Coca-Cola takes stake in Monster Beverage Coca-Cola has purchased a 17% stake in Monster Beverage for $2.15 billion. Under the agreement, the beverage companies will swap brands and share marketing, production and distribution of energy drinks, juices, tea and lemonade. "This long-term partnership aligns us with a leading energy player globally, brings financial benefit to our company and our bottling partners," Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent said. USA Today (8/14), The Associated Press (8/14), Bloomberg Businessweek (8/15) Mondelez: Expansion into China requires frequent innovation Chinese consumers are always seeking new and innovative product launches, but still require a high level of quality, said Mondelez International's Senior Vice President Lance Friedmann. In addition, brand expansion into China requires a localized strategic plan and a strong focus on digital advertising since Chinese consumers are highly connected to social media, Friedmann said. Forbes (8/13)  | The key to growing your book of business is waiting in the wings
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 | Superfoods' popularity continues to climb The popularity of superfoods continues to soar as more consumers believe the nutritious foods can not only improve their overall health but can even replace modern medicine, according to a Nielsen survey. "Consumers are proactively using food to address their health issues," said Sherry Frey, vice president for Nielsen's perishables group. "I believe we'll continue to see this grow. The aging boomer demographic and millennials are interested in health claims and fortified foods." Bloomberg Businessweek (8/13) Trendy ingredients come straight from the compost pile Just as kale was transformed from an unappealing garnish to main menu item, chefs are looking for unlikely and usually tossed-out ingredients to become the next hot trend. Jonathan Wu, chef and partner at Fung Tu in New York City, saves broccoli stalks from the compost pile by slicing and serving them with beef and oyster sauce while Amanda Cohen of Dirt Candy uses beet, celery and carrot greens in stir-fries, pestos and pies. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (8/13)  | Is Your Small Business Using Social Media?
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 | Infographic: Understanding millennial consumers Millennials make up 27% of the population in the U.S., and they are the most diverse generation in history, according to an infographic based on three recent studies. When it comes to finances, 18% live at home and still depend on mom and dad, but more than half say their financial situation will improve in the coming year. Millennials' shopping habits are heavily dependent on word of mouth, with 93% of Gen Y purchasing products based on recommendations from family or friends and 89% trusting recommendations more than brands. Adweek (8/13) Other News | Sprouts takes cautious approach to Southeast expansion Sprouts Farmers Market is no longer seeking locations for Florida stores, according to real estate sources, as the specialty grocer plans to observe the performance of four new stores in Atlanta before continuing a push into the Southeast U.S. The company does not "have a definitive timetable for expansion in the Southeast at this time," Sprouts spokeswoman Donna Egan said, despite posting a 141% increase in net profits and a 20% jump in sales for the most recent quarter. American City Business Journals/Phoenix (8/14) | Get the best Product Recall Training with GMA Your organization's recall professionals should receive the best industry training on the end-to-end recall management process. Join GMA's Efficient and Effective Product Recall Management workshop on Sept. 24 in San Diego. This training will include a review of critical recall components of preparedness and notification using Rapid Recall Exchange, compliance reporting and reverse logistics. Register today! |  | Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." -- Carl Jung, Swiss psychiatrist | | | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions.
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