Walmart

Known as the Supermarket Guru, Phil Lempert can predict the future and then help businesses and consumers understand it. In a recent blog article, he called 2011 one of the most exciting and game-changing years in the food world. Using last year as a backdrop, Lempert provided his top 10 predictions for the food industry in 2012.

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.

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.

CGT honors 15 consumer goods companies for excellence in their innovation, supply chain, customer management and growth strategies.

The two free applications are the first of several mobile products to be rolled out from the recently formed @WalmartLabs group under Walmarts Global eCommerce unit.

Walmart U.S. has delivered three consecutive months of positive same store sales. That means big plans for growth through 2013 even though operating expenditures will decrease significantly. New stores will add between 45 and 49 million square feet worldwide in the next fiscal year. The company also forecasted sales growth between 5 and 7 percent for fiscal year 2013.