Manufacturing

Fast Company released its annual list of the The Worlds 50 Most Innovative Companies for 2011 earlier this month. Not surprisingly, Apple, Inc. was crowned No. 1 followed by social networking stars Facebook and Twitter. While only three consumer goods companies made the Top 50, another 20 were named as market leaders in the consumer product and food industries.

A comparison chart of solution providers to the consumer goods industry in 2011. Plus, industry experts address market trends and challenges, like demand planning, downstream data and S&OP.

A new powerhouse in home improvement was created in 2010 when The Stanley Works merged with Black & Decker to become Stanley Black & Decker. Its continued success depends on ongoing integration, including the roll out of inventory optimization best practices across the organization.

Through this collaboration, Nine West will be able to bring the visions of these choice international trendsetters, artists and designers to consumers worldwide.

Crest and Oral-B have started a cross-country crusade, the "4X Cleaner Crusade," to educate people on how they can achieve better oral health.

Many years of success brought Patagonia to a juncture where it became necessary to review the effectiveness of business processes and infrastructures in a way that would allow it remain true to its mission of supporting the environment.

The need to evaluate market scenarios and drive supply chain decisions based on a clear understanding of what will drive profit and then align that to brand, category and target consumer profile strategies has never been more important.

Heidi Klum and Diet Coke launched the campaign at an all-star, first-of-its-kind "Capture the Flag" game in Los Angeles.