Supply Chain & Merchandising

Disruption. A characterization of Coca-Cola's lower tech, but startling entry into fluid milk with its Fairlife brand -- presenting the potential to upend how business is done in the dairy case, but also in other highly commoditized supermarket categories like meat and produce.

The innovation engine for many companies is clearly sputtering. While improving consumer insight and portfolio management discipline is a clear necessity, Accenture believes equal focus should be put on improving R&D operations to become more effective and efficient.

Global brewer Molson Coors Europe has selected Symphony EYC Assortment Management to compete more effectively by utilizing insights from performance data to generate sales opportunities for its retailer partners.

J.M. Smucker Co. revealed a series of key executive promotions that will position the company for continued growth and success following its recent acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands.

SC Johnson will acquire Deb Group, a global industrial company focused on hygiene and skin care systems for the industrial, commercial, healthcare and food markets.

Mars Chocolate North America announces that all 10 of its manufacturing facilities are now certified landfill-free, representing a significant milestone in achieving Mars goal of zero-waste-to-landfill by 2015.

The new candidate comes most recently from J. Crew and Saks Incorporated, and will focus on Avon's turnaround including driving sustainable and profitable growth.

Talking Rain announces the addition of John Peirano as Chief Marketing Officer who joins recent hire Marcus Smith as Chief Financial Officer, and recently promoted Michael Lowes as Chief Operating Officer.