Unless you've been under a rock for the last 16 months, you are well aware of the inflationary pressure Americans are feeling across almost every area of their lives. For a recap: The annual inflation rate in the US accelerated to 8.5% in March of 2022, up from 7.9% in February, and the highest since …
Category: Innovation, Insights and Thought Leadership
All items related to innovation, new product development, new technologies and trends and how to “read the tea leaves” for a competitive advantage.
Nestlé’s Unhealthy Admission
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/nestlé-document-says-majority-of-its-food-portfolio-is-unhealthy/46664032 Global CPG conglomerate Nestlé has admitted that at least 60% of their food/drink products "do not meet a recognized definition of health." In fact, based on the Australian Health Star system, only 37% of Nestlé's food and beverage products meet a 3.5 rating or higher. It's important to remember Nestlé is a global leader …
The Importance of Data Integrity
We have more sources of data and "news" today than ever before. But, as with all great power comes great responsibility, so we need to ensure we are applying critical thinking skills around all this available information. When reviewing a "study" or evaluating a data set or news item, consider the following: How robust is …
Another Casualty of the Smartphone War
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lg-elec-smartphones-idUSKBN2BS1M3 There was a big announcement in technology this week, with South Korea's LG announcing they will shut down their smartphone business effective July, 2021, and shift their investment and focus toward smart home products, electric vehicle components, robotics, artificial intelligence, business-to-business products and other connected devices. So, what happened? A Quick History of the Smartphone …
How Hormel’s Acquisition of Planters from Kraft Heinz Underlines the Importance of Brand Strategy
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-spam-maker-hormel-just-bought-115-yearold-planters-for-335-billion-144921127.html Hormel announced they are buying the Planters, Cheese Balls & Corn Nuts brands from Kraft Heinz for $3.35 billion. While this deal had been rumored for some time, it's helpful to understand why this makes sense and the different trajectories of these two CPG conglomerates. The Struggles at Kraft Heinz Prior to the merger …
A Culture of Innovation
While Amazon.com's earnings reports are always anticipated, Tuesday's results were accompanied by a big announcement, even by their standards. Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos will be transitioning out of his current CEO role to become Executive Chairman in the third quarter. Anytime there is a leadership change, employees and investors get nervous. What makes this particularly …
Kroger’s 7 Food Trends for 2021
Kroger recently unveiled their top food trends for 2021, compiled by their culinary experiences team, product developers, chefs and innovators. https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2020/12/17/From-mushroom-mania-to-ketotarian-foods-Kroger-unveils-top-7-food-predictions-for-2021?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright
A Halo of Safety
This past weekend, fans of Formula One (F1) watched in horror as, on the starting lap, one of the drivers had a horrific crash that severed the car in two pieces. Romain Grosjean, in an attempt to improve his position, made contact with another car, which sent his car careening into a guardrail at over …
Agility in Grocery Innovation
https://progressivegrocer.com/what-food-retail-innovation-means-now?utm_source=omeda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NL_PG+Daily+5&utm_keyword=&oly_enc_id=5012I1567089B5Y Recently the world's 50 most innovative companies were ranked. Not surprisingly, the list includes a mix of technology, e-commerce, pharmaceutical & consumer products stalwarts. Of note, there are also some retailers: Wal*Mart, Target & Costco. Defining Innovative Is McDonald's truly innovative? What about an energy conglomerate like Royal Dutch Shell? One focuses on speed, …
More Expansion of Plant Based Options
Purple Carrot is partnering with Whole Foods to bring a line of frozen plant-based meal solutions to consumers. Prior to COVID-19, ready-to-serve and meal bar preparation options were in growth mode, but will likely change as concerns about food handling persist. Frozen meals present a proven way to keep most of the key nutrient benefits …
Vitamin D’s Role In Fighting COVID-19
https://www-dailymail-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8432321/amp/Government-orders-review-vitamin-D-role-Covid-19.html One of the most frustrating aspects of tracking and attempting to decipher the risk factors concerning COVID-19 is the lack of consistency and solid "root cause" data being shared by recognized experts. The World Health Organization (WHO) lost tremendous credibility with their blatant "follow the leader" approach to regurgitating what China was telling them, …
Virtual Event Tips
https://www.smartbrief.com/original/2020/05/these-tips-will-make-your-virtual-event-home-run As more virtual meetings are held, and more virtual conference and presentations are planned, the attached article highlights some of the best practices to experience an impactful virtual event...whether you are the presenter or an attendee. Interestingly, the advice is applicable to both live and virtual events. The main difference is the how. Tip: …
IRI Provides Additional Insights During COVID-19
https://retailleader.com/iri-offers-closer-view-cpg-pandemic-trends?utm_source=omeda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NL_Retail+Leader+Essentials&utm_keyword=&oly_enc_id=5012I1567089B5Y IRI is helping provide more clarity on consumer shopping and consumption trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating the IRI CPG Demand Index, which tracks weekly changes in consumer purchases vs. previous year periods. The data includes various departments, categories, retail formats and regions, and looks to be a great tool for brand leaders. Some …
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The recovery at Kraft Heinz starts with the fundamentals
https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultalbot/2020/02/04/fresh-leadership-and-fresh-brand-focus-at-kraft-heinz/#515bcaf86ada Since April 1, 2017, Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) stock has plummeted from $90/share to $30/share. When a stock loses almost 70% of its value, the problems run deep and changes are desperately needed. But change without a vision and strategy becomes busy energy without focusing and harnessing the company's resources to begin the turnaround. …
Continue reading The recovery at Kraft Heinz starts with the fundamentals
What is Q5? Inquiring Marketers Should Know.
https://adage.com/article/industry-insights/power-q5-exploring-q4s-buried-treasure/2230356 If you've been watching consumption behaviors over the last few years, there is a trend that every marketer needs to understand. We all know end-of-year budgets can be razor thin by December 26, but after Christmas there is a massive increase in purchase interest by a broad consumer base. Why? Disposable income. As gift …
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