Cover Story

Beauty isn't everything. But don't tell that to this group of companies, who are making steady sales gains with innovative health and beauty products and business strategies.

The companies on this list have to be masters of rapid innovation. Find out which toy companies stayed on the "hot" list in 2010 and which ones lost the popularity contest.

Overall, the economy still wasn't looking pretty in 2010, but it wasn't completely ugly either. Most of the consumer goods companies on CGT's Top 100 list made modest sales gains. A few leapfrogged the competition. Yet, many others were still fighting an uphill battle.

No. 1 player P&G sustained its growth trajectory in 2011 despite significant business and economic challenges, as did many of other companies on this list, making it one of the healthiest verticals in 2010.

Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland and Liz Claiborne are just a few of the brands that found new homes in 2010 and 2011. Find out how brand shuffling is affecting the ranks in the apparel, footwear and accessories market.

The DIY consumer didn't lose steam when it came to spending in 2010. Overall, this category experienced little loss. And with 125 percent growth, Stanley Black & Decker proved the runaway hit.

It's a similar story every year for this highly regulated, highly scrutinized industry. The trend continues toward innovating nicotine products, with British American Tobacco leading the way.

There is no doubt about it General Mills Corporation has entrepreneurial spirit when it comes to reaching consumers in new ways with new products. One of the company's recent new ventures, Gluten Freely, is the perfect example.