Consumer Affairs & Relations

Merger and acquisitions continue to transform the beverage list year after year, but growth remains steady for the majority. Look back at how the major beverage leaders grew market share in 2011.

The integration process of Pfizer Nutrition into Nestle Nutrition, that will see approximately 4,500 employees of Pfizer Nutrition join the Nestle Group, is underway.

The most successful new products include Hormel party trays, Hormel Natural Choice deli meats, Hormel Compleats microwave meals and Jennie-O Turkey Store oven ready items and turkey burgers.

In advance of the biggest online shopping day of the year, the Consumer Fraud Center issued its annual Cyber Monday Shopping Alert to warn consumers of the growing use by cyber criminals of legitimate web sites such as Amazon Marketplace to sell illegal or counterfeit goods.

Current Nestl Waters North America Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, Kim Jeffery, plans to step down after 20 years, and 34 years with the company, to assume a non-executive Chairman position.

Hostess Brands, Inc. has been forced by a Bakers Union strike to shut down all operations and sell all company assets. But with high brand recognition, it's expected that other companies may be interested in keeping products, like Twinkies and Ding Dongs, alive.

The philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company pledged $1 million to local community relief efforts. Funds will help provide resources for necessary food and shelter in the short-term and will aid in the long-term rebuilding efforts.

Anheuser-Busch will begin packaging 44,000 cases of emergency drinking water or 1,056,000 cans this week for residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy and other natural disasters.