Product Innovation

The customer science company will host a Big Data hackathon challenge in an effort to develop a predictive model for the success of new product launches at retail.

In just five short years, Hamdi Ulukaya transformed a small shuttered dairy plant into a $1 billion business that produces the No. 1 selling Greek yogurt brand in America. He is now being honored amongst an elite group of innovators, pioneers and game-changers across various disciplines for his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to catalyze a consumer-led movement.

The company is taking the measures to further enhance its ability to execute its business strategy, accelerate international growth, and develop and broaden leadership talent.

Nearly 1,900 new products hit retail shelves across the United States in 2011/12. Yet, only 11 percent of those launches achieved exceptional first-year sales. Here's a look at the top 20 products, including Dannon Oikos and Starbucks K-Cups, that beat daunting new product odds and stimulated growth despite a challenging economic environment.