Manufacturer

Flowers Foods announced two executive transitions in the company's manufacturing leadership, effective immediately: Michael Beaty will retire in spring of 2015 and will serve as EVP until then. Robert Benton, Jr. will serve as SVP and chief manufacturing officer.

General Mills will close a cereal plant and a yogurt factory - eliminating up to 600 jobs - in an effort to cut costs and offset the sluggish U.S. demand for cereal and other packaged foods.

Campbell is one of 20 U.S. companies, and one of two U.S. food companies, included in the Global 100. The Global 100 drew companies from 22 countries on five continents, evaluating a total of 4,609 companies.

Following months of discussions and a 15-store pilot program, JCPenney and Hallmark have decided to forge forward with their relationship, placing hundreds of Hallmark mini-stores in JCP locations across the country.

Cereal maker Post Holdings Inc. will acquire privately held MOM Brands Co. for $1.15 billion to expand its growing bagged and hot cereal categories.

Heineken entered a long-term partnership agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) to become the Official Beer of MLS.

Plum Organics, an organic kids nutrition company, announced its much anticipated foray into the adult snacking category with the launch of Plum Vida.

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