Manufacturer

Molson Coors Brewing Company will pay $3.5 billion to acquire StarBev, giving the Canadian-American beer maker a new base in Europe and adding more than 20 brands to its portfolio.

Along with the naming announcement, Sara Lee revealed its strategy for its North American foods business, Hillshire Brands Company, which emphasized new product development, marketing investment and disciplined cost control.

More than 200 consumer goods executives convened this week for the 2012 Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Summit. Here's a behind the scenes look at the insights revealed on hot topics, like effective retail partnerships, brand penetration, social and mobile marketing, and more.

New products generated 10.5 percent of net revenue in 2011, up from 7.4 percent in 2009. And as Kraft Foods plans to divide into two independent public companies, the company's R&D team has a robust development pipeline that's already delivered more than 70 new products in the past year.

One of companys most experienced global executives will lead top global growth initiative for Sharpie, Paper Mate brands.

This transformational acquisition is expected to position Smart Balance as a leader in the gluten-free category, accelerate its growth rate, and further diversify its mix toward high-growth natural brands.

The Chicago-based company is evaluating the concept with an eye toward possible expansion.

For the first-time ever, every woman who uploads a photo will appear in a Dove ad, including online ads and a dynamic billboard in the world-renowned Times Square.