Cover Story

Some things are simply out of our control. Find out how the earthquake that hit Japan literally shook the Tobacco market in 2011.

Merger and acquisitions continue to transform the beverage list year after year, but growth remains steady for the majority. Look back at how the major beverage leaders grew market share in 2011.

Pfizer Inc. knocked out some competition in the OTC pharmaceutical market when it acquired Wyeth's consumer healthcare brands in 2009. How has the Centrum-brand owner performed compared to the competition since?

Economic conditions and emerging technologies are forcing retailers to identify new ways to set themselves apart from the competition. Walmart, for example, stepped up supplier collaboration in more ways than one.

Big break-up headlines rocked the food industry in 2011. But the market overall reported growth across the board. Expect big changes on this list next year.

The Keurig single cup coffee brewing system was not an overnight success. Little research predicted that it would be a consumer success. But, this disruptive innovation proved to be the exception to the rule. Why? The answer lies in the entrepreneurial, risk-oriented innovation philosophies of the company behind the brand.

When store supplies for Kimberly-Clark's retail partners are out of synch with production forecasts, it can have a very real impact on the $20.8 billion personal care products giant's sales. So, the company invested in data analytics software to provide far more visibility into real-time demand trends.

With strong consumer relationships, brand trust and a 100-year-old heritage, Hallmark Cards, Inc. has been trusted with marking milestones in consumers' lives. So, the company decided to transform how it innovates and engages its consumer.