  | February 2, 2012 | News for the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry |  |  |
- Swiffer shares floor with next-generation mops
The Swiffer floor mop, introduced by Procter & Gamble in 1999, was alone in its category for years. One in four households is said to own a Swiffer, which is known for disposable wipes. Now, companies such as Bona, Rubbermaid and Libman are rolling out products that do a similar job. The Wall Street Journal (2/1)       - Smithfield launches instant-win contest
Smithfield Bacon consumers can enter to win prizes including a $10,000 Caribbean vacation and a $5,000 kitchen remodel in an instant-win game. Codes on specially marked packages of bacon allow participants to enter online for instant prizes and to choose which grand prize they want. Progressive Grocer (2/1)  | How can you protect your margins?
Understand where your supply chain and logistics costs are headed and boost your bottom line with IHS. For a snapshot of our price forecast for two key commodities in your supply chain, download diesel and wheat commodity scorecards. | | Trends |  |  | | - 5 sustainability success stories in the food industry
 Campbell Soup cut $500,000 in utility costs by cutting electricity and water use at a California plant, Kraft Foods incorporated nature into a refrigerated plant that uses 65% less energy, and Nestle has partnered with a log-maker to turn used coffee grounds into cleaner fireplace fuel. The companies are three of the sustainability success stories found in a new report from GMA. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Restaurants (2/2) - Valentine's Day spending is expected to rise 8.5%
The National Retail Federation predicted that Valentine's Day spending will increase 8.5% this year, with the average person spending $126.03 on candy, flowers, jewelry and other gifts. According to a survey, 50.5% will buy candy, a record 18.9% will buy jewelry and 35.6% will pay for an evening date. Drug Store News (2/1) - Turnarounds depend on engaged employees working together
Leaders trying to fix struggling companies have two seemingly simple but important steps to take, writes John Baldoni. Explain the company's vision for renewed success to employees so they can understand and support it. Then, devise strategies that bring your workforce together to execute that vision. CBS MoneyWatch (2/1)  | Earn 3X rewards points when you fly with The New Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express OPEN. Designed to earn Membership Rewards® points faster:
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   | Top 5 HR Compliance Concerns for Small Business
Small and medium sized companies spend a lot of time focusing on core business issues, but they may overlook one of the most potentially serious and costly issues — regulatory compliance. How do you know what issues to look for in order to protect the company? Download this must-read paper that discusses the top 5 HR compliance issues. |
 - Maine recognizes 9 Hannaford stores' environmental efforts
Nine Hannaford Supermarkets stores were recognized as Environmental Leaders by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, joining one store each in Augusta and South Portland. Store features include water-saving restroom fixtures, donations to food banks and pantries, composting, use of energy-efficient lighting and heat capture from the refrigeration system. Progressive Grocer (2/1)  | Costs are rising in China and Japan, prompting high-tech firms across Asia to consider new sourcing locations so they can remain efficient, while focusing more on service. What will be the impact of this behavioral shift? Learn about the findings in this free white paper. |
- Eating companions play a role in food intake
Women tend to match their companion's eating speed and overall eating behavior, possibly to create a favorable impression, which could help explain why people tend to adjust their food intake and eat more when dining with others, according to a study in PLoS One. Health.com (2/1)  | GMA News | | | | - Food Claims hotel deadline ends Friday -- book your room today!
Each year, GMA brings together the top food, beverage and consumer product lawyers and experts for a full slate of programming on legal issues that affect the industry.
The GMA Food Claims and Litigation Conference, Feb. 21 to 23 in Dana Point, Calif., will help you learn how to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of food related litigation, defend against unfounded product liability claims and protect your company's reputation.
The deadline to receive the special discounted hotel rate ends Friday. Only one day left to reserve a room -- register today!
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