ConAgra increases its bid for Ralcorp

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May 4, 2011 News for the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry   Company Watch  ConAgra bids $4.9 billion to acquire rival Ralcorp ConAgra Foods said Wednesday it has increased its bid for private-label food manufacturer Ralcorp Holdings to $4.9 billion or $86 per share, up from an $82-per-share bid Ralcorp rejected in March. U.S. private-label sales have grown to 18.9% of total supermarket sales, up from 16.4% five years ago, and ConAgra estimates that the combined private-label revenue from the two companies would total about $4 billion annually. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (5/4) Coca-Cola, at 125, looks to the future Coca-Cola, marking 125 years this week, has seen its stock rise 25% in the past year, as it posted a fourth quarter of growth in North America. But CEO Muhtar Kent is avoiding complacency, saying the company has "a long way to go before we can be proud of all our brands, about our innovation, our speed of innovation, our speed of commercializing things." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (5/4) Green business practices are "win, win, win," says Unilever Canada VP Unilever's green-business practices are "win, win, win," says John Coyne, Unilever Canada vice president and general counsel. Buying huge amounts of renewable energy and investing in waste management doesn't always come cheaply, but those investments pay immediate dividends on three fronts, Coyne says. "Our customers like us for doing the right thing, the environment likes us for running a sustainable business, and last but certainly not least, our shareholders like us because it reduces costs and increases profits," he explains. TriplePundit.com (5/3) Other News Truvia grows to become No. 2 sugar substitute MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily (5/3) Hire like the Fortune 500 with half off a LinkedIn job posting. Get great applicants—3 times higher quality than those from traditional job boards—from LinkedIn's 100-million-member-strong professional network. Pay $97 (50% off the usual $195) and watch your listing go viral. View this bizy deal.   Trends  Demand increases for cellulose in packaged food Demand is growing for cellulose, which is wood or plant fibers that can be a thickener and provide shelf stability, creamy texture and fiber. Reasons include a rising cost of other ingredients, a trend toward lower-fat food and increasing demand for processed food in China, India and elsewhere. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (5/4) Soy, once a superfood, is losing luster Sales of soy food and drinks have dropped 16% from 2008 to 2010, said Mintel, which predicts a 17% decrease between 2010 and 2012. Soy milk maker Silk is among the companies responding by introducing new products, including almond milk and coconut milk. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (5/3) Green supply chains are good for consumers, says Wal-Mart exec Wal-Mart is making sustainable supply chains a key part of its broader corporate strategy, says Jeff Rice, the retail giant's director of sustainability. Green suppliers are more resilient and efficient, which has a direct impact on the chain's ability to reduce prices and increase choice for customers, Rice explains. "Identifying key sustainability metrics and setting aggressive targets to improve has unlocked the creativity of our associates to find creative solutions to sustainability and business opportunities," he says. TriplePundit.com (5/2) Other News Fed economist sees "sustained" food price inflation Reuters (5/3) Business Gold Rewards Card® Use points to do more for your business: • Offset business travel expenses • Purchase office supplies and equipment with gift cards • Recognize employees and thank clients - Find the perfect gift with thousands of options to choose from Business Gold Rewards Card® from American Express OPEN. Apply Now.   Advertising & Marketing    The cheese is in good company in new Tillamook campaign The Tillamook County Creamery Association in Oregon is taking a humorous approach for its new multiplatform campaign for its signature medium cheddar product. In the "Food Loves Tillamook" TV spots, eggs, tacos, hamburgers and potatoes show their affection for the cheese. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (5/2) Other News Schweppes goes for glamour with Uma The Independent (London)/Relaxnews (5/3) Heineken app lets users multitask during soccer tournament ClickZ (5/3) Master social media by learning from the best The fully online Social Media Success summit will help you master social media marketing with extensive case studies and how-to sessions from actual social media experts and book authors. The event starts May 3rd, register today!   Retail Spotlight  Essential Everyday line will be launched by SUPERVALU SUPERVALU is set to introduce private-label line Essential Everyday, which will replace store brands named for its chains. The effort will begin with cereal and pasta sauce and is part of a plan to reduce costs while being more competitive on prices. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (5/3), Supermarket News (5/3)   Sponsored Content    How To Poll Consumers On Facebook Zachary Sniderman Guru Review: Do The Work Matthew E. May Win Customer Loyalty By Supporting Your Community Shel Israel How Are Small Businesses Using Tablet Computers? Anita Campbell Want A Powerful Sales Technique? Think Butterflies Mike Michalowicz   Health & Wellness  Study questions guidelines on salt consumption European researchers looked at data on almost 3,700 people and found that 4% of those with the lowest salt consumption died from cardiovascular disease, compared with 1% among those who had the highest intake, although consumption was not linked to a risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Dr. Jan Staessen, lead author of the study, which appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association, said the results don't back salt-intake guidelines, noting that lower salt consumption might have benefits but also adverse effects. Reuters (5/3), CNN/Health.com (5/4)   GMA News  The 2011 Reverse Logistics Collaboration Awards Three retailer-manufacturer teams will be honored with Reverse Logistics Collaboration Awards to recognize successful collaborative initiatives in reverse logistics management. Entries will be accepted before May 15, and award winners will be invited to give at brief presentation at the Joint Industry Unsaleables Management Conference on July 20. Download the application to learn more. Learn more about GMA -> Home  |  Join GMA  |  Public Policy  |  Industry Affairs  |  Publications  |  Events   Government & Food Safety  California food-safety rule could become national standard The USDA might make California food-safety regulations for leafy green vegetables the standard nationwide. The California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement, established after a deadly 2006 E. coli outbreak, would replace what one economist called a "labyrinth" of safety rules. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.) (free registration) (5/1) Manager Procurement - Frozen Vegetables & Mushrooms Campbell Soup Company US - NJ - Camden Manager Sales ConAgra Foods Naperville, IL Manager National Accounts ConAgra Foods Pleasanton, CA   Editor's Note  SmartBrief has an Android app SmartBrief is proud to announce the launch of our Google Android application, available for download at Android Market. The app extends our promise to keep you informed and save you valuable time every day. 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