Marketing

For the first time in a long time, this year's listing of the top 100 public consumer goods companies tells more good news than bad. The majority of companies realized modest revenue growth despite ongoing economic challenges; and some categories, like Food and Apparel, posted sales gains across the board. Read on to find out how your company, your partners and/or your competitors performed by comparison.

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.

CGT Editor Alliston Ackerman gives you a sneak peek into the trends and topics discussed in this month's issue.

Big break-up headlines rocked the food industry in 2011. But the market overall reported growth across the board. Expect big changes on this list next year.

Pfizer Inc. knocked out some competition in the OTC pharmaceutical market when it acquired Wyeth's consumer healthcare brands in 2009. How has the Centrum-brand owner performed compared to the competition since?

No. 1 player P&G made progress toward its purpose-inspired growth strategy, while Unilever reported gains in its transformation to a sustainable growth company. Most of the companies on this list followed their lead with modest sales gains in 2011.

Apparently, beauty is everything; at least to these companies and their loyal consumers. This market posted growth across the board with innovative health and beauty products and business strategies.

Mark Osborn of SAP details innovative ways in which consumer goods companies can capitalize on new market opportunities.