| March 24, 2011 | News for the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry |  |  |
- Shared value trumps CSR, says Nestle chairman
Companies have a responsibility to their shareholders and can't simply give away cash, says Nestle Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe. That means that concepts such as corporate philanthropy and CSR should give way to a pragmatic approach based on "shared value" for companies and society at large, he argues. "Creating shared value has a big attractiveness because it really takes into consideration the interests of both sides," he says. Reuters (3/22)        - Frito-Lay pursues all-natural snacks
Frito-Lay is working to make half of its snacks all natural by year-end, finding replacements for ingredients including artificial colors and flavor enhancer MSG. Among the risks: Such ingredients are more expensive, customers might perceive all natural as less tasty, and natural ingredients are not necessarily lower in fat or calories. The Wall Street Journal (3/24) - Schultz outlines Starbucks growth plan
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz discussed a growth plan calling for an expanded retail presence, international growth -- particularly in China -- and continued reliance on social media. Retail growth is expected to include new Starbucks-branded products, such as teas and juices, as the company builds "a different kind of business model and a consumer brand that hasn't been built before," he said. USA TODAY (3/23)  | Create a winning social-media strategy
Relying on luck and good intentions when developing your social-media approach can leave you with disparate, ineffective initiatives. Get the data you need to formulate a savvy social-media strategy that produces measurable results. Check out SmartBrief's State of Social Media for Business. |
 - Survey: Companies can benefit from supporting Hispanic community
A survey from management consultancy Garcia Trujillo indicates that Hispanics would buy more from companies that demonstrate involvement in the Hispanic community, introduce culturally relevant products and increase Hispanic members in top management. "Our survey shows a significant gap in companies' ability to engage and build equity with the fastest-growing demographic in America," said CEO Charles Garcia, a Winn-Dixie Stores director. Progressive Grocer (3/23)  | Today's consumer products manufacturers can increase promotional investment returns and achieve high performance by utilizing powerful, integrated customer management and mobility software solutions. Learn how to improve decision making with Accenture CAS' trade promotion management and optimization capabilities. |  | A Strategic Overview for Multi-Channel Retailers
E-commerce growth has significantly impacted the retail industry. Mail and phone orders will continue to exist, but are increasingly ceding ground to e-commerce. Download this white paper to learn more about the retail trends and strategies needed to thrive in the retail industry. |
 - SUPERVALU packs more into bags to cut costs
SUPERVALU is training workers at its 1,100 Albertsons, Acme Markets and Jewel-Osco stores to pack more items into shopping bags, a move that shaves costs by a few pennies per customer and adds up to millions in annual savings, the company says. Supermarket chains have long had money-saving bagging procedures in place, but SUPERVALU takes it further -- the rules also outlaw double-bagging and tell staff to leave out bags altogether on items with handles. The Wall Street Journal (3/23) 
| Science & Technology |  | | | - Recent decisions favor genetic modification
Organic growers have been pushing for more stringent regulation of genetically modified crops, arguing that modified seeds could contaminate their farms. But recent decisions are opening the door to more genetic modification, with the administration now giving limited approval to genetically modified sugar beets, and giving permission for genetically modified alfalfa and corn to be used in ethanol production. The Washington Post (3/23) | Health & Wellness | | | | - Study finds no link between mercury in fish and heart disease
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluating data on more than 173,000 men and women found no link between mercury consumption from fish and other sources and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers said mercury is still an environmental concern and consumption of fish high in mercury is not recommended for pregnant women, but other adults can eat fish without concern. HealthDay News (3/23) | GMA News | | | | - Reducing our footprint: The industry's progress on sustainable packaging
GMA recently announced the results of survey research indicating that food, beverage and consumer products manufacturers anticipate they will eliminate 4 billion pounds of packaging waste nationwide from 2005 to 2020. More than 1.5 billion pounds have already been avoided since 2005, and another 2.5 billion pounds are expected to be avoided by 2020. The 4 billion pounds represents a 19% reduction of reporting companies' total average U.S. packaging weight. Learn more.
| Government & Food Safety | | | | - GAO says Food Safety Working Group needs a better plan
The Food Safety Working Group established by President Barack Obama has made a good start but still needs to create a performance plan showing all government programs on food safety, a Government Accountability Office report says. Food-safety responsibilities are spread out under 15 federal agencies, the report notes, and while collaborative efforts have begun, the FSWG should develop a comprehensive plan that is results-oriented and guided by performance measures. FoodNavigator (3/21)
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As concerns about food and beverage safety escalate in Japan, officials said tap water in Tokyo contained twice the radiation levels recommended for infants. There is no immediate health risk for children or adults, said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano. 
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