dominated food and beverage CPG in '09? Where do you think the industry is headed in 2010? Leave me a message and tell me more.