Yakult and Danone loosen ties A strategic relationship between Danone and Yakult Honsha has been replaced with a looser "corporation framework," the companies say. "From the beginning, there were differences in corporate culture and marketing methods between Yakult and Danone," Yakult CEO Sumiya Hori said. "During our nine years of partnership, friendly ties deepened, but we were unable to narrow those differences." The Wall Street Journal (4/26)  | The Social Media ROI Cookbook: Six Ingredients Top Brands Use
In this free report, industry expert Altimeter explores the most effective "ingredients" for measuring the revenue impact of social media, providing insights and case studies from an array of top companies. Offerpop is happy to make this penetrating study available to SmartBrief readers. Download it for free! |
 | Food-related startups attract venture capitalists Venture capitalists in Silicon Valley have become increasingly interested in food startups, and they put about $350 million into food-related businesses in the last year. The startups are looking to disrupt the industry in a variety of ways, such as by providing an online marketplace for farmers' products or by creating entirely new foods. "Consumers are interested in sophisticated experiences that are beautifully delivered, which we've seen happen on the Web and with products like the iPhone," said Tony Conrad, a partner with True Ventures. "Now, we're seeing that happen with food and beverage." The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (4/28)  | Myths, Pitfalls and Realities of CPQ Software
Configure Price Quote Software can be difficult to deploy and implement. This white paper highlights the common myths in the market place and provides a practical guide on how to prepare for the challenges ahead. Learn how to expose the pitfalls before you buy your CPQ software. Download the free guide now. |
 | Brand awareness is the top mobile ad priority of CPGs Consumer-packaged goods brands are more concerned about getter brand awareness and site traffic out of their mobile ad campaigns than mobile advertisers in other industries, according to a Millennial Media and comScore survey. The CPGs are more likely to offer a video or link to social media as a post-click action than other mobile advertisers. eMarketer (4/29) Packaging innovation relies on collaboration, planning Packaging innovation is a key component of a company's success, and is the result of collaboration and planning. Tips for promoting innovation include making sure consumer insights are shared with all relevant teams, promoting collaboration between marketing and technical teams, and continually researching new ideas. Packaging World online (4/26) Tyson promotes Star Ranch Angus beef Tyson Fresh Meats has launched a promotion for Star Ranch Angus beef, positioning it as date-night fare that's less expensive than eating in a restaurant. The "Dining Under the Star" effort includes point-of-sale materials, in-store coupons and recipes. Progressive Grocer (4/26)  | CSO Insights: 2013 Sales Performance Optimization Study Results
In this analysis, see an overview of the eight key attributes found in high performance sales organizations, and some of the major trends that positively and negatively impacted sales behavior in 2012. Compare how your sales team's best practices align with the high performing organizations in this study. Download the free study now. |
 | H-E-B raises funds for West, Texas, victims West, Texas, where a fertilizer-plant explosion destroyed part of the town and killed 14 people, is getting help from H.E. Butt Grocery, which donated $50,000 to the Red Cross and is collecting donations at checkout. "It is our hope that H-E-B's donations, along with our loyal customers' support, will help meet the immediate needs of our displaced neighbors while also aiding larger relief efforts with the American Red Cross," said Winell Herron, group vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs. Progressive Grocer (4/26)  | Build Your IT Security Business Case
The importance of IT security to a business has never been greater. But often, investments are shelved or cutbacks are made. This can result in businesses unknowingly making compromises regarding their IT security.
In this latest whitepaper from Kaspersky Lab, you'll find useful facts, examples and business case arguments to help you get buy-in and commitment from your business. Learn more.
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 | Women report eating more protein to prevent weight gain A survey of 1,824 women ages 40 to 60 found that 43% -- and more than 50% of those who were obese -- reported eating a higher-protein diet to prevent weight gain. Researchers also found that the majority of women surveyed were able to correctly identify good sources of protein. The findings were published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. United Press International (4/27)  | Best Buy® gift cards motivate people.
Need to ignite your sales team? Need a winning customer bonus offer? Best Buy gift cards — or personalized e-gift cards — let them choose what they want most, either in store or online.
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corporategiftcards.bestbuy.com or 877-370-1234 |
 | Global Sustainability Summit keynote speakers announced As the only sustainability event customized for food and consumer product industry executives, don’t miss your opportunity to attend this one-of-a-kind event -- the GMA-FMI Global Sustainability Summit. On Aug. 14-16, in Seattle, join retail, manufacturing, government and NGO sustainability experts from around the world to address the sustainability issues affecting the industry now and in years to come. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear insights from keynote speakers such as: - Laurie Demeritt, Chief Executive Officer, The Hartman Group: "Bridging the Sustainability Gap: When Personal Aspiration and Shopping Behavior Diverge"
- Joel Makower, Chairman and Executive Editor, Green Biz Group: "The Coming Convergence: Sustainability Meets Tech"
- Brent Schulkin, Founder, Carrotmob: "Next Generation Collaboration"
- Adam Steltzner, Chief Engineer, NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover Project: "How Curiosity Changed My Life"
- Steven Swartz, Partner, McKinsey & Company: "Looking Around the Corner: Emerging Sustainability Issues"
For more information or to view the updated program, visit www.TPASustainabilitySummit.org. | Soda tax could fund children's health efforts in Calif. Sen. Bill Monning in California is proposing a 1-cent tax on sugary drinks, including soft drinks and sports drinks. Under the legislation, expected to be taken up by the Senate Health Committee on May 1, proceeds -- estimated at $2.7 billion annually -- would be directed to a newly established Children's Health Promotion Fund, aimed at combating childhood obesity. The Monterey County Herald (Calif.) (4/27) Other News |  | I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." -- Diane Ackerman, American author, poet and naturalist | | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions. | | Publisher, Food & Beverage: Chris Warne P: 646.462.4647 | | | | |
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