Sales & Marketing

For decades CPG companies have experienced fast growth due to relativelyeasy expansion and consolidation in emerging markets, net new consumersand brand globalization.To achieve growth, efficiency and agility, CPG companies are relying increasingly on social, mobile, analytics and cloud technologies.Rather than approaching the future tactically, industry leaders today are designing "roadmaps" to define a more strategic approach to digital. For many, a successful roadmap would address the following five imperatives.

Diamond Foods, Inc. has opened a new 7,000-square-foot innovation center adjacent to the Kettle Brand potato chip facility. The innovation center will drive new product offerings for Diamond's entire family of brands.

PepsiCos research and development used to be focused on brand refreshes but were now working with a whole new strategy that is paying off in buckets, says its global R&D head.

The chief executive of Heineken, the world's third largest brewer, told CNBC that he expected to see continued sales growth in emerging markets, despite the occasional "hiccup" in the future. Heineken reported higher first-half results than markets expected as it increased profit in all regions except Africa.

Children's clothing retailer Carter's, Inc. has achieved over 25 percent growth in e-commerce over the last year, the highest growth in online sales to U.S. consumers in nine quarters. Carter's has also launched e-commerce in China and is piloting a new loyalty program.

Approximately 1,300 employees are covered under this new contract, which will allow the company to further invest in innovation and brand growth.

A digital engagement solution that seeks to maximize trial response may turn anonymous samplers into known consumers.

Campbell Soup Company announces several strategic changes to its portfolio including:removal of artificial colors and flavors by end of fiscal 2018;simplifying recipes of existing condensed soups for kids;expanding the Plum line of organic food for babies, tots and kids; and Plum launchingGrowWell, a range of purees which provide nutrients from ingredients like chia and Greek yogurt.