Sales & Marketing

A new study exposes an unexpectedly high level of loyalty churn across most consumer packaged goods brands. In fact, only four out of 10 brands retained 50 percent or more of their highly loyal consumers from year to year.

For the fifth year now, CGT and AMR Research bring you the 2009 Sales & Marketing Report. Drawing on survey feedback from consumer goods market leaders in sales, marketing and IT, this year's report identifies where sales and marketing efforts flourish and where gaps exist. Topics include TPM, category management, account team automation and downstream data.

CGT is proud to present the most recent crop of consumer goods "Visionaries" -- those industry thought leaders who are shaping the future of their respective companies through leadership, drive, and unprecedented business and technology initiatives even as the economy suffers.

Integrated solutions from Nielsen are expected to help General Mills drive its brands and customer relationships in the marketplace.

Jones Soda uses a social network advertising company to create innovative ways to market its products.

Under the agreement, which runs to 2015, GSI will continue to provide Bath & Body Works' online store (www.bathandbodyworks.com) with e-commerce technology and fulfillment services.

CGT Editor Alliston Ackerman gives you a sneak peek into the trends and topics discussed in this month's issue.