Strategy

It's been a year of changes -- up and down.

Industry executives from ConAgra Foods,Organic Valley Family of Farms and Welch's (right) weigh in on the current state of trade promotion management (TPM), including spending trends,obstacles to adoption and progress made in the consumer goods sector.

Royal Philips Electronics NV, a major player in the healthcare, lighting and consumer lifestyle markets, announced plans to buy North American luminaires company Genlyte Group Incorporated for $2.7 billion.

To offer better consumer experience, stronger shelf presence, enhanced economics and a reduced impact on the environment, MeadWestvaco Corporation enters into a licensing agreement for Natralock security packaging products with Packaging Graphics LLC, a division of The MATLET Group.

New York-based Nefeli Corporation, a company specializing in applying Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts to skincare, has filed a $5 million dollar lawsuit against Estee Lauder Inc. and its affiliate Origins Natural Resources Inc. for breach of contract and fraud.

According to the Associated Press, The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. will not advertise its brands in newspapers or consumer magazines next year.

METRO announces Eric Richer La Fleche as its next president and CEO effective April 1, 2008.

Marc Ecko chooses ANT USA's Buyers Toolbox Enterprise as the merchandise planning platform for its ongoing retail expansion.