| Other News  | Bühler releases energy efficient long goods pasta dryer. Introducing the Ecothermatik™ long goods dryer. A revolutionary new development that requires up to 40% less thermal energy, 20% less cooling energy and 10% less electrical energy without compromising food safety standards or pasta characteristics. Learn more by visiting Bühler at the AACCI Annual Meeting, September 29 - October 2, Albuquerque, NM. | | Analyst: Food and drink companies should cut water use Food and beverage companies must reduce their water footprints, even though doing so may be "an even bigger challenge" than trimming carbon use, Sarah Boumphrey, an analyst with Euromonitor International, wrote on the company's blog. "Consumer goods companies, over-reliant on water, in water-stressed locales, are at particular risk of competition for supplies and political risk," she wrote. FoodNavigator (9/10) Report finds the science behind the impulse buy A report analyzing impulse buys in the Journal of Marketing Research finds consumers are more likely to make impulse buys if the items are on sale or related to planned purchases. Chocolate and other high-pleasure items are among the most popular impulse purchases. CandyIndustry.com (9/11)  | Register for this free webinar and learn:
• How leading organizations take a holistic approach to social data
• How to prioritize social media metrics to make them actionable
• The four maturity levels of the social data organization and how to reach them
REGISTER NOW | | Report: Customer-centric practices can increase efficiency CPG companies can realize almost $50 billion in hidden value by improving outbound logistics and collaborating with trading partners, according to research from The Boston Consulting Group for the GMA. "This report clearly shows that CPG companies have successfully driven efficiencies along the supply chain to meet current economic challenges. It also provides a roadmap for even greater efficiency and savings through improved trading partner collaboration -- savings that can drive innovation and sustainable business growth," said Elise Fennig, GMA's VP of industry affairs. Progressive Grocer (9/10)  | It's time to give your technology a performance review
These 12 questions can help you determine if technology is helping your business or holding it back. Did you know the right technology can help even the smallest businesses compete in a crowded marketplace? Download the Microsoft Assess Your Tech Guide to learn how to maximize your technology investment. |
 | | Sponsored Content from Coca-Cola |  | 5 Steps to Get Started in Social MediaFor companies looking to make a splash in social media, the road to success often feels more like a pothole-covered highway peppered with twists and turns and lacking any road signs. Although, experts say that while the sheer scope and power of networking sites like Facebook and Twitter may seem intimidating to the uninitiated, building a workable foundation in social media doesn't have to feel like a leap into the unknown. You just have to stay focused on the big picture.
Michael Sansolo, research director at the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council of North America, and the CCRRC recently wrapped up a multi-year project to design a roadmap for itinerant travelers braving the social media highway. This blog post looks at a few simple steps that can make any business a social media success. Read the full post.
Click here to learn more about Featured Content   | Doritos expands Super Bowl ad contest to 46 countries Doritos is extending its fan-man Super Bowl ad contest to all 46 countries where Doritos are sold. The contest will allow anyone in those countries to create 30-second ads for its 10th annual "Crash the Super Bowl" contest, and Web users get to select the top two spots that will air during the game. International ads "may be too edgy for TV, but amazing for the Internet -- which would be even better," said Jeff Lotman, CEO at Global Icons. USA Today (9/11)  | SAS® Gives Nestle A Flavor for What's to Come
Nestlé Direct Store Delivery improved forecasting accuracy four percentage points and increased service levels with help from SAS Demand-Driven Forecasting. The company is now able to hold inventory costs flat, and its sales force can better plan profitable sales promotions. Read the success story. |
 | Dispensed beverages prove popular in c-stores More than half of U.S. consumers buy food and drinks at convenience stores, including 19% who say they frequent c-stores because they like the selection of fountain beverages, according to research from Information Resources. "Instead of just focusing on packaged beverages, there's a lot of focus on dispensed beverages, and coffee is one of the things that we are seeing tremendous growth in," said Jackie Gray, director for Willard Bishop in Barrington, Ill. BevIndustry.com (9/10)  | Reducing the costs and risks of data storage in the federal government
IBM Tivoli Storage software can help federal organizations make the most of what they already own. Its flexible and scalable design securely protects data and ensures data availability throughout its useful life. Learn how IBM is helping government agencies customize solutions while allowing missions to be completed on time and under budget. Download the free solutions paper. |
 | Book your hotel room by Monday for Collaborating for Growth Join retailers, manufacturers and other industry power players at the premier networking event of the year, the GMA/FMI Collaborating for Growth Conference in Fort Worth, Texas on Oct. 7-9. The 2013 program is designed to hone in on how retailers and manufacturers can meet changing consumer demands through shared approaches to innovation, sales, in-store marketing, supply chain management and much more. Don't delay, the deadline to secure your discounted room rate at the Omni Fort Worth is Monday, Sept. 16. Book your room online or learn more. | Judge upholds country-of-origin labeling for meat A federal judge has upheld a rule requiring country-of-origin labeling on meat sold in the U.S., denying a request for a preliminary injunction from meat packers, who say the requirement is burdensome and expensive. The rule requires labeling to say where meat was born, raised and slaughtered and stipulates that all meat in a package must come from the same place. Reuters (9/11) |  | The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard." -- Gaylord Nelson, American politician | | | 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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