Beverages

Kimberly-Clark, Kraft, Hershey and Others Share Product and Process Innovation Strategies

Beverage producers are continuing to focus on new product innovation as a principal way of increasing market share.

After recent acquisitions from Allied Domecq, Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. has more than 100 brands, operations in 16 locations and sales in 160 countries.

After an 18-month effort, Sara Lee Corp. completed the tax-free spinoff of apparel company Hanesbrands Inc. to its shareholders in September 2006.

Coca-Cola Co. unveiled its Far Coast brand of premium brewed beverages to an awaiting Toronto marketplace in September 2006.

CGT Executive Editor Kara Romanow catches up with Paul Gross, CIO, Brown-Forman Corporation, to get his perspective on the consumer goods industry and the unique challenges that wine and spirits manufacturers face.

In conjunction with our first annual Growth & Innovation Forum this month, our September issue also is focused on innovation.

Consumer goods industry thought leaders define what innovation means to them and talk about priorities, external collaboration and new products