News Briefs

The Coca-Cola Co. has joined MIT's newly established Generative AI Impact Consortium as its first CPG partner. Other members include OpenAI, Analog Devices, Tata Group, SK Telecom and TWG Global.

The Consortium's Objective

The group brings together interdisciplinary MIT researchers and cross-sector industry leaders to look connect cutting-edge AI research with real-world expertise. Its mission is to generate open-source, ethical solutions to complex challenges. 

“This represents a best-of-the-best combination of industry practicality and academic rigor,” said Pratik Thakar, global vice president and head of generative AI at Coca‑Cola. “It also perfectly complements our commitment to make a difference by using AI in service of humanity.”

“We’re thrilled to have the support of Coca‑Cola as a founding member of the Consortium,” said Anantha P. Chandrakasan, provost of MIT, in a statement. “Their global reach and insights will be critical in helping us identify pressing challenges, pulling together the right partners and resources, and putting plans into action to solve problems.”

[Also: Coca-Cola leader named CIO of the Year]

Current Initiative: Project 'Save the Orange'

The group looks to combat devastating impacts of citrus greening — a bacterial disease that threatens the world’s orange supply and has no known cure. It emerged in 2004 and has infected nearly 100% of Florida's orange trees, leading to billions in losses.

Without improvements in detection, management and treatment, the global orange supply could vanish in the next 25 years, according to the consortium.

Generative AI is using data simulation to accelerate research timelines from years to months. The group plans to merge the technology with agritech, biotech and life science research to solve this problem or slow the spread. 

AI-enabled trade promotion and merchandising platform DemandTec is now a standalone company following a restructure funded by Longshore Capital Partners. 

The new structure will help the company accelerate research and development, scale go-to-market capabilities, and deepen customer relationships across the retail and consumer goods spaces. 

Also: Collaboration becomes the new currency in trade promotions

Jack Tirella, CEO of DemandTec, said in a statement that the updated organizational structure will advance the company's self-optimizing artificial intelligence, improve predictive accuracy, and deliver higher ROI across pricing, promotions, markdowns and trade collaborations. 

The existing leadership team, with Tirella at the helm, will remain in place. Additionally, existing contracts, product roadmaps and support efforts will continue without disruption.

Spins, a data and analytics company for the wellness-focused consumer goods industry, has acquired Datasembly, a hyperlocal pricing and promotion intelligence company. The transaction brings together capabilities that will enable a real-time view of product pricing, promotion, assortment and performance in the CPG market.

Spins said this move directly addresses a major gap in the industry: the lack of consistent, store-level pricing data across regions and categories. By integrating Datasembly’s real-time insights with Spins’ proprietary product and category-level intelligence, the companies said brands and retailers will gain increased visibility into trends and performance.

• Also read: Campbell’s strategic pricing and promotions could cushion tariff Impact

“As brands and retailers face rising pressure to compete for shopper loyalty and share of wallet, the need to track pricing dynamics, competitive shifts and promotional activity with speed, depth and clarity has never been greater,” Jay Margolis, CEO of Spins, said in a statement.

Ben Reich, CEO and co-founder of Datasembly, said the acquisition will allow the company to scale its capabilities in bringing increased transparency to pricing data and brand and retailer insights.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is modernizing its distribution capabilities by launching a new center in Geismar, Louisiana. 

The 375,000 square-foot facility will focus on elevating supply chain efficiency for customers and suppliers, tapping into automations and advanced material handling systems powered by Dematic. Updates include an upgraded conveyor system with palletizer and energy-efficient climate control and lighting to lower energy consumption. 

The upgrades will lead to improved order fulfilment with expedited delivery and more product availability. They will help support scalability efforts over the long term. 

• Also read: Southern Glazer’s elevates proof for “hands-free commerce”

Jason Witty, VP of operations for Southern Glazer’s Central Region, said the increased capacity and optimized technology will help strengthen the company’s ability to better serve customers with greater efficiency. 

Efforts such as these will also help support Southern Glazer’s ongoing distribution expansion. 

Earlier this year, the company announced it would be expanding its distribution footprint with the acquisition of Horizon Beverage Group, a New England-based alcohol distribution company across the wine, spirits, and beer categories. 

Colgate-Palmolive personal-care brand Hello Products has hired a new CEO. 

Diana Haussling announced her appointment via LinkedIn on Feb. 4, sharing her excitement about "leading an incredible team that’s redefining traditional categories with bold innovation and a fresh perspective."

Prior to this role, Haussling spent three years as chief marketing officer of North America and senior vice president, general manager of consumer experience and growth, Colgate-Palmolive. She also served as VP, general manager of digital commerce, from 2021-2022.   

In addition to Colgate-Palmolive, Haussling’s resume includes various roles at other major CPG manufacturers, including Campbell Soup Co., General Mills and The Hershey Co. 

In the LinkedIn post announcing her promotion, Haussling called out some Hello Products claims she’s proud of including that the brand is:

• The “fastest growing” in both toothpaste and deodorant.
• No. 1 in digital penetration in its categories.
• Experiencing “double-digit” growth for its mouthwash. 

"As I take on this new role, I’m energized by the opportunity to continue shaking up the industry and creating those #everydayyay moments that make hello so special," Haussling wrote. 

This was originally published on P2PI, a CGT sister brand. 

Antonio Carriero has been appointed chief digital information officer at Fossil Group, effective Feb. 12. 

Carriero, most recently chief digital and information officer at Salomon (Amer Spots), will oversee Fossil’s global technology strategy, operations, cybersecurity, and the development of future capabilities. He will also serve as general manager of the company’s EMEA business. 

While at Salomon, Carriero the company’s enhanced IT and digital capabilities, with a strong focus on driving e-commerce revenue, according to Fossil. 

He previously held senior leadership roles in digital and technology at Breitling SA and Richemont Group, where he played a key role in advancing digital strategies and technological innovation.

Fossil also announced that Joe Martin was named chief commercial officer, effective Feb. 17 where he’ll oversee all global revenue-generating activities. 

Before joining Fossil, Martin served as SVP of wholesale, team services and omni operations and marketplace, North America, at Adidas. He’s also held sales leadership roles at 3M.