Research Topic

What does the No. 1 U.S. retailer do when it finds gaps and missed opportunities in its supply chain? It joins forces with CEOs from more than a dozen global companies to pledge new commitments that accelerate innovation. The participating suppliers, including Kellogg, Coca-Cola, P&G, Unilever, General Mills and many more, represent more than $100 billion in sales at Walmart. Find out how this retail giant is using its pull to create change from one end of the supply chain to the other.

CGT Editor Alliston Ackerman gives you a sneak peek into the trends and topics discussed in this month's issue.

Walmart maintains its No. 1 spot on a new list of the best retail brands, and even with a 6 percent decline in brand value it preserves an enormous margin over the next closest brand. Four brands increased their brand value by more than 25 percent this year, while others fell off the list completely.

The grand opening of P&Gs third high tech innovation center in the region will house 254 advanced research laboratories.

Competitive pressures and desire for more meaningful customer relationships are driving manufacturers to reconsider what the customer experience means. IDCs latest report revealed that the customer (however you define it) is varied and complex. Find out what else IDC uncovered, including reaching 5i customers, the role of social, mobile, big data and more.

The support will include early management of food safety issues and collaboration with local universities, research institutes and government agencies on food safety issues.

Best-selling author, Gary Vaynerchuk is a self-described influencer, entrepreneur, investor, best-selling author, speaker and Jets fan. Recently, he weighed in on The White Houses March Madness-themed marketing campaign to uninsured 20-somethings. So, whats the verdict? Vaynerchuk is shocked by the number of brands that are still trying to reach Millennials through print, radio, and TV.

The new offering will examine key trends, technologies and best practices in e-procurement, B2B integration, commerce networks and supplier and customer relationships.