The DIY consumer didn't lose steam when it came to spending in 2010. Overall, this category experienced little loss. And with 125 percent growth, Stanley Black & Decker proved the runaway hit.
It's a similar story every year for this highly regulated, highly scrutinized industry. The trend continues toward innovating nicotine products, with British American Tobacco leading the way.
Overall, the economy still wasn't looking pretty in 2010, but it wasn't completely ugly either. Most of the consumer goods companies on CGT's Top 100 list made modest sales gains. A few leapfrogged the competition. Yet, many others were still fighting an uphill battle.
Big headlines rocked the food industry in 2010 and 2011. Two leading companies are going through amicable breakups while others remain focused on executing improvement initiatives for future growth.
Say hello to an old friend: Pfizer Inc. knocked out some competition in the OTC pharmaceutical market when it acquired Wyeth's consumer healthcare brands last year.
Store closings slowed in 2010 compared in 2009 with most retailers executing growth strategies to match a new kind of consumer. Walmart, for example, is now banking on a new store format to boost sales.
