Home Improvement

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 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.

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested thousands of products for its third annual VIP Awards -- "Very Innovative Product" that is. Not surprisingly, the iPad made the annual list of 10, but the wildly popular tablet was joined by a few less obvious choices. Plus, find out which 1946 household staple took home the Hall of Fame award.

In this industry, the top 20 companies generate about 85 percent of revenue. Here we present the top 10 players in this highly concentrated market.

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

Hunter Douglas turns to SAP to support its customer service standards.

Under an initiative approved by the Board, Fortune Brands would become a pure-play spirits company, spin off home and security to shareholders, and either sell or spin off its golf business.

Succeeding in innovation is a rare feat these days and that is why CGT's Innovation Awards once again recognize deserving consumer goods companies for excellence in innovation. Find out which six consumer goods companies took home awards this year.