General Mills, Inc.

A list of the top 50 companies for executive women, compiled by the National Association for Female Executives, includes Johnson & Johnson, General Mills and Procter & Gamble. Ironically, however, another study supports the notion that women are no further up the corporate ladder than they were six years ago.

The General Mills Worldwide Innovation Network shares key insights of its X3 Process, a new approach developed to provide a step-by-step roadmap for the company's open innovation projects. Why share? General Mills anticipates others will find success using the non-linear approach to guide innovation efforts as well.

This years Readers Choice survey spans 10 categories, but some companies do not fit snugly into any one group. In response, we created the Editors Pick section to recognize solutions and service providers that are making a difference in the consumer goods industry and should be dually noted.

2011 has been an exciting and transformational year in the consumer goods industry. Here, we revisit a handful of the biggest news stories from Walmart's decision to finally share POS data to Kraft Foods big split which will undoubtedly have a continuing impact on the state of the industry.

As an extension of its successful open innovation program, the company seeks to connect with partners who have digital marketing technologies focusing on video, social, mobile and gaming.

Customer satisfaction is going nowhere mirroring the economy and contributing to its frailty. But there are some shining stars: Heinz leads the industry for a 12th straight year. Here is a look at customer satisfaction leaders and laggards for the third quarter of 2011.

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

There is no doubt about it General Mills Corporation has entrepreneurial spirit when it comes to reaching consumers in new ways with new products. One of the company's recent new ventures, Gluten Freely, is the perfect example.