Case Studies

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.

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.

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.

Children are perhaps the most fickle of all consumers. Find out which toy companies stayed on the "hot" list in 2011 and which ones are losing the popularity contest.

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.

The Apparel, Footwear and Accessories market is alive and well thanks to increased consumer spending in 2011. Plus, find out which companies hopped on the list when mainstays, like Liz Claiborne, made an exit.

Last year, Stanley Black & Decker proved to be the runaway hit with greater than 100 percent growth. This year, the playing field has evened out.

Some things are simply out of our control. Find out how the earthquake that hit Japan literally shook the Tobacco market in 2011.