China’s Interest In Nutricosmetics Sparks Strong Sales Growth September 1, 2011: 03:34 AM EST Though nutricosmetics haven’t caught on in other parts of the world, market data from Datamonitor show high per capita spending in Asia, particularly in Japan. Nutricosmetics sales are  growing especially strongly in China, which is  expected to overtake Japan by 2015, according to market researcher Frost & Sullivan. Driving the phenomenon in China are rising disposable incomes, increased concerns about beauty, and strong cultural acceptance of the beauty-from-within concept, thanks to centuries of use of herbs and plants to cure beauty-related problems. In this report, Happi.com outlines nutricosmetics market opportunities for both established companies and new entrants in the Asian region. "Nutricosmetics More Than a Niche in China", Happi.com, September 01, 2011, © Rodman Publishing / HAPPI

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Strong Luxury Product Sales Contribute To L’Oreal’s 11.6 Percent Profit Rise August 30, 2011: 11:50 PM EST L’Oreal posted an 11.6 percent rise in profit for the first six months of its fiscal year, thanks to healthy sales in luxury products and in emerging markets in Asia and Latin America. The company earned €1.5 billion ($2.2 billion) in the first half of the year on sales of €10.1 billion ($14.6 billion). Profit was up from €1.3 billion ($1.9 billion) in the same period last year; sales increased five percent. Drivers of the sales and profit growth were L’Oreal’s luxury product lines, which include Lancome’s cosmetics and perfumes, Yves Saint Laurent Beaute and Kiehl’s skincare products. Asian sales were up 13.5 percent, while in Latin America they rose an impressive 18 percent. "L'Oréal First-half 2011 results", News release, L'Oréal, August 30, 2011, © L'Oréal

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Unilever Aids Relief Efforts In Drought-Stricken East Africa August 30, 2011: 12:43 AM EST With the U.N. declaring countries in the so-called Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, etc.) in a state of crisis or emergency because of severe drought and famine, Unilever says it is working with disaster and emergency relief partners to determine how to boost relief efforts. East African countries are enduring the worst drought in six decades, according to the U.N. About 2.8 million people need immediate life-saving assistance; 450,000 are affected by the famine. The company says its local businesses in Kenya and South Africa have been donating cash and food products; the Unilever global business has pledged €500,000 in cash and food products through UNICEF, Save the Children, Oxfam, Population Services International (PSI) and WFP. "Unilever responds to East Africa crisis", Unilever, August 30, 2011, © Unilever

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Consumers Put More Value On Skin Care Than Other Beauty Products August 26, 2011: 04:45 AM EST Consumers put more importance on skin care than other beauty products, according to Euromonitor. Skin care products accounted for 23 percent of the total sales of cosmetics and personal care products in 2010 to reach US$88 billion, with anti-ageing products posting the highest compound annual growth rate at 5 percent. Euromonitor also found that sales of supplements are rising strongly, from $2 billion in 2006 to $3 billion in 2010, but that manufacturers could to a better job of informing consumers about anti-ageing benefits nutricosmetics seem to offer.  Pooja Kondhia, "Skin care priorities to drive sales of nutricosmetics", Cosmetics Design, August 26, 2011, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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Laundry Product, Fragrance Makers Rebut Researcher’s Safety Findings August 26, 2011: 04:33 AM EST University of Washington professor Anne Steinemann made “unsubstantiated claims” about the safety of scented laundry products that led to “sensationalist headlines,” according to a coalition of groups representing laundry product and fragrance manufacturers. In her study, Steinemann reported that scented laundry products emit dangerous vapors from chemicals such as benzene and acetaldehyde. But in their rebuttal statement, the American Cleaning Institute, Consumer Specialty Products Association, International Fragrance Association-North America, and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc., said the research was significantly flawed. “Fragranced fabric care products are safe when used as directed,” they said. "Attack on Fragranced Laundry Products: ‘Non-Scents’", Happi, August 26, 2011, © Rodman Publishing / HAPPI

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US Cosmetics Industry Sees A Good Year For Sustainable Packaging In 2011 August 24, 2011: 04:28 AM EST Several US companies have introduced sustainable packaging technologies for cosmetics and personal care products in 2011. Notable examples include Eco Vision that received a US patent for its Eco Jar biodegradable packaging for cosmetics, Pantene that launched the Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion line of hair care products with bottles made mainly from plant-based plastic and Colbert Packaging which improved the design of its EnviroGuard consumer product packaging that includes no plastics. Pooja Kondhia, "2011 means the year of sustainable packaging", Cosmetics Design, August 24, 2011, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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Coriander Oil Shows Potential As Natural Antibiotic August 23, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Portuguese researchers report that coriander oil is toxic enough to a variety of harmful bacteria to be used in foods to prevent food-borne illnesses. The researchers tested coriander oil against 12 bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus and meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Solutions containing 1.6 percent coriander oil killed or reduced the growth of the tested bacterial strains. According to the researchers, coriander oil damages the membrane surrounding the bacterial cell, inhibits essential processes and ultimately causes cell death. They suggest that in addition to use in the food industry, coriander oil could be used as a natural alternative to antibiotics in lotions, mouth rinses and pills. Filomena Silva, et al., "Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil: its antibacterial activity and mode of action evaluated by flow cytometry", Journal of Medical Microbiology, August 23, 2011, © Society for General Microbiology

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Estee Lauder Expands Presence In China, Launches Online Outlets August 22, 2011: 10:59 PM EST Estee Lauder plans to open more retail outlets in China, adding five more cities to the 38 it currently has. It also indicated it will launch ecommerce channels in the country which is now the world's third-largest market for cosmetics and toiletries.  Estee Lauder's sales grew 13 percent in 2010, with China accounting for a large part of the jump in sales. Chinese consumers no longer look at cosmetics as luxury items are and increasingly are able to purchase a wide range of products in the country rather than overseas. The market is increasingly competitive and other cosmetics companies are expected to follow Estee Lauder's move.   "Estee Lauder expands China's cosmetics universe", Independent, August 22, 2011, © independent.co.uk

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BRIC Luxury Market Poised For Further Growth, Consumers Willing To Spend On Premium Products August 22, 2011: 04:42 AM EST A study by the Future Foundation shows that consumers in Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) are looking to spend their money on luxury brands. While on a small proportion of the population in these countries can afford luxury brands from Europe and the United States, demand remains strong. More than 50 percent of affluent consumers in India enjoy talking about the fashions they have purchased; 50 percent of urban Chinese said they will buy more designer clothes and accessories should their income increase and over half of Brazilian women said they would spend new income on luxury cosmetics brands.  James Murphy, "Luxury BRIC by BRIC: the most unstoppable market in the world?", Brand Republic, August 22, 2011, via Future Foundation, © Haymarket Business Media

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Seventh Generation Names Bergstein Of Diageo As Chief Marketing Officer August 18, 2011: 01:34 AM EST Eco-friendly household and personal care products maker Seventh Generation has named  consumer products branding specialist Joey Bergstein as its new chief marketing officer. Bergstein most recently was senior VP of Diageo, where he built the Captain Morgan rum brand, and has been a VP at Canadian brewer Molson. Bergstein is explicit about his mission at Seventh Generation, a company with a great team and a brand with untapped potential. Seventh Generation, he says, lacks “innovative brand strategies and new marketing programs that will drive the kind of exponential growth its products are more than capable of achieving.” "Seventh Generation Adds New Chief Marketing Officer", Seventh Generation, August 18, 2011, © Seventh Generation, Inc.

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P&G Launches Facebook-Based Healthy Mouth Ad Campaign For Crest, Oral-B Brands August 18, 2011: 01:29 AM EST Procter & Gamble is taking an innovative approach to cross-media marketing and brand promotion, using consumer-generated media (CGM) in a new oral care advertising campaign. The social media word-of-mouth campaign for the Crest and Oral-B brands – “Life Opens Up” – is designed to show the relationship between a healthy mouth and “living life to the fullest.” The campaign involves a contest in which consumers share their stories, via a two-minute video, about how their healthy mouths helped them open up to life and the world. Participants can watch and vote on submissions on the P&G campaign microsite and on the Facebook pages of Crest, Crest Whitestrips and Oral-B. The Facebook campaign is supported by TV spots, online videos, digital display ads and a blog. Tessa Wegert , "The Right Way to Use CGM", Clickz.com, August 18, 2011, © Incisive Interactive Marketing LLC

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CHEP Renews Pallet Contract With P&G August 16, 2011: 12:35 AM EST Pallet and container pooling solutions provider CHEP says it has renewed a contract – and 15-year relationship – with Procter & Gamble. The company said it works closely with P&G to support retail supply chain activities like sustainability and standardization. CHEP’s returnable and reusable pallets are used to transfer numerous consumer goods, fresh produce, beverages and automotive products. Customers besides P&G include Sysco, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestlé, Ford and GM. "CHEP Extends Strategic Relationship With P&G", Press release, CHEP, August 16, 2011, © Business Wire

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Middle East's Natural Cosmetics Market Poised For Growth In 2011 August 15, 2011: 02:01 AM EST The natural cosmetics market in the Middle East is forecast to grow 20% in 2011, according to the Middle Eastern Market for Natural Cosmetics study by Organic Monitor.  Natural products make up a small share of beat sales in the Middle East – just 0.1% compared to over 3% in North America and Europe. Worries about political and social unrest have failed to dampen the market, with sales growing fast in several countries. United Arab Emirates accounts for more than half of total market revenues, while demand in other countries is focused mainly in major cities. Rich consumers and tourists create most of the demand for natural and organic cosmetics in the region, the report says. "Natural Beauty Shows Promise in the Middle East", GCI Magazine, August 15, 2011, © Allured Business Media

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Caffeine Applied To Skin Shows Potential In Skin Cancer Prevention August 15, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Caffeine applied directly to the skin might help prevent harmful UV rays from causing skin cancer, U.S. researchers have found in a mouse study. Caffeine is known to protect against certain skin cancers by inhibiting a protein enzyme in the skin, known as ATR. Prior research has found an association between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. For the current study, the researchers genetically modified and reduced ATR in one group of mice. These mice developed tumors more slowly than unmodified mice, had 69 percent fewer tumors and developed four times fewer invasive tumors. The researchers suggested that caffeine could become a weapon in skin cancer prevention because it inhibits ATR and acts as a sunscreen by absorbing dangerous UV rays. Masaoki Kawasumi, et al., "Protection from UV-induced skin carcinogenesis by genetic inhibition of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, August 15, 2011, © National Academy of Sciences

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New “Stimulift” Technology Enhances Effectiveness Of L’Oréal’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream August 14, 2011: 11:16 PM EST L’Oréal Paris has launched a new version of its anti-wrinkle cream Revitalift based on what it calls Stimulift technology. According to the company, the new formula targets the skin’s eight natural lifters that are altered by the aging process, leading to tissue disorganization and a loss of elasticity and tone. Wrinkles become more noticeable and the skin loses firmness. L’Oréal’s high end product re-tightens, re-pulps and stabilizes the skin by stimulating the skin’s “self-lifting” capacity. “Firmer and less wrinkled, the skin itself naturally participates in the process,” the company says. "Skin Care innovation", The Nation , August 14, 2011, © Nawaiwaqt Group of News Papers

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Bloomberg Businessweek's Popular List Presents America's Leading Brands And More August 15, 2011: 01:02 AM EST "The Popularity Issue" list published by Bloomberg Businessweek presents the bestselling, as well as the fastest-selling, brands and products, and includes lots of trivia. For example, Nescafe is the most popular brand of coffee in the world, with about 3,000 cups consumed every second, Microsoft sold more than 8 million Xbox Kinect units in 60 days after the videogame motion control system was released; the Nissan Leaf can go 73 miles before the battery needs recharging; and Levi's 501 is the most popular jeans. Anna Rudenko, "Bloomberg Businessweek: America’s Most Popular Brands in Numbers", Popsop, August 15, 2011, © Popsop Ltd.

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CEO Aims For A Stronger, More Competitive Unilever August 15, 2011: 12:58 AM EST Unilever PLC CEO Paul Polman has overhauled his company's management structure, reorganized the "innovation team" that develops new products and production processes, and implemented a major cost-cutting campaign as he seeks to double sales and reduce Unilever's environmental footprint. The economic slowdown that began in 2008 helped Polman in implementing changes at Unilever, which is forecast to grow its sales from €39.8 billion in 2009 to more than €45 billion in 2011. Polman has continued his predecessor Patrick Cescau's "One Unilever" campaign to unify and rationalize the company's workforce and address issues created by Unilever's history as a collection of merged companies, particularly the lack of centralized management. Polman aims to enhance Unilever's ability to compete with rival Procter & Gamble, his former employer. PAUL SONNE, "Rebuilding a Greener Unilever", Wall Street Journal, August 15, 2011, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc

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P&G Employees Volunteer For National Service Day Activities August 12, 2011: 10:18 PM EST Procter & Gamble brand leaders and more than 500 North America marketing employees participated in the annual P&G North America Marketing Service Day by helping repair and build baseball and softball fields and paint interior spaces at facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio. At North College Hill community, volunteers created a new community center for residents. The Cincinnati Reds baseball organization participated as well, building a new softball field, repairing and landscaping other fields and sprucing up locker rooms and offices. More than 200 other P&G employees volunteered at ten additional community sites in Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, Florida, Minnesota, New York, California and Puerto Rico. "P&G Employees Across the Country Participate in A Day of Service to Help Improve Their Local Communities", News release, Procter & Gamble, August 12, 2011, © Procter & Gamble

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P&G’s 4th Quarter Profit Per Share Grows 18 Percent August 5, 2011: 10:07 PM EST Procter & Gamble reported fourth quarter earnings of $0.84 a share, an increase of 18 percent, “driven by sales growth and operating margin expansion.” For the fiscal year, earnings were $3.93 a share, up 11 percent thanks to sales growth and a lower effective tax rate. Net sales grew 10 percent to $20.9 billion for the fourth quarter and five percent to $82.6 billion for the fiscal year. CEO Bob McDonald said the growth in earnings per share, plus five percent growth in organic sales (excluding the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign exchange) were “delivered … in a challenging environment.” The company said volume growth was led by high single-digit growth in baby care and family care. "P&G Reports Fourth Quarter Eps Of $0.84, Up 18% Versus Year-Ago", Press release, Procter & Gamble, August 05, 2011, © Procter & Gamble

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Procter & Gamble Increases Global Advertising Despite Weak Economy August 5, 2011: 11:35 PM EST Procter & Gamble Co. added $700 million, or 8 percent, to its global advertising budget, which reached $9.3 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011. A sluggish economy and rising commodity prices made this ad spending more significant, setting unprecedented records in terms of value and in share of sales (11.3 percent) for P&G. The company performed better than Wall Street forecasts for sales and earnings per share, with organic sales growing 5 percent for the fourth quarter and 4 percent for the year. P&G plans to increase its ad spending in line with sales which are expected to grow 5 percent to 9 percent. Jack Neff, "P&G Hikes Ad Spending to Record Levels", Advertising Age, August 05, 2011, © Crain Communications

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Consumer Research And Targeted Marketing Help Western Consumer Goods Companies Flourish In Russia August 3, 2011: 12:08 AM EST Western consumer packaged goods companies are investing in consumer research to adapt their marketing campaigns to local conditions in Russia. Reckitt Benckiser spends around 12 percent of its $440 million revenue from the former Soviet countries on consumer research and marketing, an investment that helped the company launch a successful advertising campaign for its Calgonit dishwasher tablets after research found that Russian women spend inordinate amounts of time on washing dishes because dishwashers are not common in Russian homes. The company also found success in marketing its Clearasil anti-acne treatment although Russian teenagers had been using soap and water until ten years ago. Unilever signed up Russian celebrity Vera Brezhneva to endorse its Rexona deodorant after research showed majority of Russian women viewed her as their ideal of a perfect woman. Khristina Narizhnaya, "Consumer Companies Teach Western Ways to Russians", The St. Petersburg Times, August 03, 2011, © The St. Petersburg Times

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Marketers Rely On Online Advertising To Help Consumers Find Them On Facebook And Twitter August 3, 2011: 01:48 AM EST Consumer packaged goods companies are learning that promoting their Facebook and Twitter accounts in online ads, especially within the ad so users do not need to click away from the site they are on, leads to higher response rates. For example, Mrs. Meyers recently ran an online ad that posted consumer-interaction data much better than the industry's average figures, with 35 of every 1,000 online users clicking the ad's Learn More button, which leads to the brand's Web site, about 35x the average rate. Hyperlink seller Kontera designed an online ad for Kraft that highlights the food company's promotion deal with the TV program "Glee." Adding Facebook and Twitter content transforms online ads into something more alive, according to marketing expert and author Andy Smith. ANDREW ADAM NEWMAN, "Brands Now Direct Their Followers to Social Media", New York Times, August 03, 2011, © The New York Times Company

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Unilever To Exit Food Market, Buy Home Care Company, Reports Say August 2, 2011: 03:06 AM EST Analysts believe that Unilever plans to sell its food division to finance reported plans to acquire a home and personal care company. Such an acquisition would help improve the company's performance in the stock market, where concerns about skyrocketing materials costs and declining consumer spending have hammered Unilever shares recently. Letting go of its food unit will enhance the company's growth potential, while an acquisition in the home care segment will strengthen the company's profile in that category. Some investment analysts advise clients to buy shares of Unilever, which is reportedly looking at Reckitt Benckiser as a potential takeover target. Nick Fletcher , "Unilever tipped for possible €14bn sale of its food business to fund home and personal care deal", Guardian.co.uk, August 02, 2011, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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Studies Show National Brands Continue To Outshine Private Labels In Retail August 1, 2011: 02:08 AM EST Private labels are growing but consumers are returning to their favorite brands, according to SymphonyIRI Group's MarketPulse survey which found that while 46% of consumers were giving up their favorite brand to save money in 2010, that figure is down to 38% today. Also, results of the 2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend reveal that consumer perceptions of CPG brands recovered following a decline in 2009. National brands have been helped by innovation and efforts to keep their products fresh and relevant. For example, ConAgra’s introduction of Marie Callender’s Bakes brought 12% more buyers to the frozen multi-serve category and increased the buy rate by 18%. Craig Levitt, "The power of brands", Grocery Headquarters Magazine, August 01, 2011, © Grocery Headquarters Magazine

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Grape-Derived Polyphenols Protect Skin From Harmful Effects Of UV Radiation July 29, 2011: 06:43 PM EST A study by Spanish scientists has found that certain polyphenol compounds (flavonoids) extracted from grapes can reduce the formation of “reactive oxygen species” (ROS) in human skin cells exposed to long-wave (UVA) and medium-wave (UVB) ultraviolet radiation. UV rays activate ROS compounds, which in turn oxidize macromolecules such as lipids and DNA and stimulate certain reactions leading to cell death. The polyphenols in grapes, however, inhibit formation of ROS compounds, thus protecting the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. The scientists say their findings support the use of grapes or grape derivatives in sun protection products. Cecilia Matito, et al., "Protective Effect of Structurally Diverse Grape Procyanidin Fractions against UV-Induced Cell Damage and Death", Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, July 29, 2011, © American Chemical Society

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Hindustan Unilever Posts Strong Quarterly Financial Performance July 28, 2011: 02:00 AM EST Noting that it continued to focus on buying efficiencies, cost savings and return on marketing investments in the quarter ended in June,  Hindustan Unilever Limited reported that profit before interest and tax grew by 11.3 percent. Net profit was Rs. 6.27 billion ($142 million), an increase of 18 percent. The domestic consumer business grew by 15 percent, driven by 8.3 percent growth in underlying volume growth. The home and personal care business grew by 15.4 percent, with soaps and detergents delivering strong growth, ahead of the market. Growth in personal products reached 19.4 percent, underpinned by strong volumes. And the foods business grew 14.9 percent with strong performance in both beverages and packaged foods. "Hindustan Unilever Limited – Results for June Quarter 2011", Press release, Unilever, July 28, 2011, © Unilever

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Avon Reports Healthy 2nd Quarter Sales, Profit Growth July 28, 2011: 01:41 AM EST Avon Products reported second-quarter operating profit of $317 million, an increase of 19 percent from last year, on revenue of $2.9 billion, up nine percent from last year. The operating margin was 11.1 percent, up 100 basis points year over year, and adjusted operating profit was up six percent. Constant-dollar sales rose two percent in the second quarter as foreign exchange contributed seven percent to growth. CEO Andrea Jung said the company expects mid-single digit revenue growth in the second half of this year, driven by a “major global field activation program” in conjunction with its 125th anniversary. Beauty sales increased eight percent year over year (one percent in constant dollars). Fragrance and personal care grew 11 percent, color eight percent, and skincare three percent. "Avon Reports Second-Quarter 2011 Results", Avon, July 28, 2011, © Avon Products, Inc.

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Groupon Partners With Unilever To Offer Discounts On Ice Cream Products July 28, 2011: 02:37 AM EST Groupon and Incentive Targeting are partnering with SuperValu and Unilever to bring social buying to grocery shopping in Chicago, Ill. Unilever becomes the first consumer packaged goods company to allow consumers to buy certain ice cream products through Groupon at a 40 percent discount and pick them up at a neighborhood grocery store. For the Unilever "Summer of Ice Cream" program offer, a shopper purchases the deal on Groupon.com and enters a Jewel-Osco Preferred Customer Card number. Once the Groupon purchase is complete, the deal value is digitally loaded onto the shopper's loyalty card. When the shopper purchases ice cream at a Jewel-Osco store and scans the Preferred Customer Card at check-out, the deal is automatically credited on the bill. "Groupon and Incentive Targeting Launch Groupons for Grocery in Chicago", News release, Groupon, July 28, 2011, © Groupon

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Brands Are Not Among Teenagers' Facebook Friends. Yet July 24, 2011: 10:52 PM EST A study revealed that UK teenagers have little enthusiasm for interacting with brands on Facebook, with 31% saying they'd prefer no brand engagement.  Of the remaining 69% that is (at least somewhat) willing to have brand interaction, keeping informed was the most popular way (81%), with brands using some form of entertainment identified as the preferred route. Teenagers did say they like taking part in online competitions, having discount offers, and having pre-launch access to new products. One caution for brands is that 'talking to me like a real person' ranked highly, underlining the need for appropriate and authentic interactions. "Amaze Generation: A long-term study of today’s digital generation", Amaze, July 24, 2011, © Amaze plc

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Deodorant Brand Hopes To End A Burgeoning “Stinky Behavior" Pattern July 22, 2011: 03:10 AM EST Procter & Gamble deodorant brand Secret has launched a supportive Facebook community to help women stand up to what it calls “stinky behavior”: bullying. The “Mean Stinks” program involves the participation of several partners, including actress Amber Riley of the TV show Glee, relationship expert Rachel Simmons, and PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Secret's program is based on data collected from a survey of 1,000 women ages 16-21 that showed that bullying extends beyond grade school and has intensified with the explosion of cyber-bullying. Forty-eight percent of college-age students have experienced or have witnessed bullying or mean behavior at college or in the work environment, the survey found. "Secret Deodorant Partners With Glee's Amber Riley To Take A Stand Against Bullying", Procter & Gamble, July 22, 2011, © Procter & Gamble

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Natura Cosméticos Of Brazil Posts 8.6 Percent Hike In Revenues July 20, 2011: 02:51 AM EST Brazilian cosmetics and personal care company Natura Cosméticos S.A. Posted a second quarter profit of R$188.1 million ($121 million) on revenue of R$1,393.6 ($897 million), a revenue increase of 8.6 percent. The company said it gained 46 basis points in market share in its core market in Brazil during the first four months of the year, reaching a 25.4 percent share, its highest level. For the first six months of the year, gross revenues increased internationally by 36.6 percent year-on-year in weighted local currency. The company also reported that its consultant base grew to 1.1 million in Brazil, up 15.6 percent by the end of the period. "Natura Cosméticos 2Q11", Natura Cosméticos, July 20, 2011, © Natura Cosméticos

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Recession, Better Quality Helped Boost Sales Of U.S. Private Label Brands July 20, 2011: 02:52 AM EST Sales of private label brands in the U.S. grew 1.8 share points from end of 2007 to account for 22.3 percent of the retail market by end of 2008. Store brands benefited from better quality and reputation and from consumers' search for ways to save as they deal with the effects of the Great Recession of 2008–2009. Nielsen research reveals 75 percent of consumers see store brands as a good substitute for national brands. Since the end of 2008, however, growth in market shares of food, drug, and mass store brands has remained flat, with national brands accounting for a commanding 78 percent of consumer packaged goods sales. To further grow their store brands, retailers need to increase their product variety, maintain the affordability of their products, emphasize quality, and develop robust brand equity. They should also connect with younger consumers without losing their appeal to older customers. Todd Hale, "U.S. Store Brands Have Room to Grow", Nielsenwire, July 20, 2011, © The Nielsen Company

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Unilever Begins Construction Of Unilever Four Acres In Singapore July 19, 2011: 03:21 AM EST Unilever held a ground-breaking ceremony for the Unilever Four Acres, the company's proposed global leadership development center in Singapore. The company said the planned center highlights Unilever's commitment to emerging markets, particularly in Asia, which accounts for more than half of the company's total turnover. Unilever expects the center to help the company develop a global pool of management talent and help fuel its growth efforts. Magz Osborne, "Unilever breaks ground in Singapore", Campaign Singapore, July 19, 2011, © Campaign Singapore

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North America's CPG Manufacturers Relied More On Promotions In 2010 July 19, 2011: 02:49 AM EST Manufacturers of consumer packaged goods (CPGs) in North America used promotions, such as coupons and in-store deals, to sell almost a quarter of their goods in 2010, according to a study by Terra Technology. Use of promotions remained below typical levels, which are 30 percent to 50 percent of volume; however, the volume of CPGs sold during promotions grew 80 percent from year-ago levels. Also, the total volume of CPGs sold from promotions grew from 13 percent to 23 percent of the overall volume of goods. The economic slowdown seemed to have encouraged consumers to look for deals, driving the increase in use of promotions. Jessica Wohl, "Consumer goods promotions skyrocketed in 2010-study", Reuters, July 19, 2011, © Thomson Reuters

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Bramton's Simple Solution Adds New Scents July 19, 2011: 05:13 AM EST Pet care brand Simple Solution (Bramton Company) has introduced pro-bacteria and enzyme packed Stain + Odor Remover in new scents, Rainforest Fresh and Spring Breeze. The product line  offers an odor-removing system designed to discourage pets from repeat marking, leaving only clean and fresh scents behind. According to the company, Simple Solution Stain and Odor Remover products break down organic proteins to remove unwanted stains. They are formulated to renew carpets, upholstery, bedding, fabric toys, clothing and any water-safe surfaces and are safe for use around pets and children. "Simple Solution Introduces New Rainforest Fresh and Spring Breeze Scented Stain + Odor Remover", EON Businesswire, July 19, 2011, © Business Wire

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AMBI Skincare Partners With Mikki Taylor In Marketing Campaign July 14, 2011: 12:36 AM EST Johnson & Johnson brand AMBI Skincare has joined with beauty expert Mikki Taylor in a marketing initiative designed to “empower, inspire and celebrate women of color”  and provide tools and resources needed “to feel beautiful inside and out.” Taylor has for many years served as beauty and cover director of Essence magazine. The campaign includes an AMBI  Facebook segment featuring live chats with Taylor, providing fans “like” the AMBI brand. In addition, women can post personal stories and words of inspiration on the page. Women will also be able to interact with Taylor through "meet & greet" events around the country. At these events, “Taylor will inform and further inspire a generation of proud, flawless females,” the company said. "Introducing a New Partnership", Press release, Johnson & Johnson, July 14, 2011, © Johnson & Johnson

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RB Group Names New Investor Relations Head July 14, 2011: 12:46 AM EST Reckitt Benckiser Group plc has named Richard Joyce as the new investor relations director, effective 1 September 2011, and will report to CFO Liz Doherty. Joyce, who joined RB from PriceWaterhouse Coopers in 2002, has been directing financial reporting for the Group for three years. Prior to that, he was finance director of the RB Nordic region and senior manager of internal audits at RB. The company said that Tom Corran, who retired from the RB investor relations role in 2008, will return as a part-time consultant for part of the year to help ease Joyce’s transition to the new position. "Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC appoints new Investor Relations Director", News release, Reckitt Benckiser, July 14, 2011, © Reckitt Benckiser Group plc

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P&G Recalls Possibly Contaminated Mouthwash In Four Western Hemisphere Countries July 14, 2011: 12:44 AM EST Procter & Gamble Co. has announced a recall of its Oral B mouthwash product in Mexico, Canada, Colombia and Chile because of potential microbial contamination at a production facility in Colombia. Two varieties of the mouthwash were recalled in Canada, followed by 600,000 bottles in Mexico. The company said it discovered the problem during an inspection at the Colombian plant. It also said there have been no reports of illness due to the possible contamination problem. "Oral B mouthwash pulled in Mexico on safety worry", The Associated Press, July 14, 2011, © The Associated Press

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SC Johnson Settles Lawsuits Over Use Of Greenlist Logo On Windex Products July 8, 2011: 02:45 AM EST As part of a settlement of two lawsuits, SC Johnson announced it has agreed to stop using its Greenlist logo on Windex products. The federal suits were brought by two people who claimed that the company did not make clear that the green rating system used to justify the logo was an internal system, and not from an independent third party. They also complained that the company implied that Windex products contained environmentally friendly ingredients. SC Johnson said it settled because “in retrospect we could have been more transparent about what the logo signified.” The company said its Greenlist rating system is “a fundamentally sound and excellent process” and it didn’t want consumers to be confused by the logo use on one product. "SC Johnson Settles Cases Involving Greenlist™ Labeling", Press release, SC Johnson, July 08, 2011, © S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

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P&G Sues German Dishwashing Liquid Maker Over Bottle Shape, Appearance July 8, 2011: 02:40 AM EST A German private-label manufacturer of hand dishwashing liquids illegally sold dishwashing detergents under the Magnum brand in bottles that duplicated the “shape and overall appearance” of Procter & Gamble’s Fairy brand, a market leader in the U.K., according to a lawsuit filed by P&G. The company claims that Luhns GmbH of Düsseldorf, Germany, violated P&G's intellectual property by selling the detergents to a retailer in the U.K. P&G says it welcomes competition from other detergent makers, but wants to make sure consumers are not confused by the “presentation” of competing products in the marketplace. "Procter & Gamble File Lawsuit Against Luhns GmbH, Germany", Press release, Procter & Gamble, July 08, 2011, © Procter & Gamble

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CPG Companies Withdrawing Their Advertising Money From News of the World Following Phone-Hacking Revelations July 6, 2011: 11:27 PM EST UK consumer packaged goods companies including Procter & Gamble, Tesco, Asda, and Coca-Cola GB, as well as telecom companies Orange and Vodafone plan to withdraw their advertising from the News of the World following revelations of phone hacking by the tabloid. Other companies, such as mobile service providers 3, T-Mobile, and O2, are reviewing their advertising deals with the tabloid as public outcry grows over the phone-hacking revelations. Advertisers' withdrawals are having a negative impact on News of the World's annual advertising revenue, estimated at £38 million. Mark Sweney, "Procter & Gamble, Asda and Tesco consider pulling News of the World ads", Guardian, July 06, 2011, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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Johnson & Johnson Becomes Official Healthcare Sponsor Of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil July 7, 2011: 01:11 AM EST Johnson & Johnson announced it will be the eighth and final global sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. The deal makes the company the exclusive and official healthcare sponsor of the tournament, and will include exclusive global marketing rights across their consumer, medical devices and diagnostics and pharmaceutical businesses. The arrangement applies to the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and 2014 FIFA World Cup. Under the engagement, Johnson & Johnson will provide access to its products and services – including vision, oral, sun, skin and wound care products – and “encourage healthier lifestyles for football fans around the world.” "Johnson & Johnson Announces Global Sponsorship Of The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™", Press release, Johnson & Johnson, July 07, 2011, © Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.

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TV Campaign To Prove How Febreze Transforms The Air In Various “Odor Scenarios” July 7, 2011: 01:26 AM EST Procter & Gamble has launched a new TV ad campaign for its Febreze air freshener brand whose goal is to prove to “real people around the world” that Febreze is capable of transforming the air so they can “breathe happy.” The Breathe Happy campaign will show that  Febreze replaces odor with freshness in extreme odor experiments. Basing the campaign on market research findings that scent and smell are the first thing Americans notice when they walk into a room, the ads will show people’s reaction to different “odor scenarios” in everyday environments like hotels, restaurants, etc. They will then be shown how Febreze transforms the air for the better. "New Febreze Campaign Helps Real People Breathe Happy No Matter What", Press release, Procter & Gamble, July 07, 2011, © Procter & Gamble

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Consumption Maintains Growth Mode In India As Multinationals Shift Focus To Emerging Markets July 5, 2011: 02:58 AM EST Consumption will grow 14% in India over the next three years, according to Ambit Capital Research's "Indian Consumer: a robust operator in an uncertain world" report. Multinational companies recognize India's growth potential, as they shift their business focus from mature markets in Europe and the United States to Asia-Pacific and Latin America. For example, McDonald's India is expected to increase its contribution to McDonald's Corp.'s global business from 0.37% to 0.5%, while Unilever expects emerging markets to account for 70%-75% of its global revenue by 2020, up from the current 56%. India is playing an increasing role in multinationals' manufacturing operations, as well as in innovation. Ratna Bhushan, "Indian consumption to grow 14% in 3 years: Study", Economic Times, July 05, 2011, © Times Internet Limited

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Strong Demand For Anti-Aging Skin Care Products Bolsters Beauty And Personal Care Industry July 4, 2011: 12:44 AM EST Premium beauty product sales rebounded strongly in 2010, driving the recovery of the global beauty and personal care industry. Also fueling the recovery was “dynamic innovation activity” in skin care, the largest market category, Natural Products Insider reports. The category is expected to grow three percent a year to $100 billion in sales by 2015, one fourth of which will come from sales of anti-aging products. Thanks to the focus on innovation, technically advanced skin care formulations based on stem cell technology and aesthetic medicine are showing up in new cosmeceutical products. A major disappointment, however, has been the slow start of nutricosmetics products, which have not yet surmounted the skepticism of consumers. Irina Barbalova and Ewa Hudson, "Opportunities for Cosmeceuticals", Natural Products Insider, July 04, 2011, © Virgo Publishing, LLC

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Facebook Campaign Lets Brazilian Consumers See Unilever's Caring Side June 30, 2011: 12:46 AM EST Unilever's "Cada gesto conta" Facebook campaign has succeeded in promoting a socially responsible image for the company and its products in Brazil, according to social media monitoring company WaveMetrix. Brazilian consumers have come to see the company as ethical and caring, thanks to Facebook discussions about health and nutrition topics. WaveMetrix's analysis reveals that 79% of online discussion refers to Unilever as an ethical brand; 13% portrays Unilever as caring; and 8% sees the company as relevant. Leonie Bulman , "Unilever’s ethical campaign engages Brasilians with health and nutrition", WaveMetrix, June 30, 2011, © WaveMetrix Limited

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EA’s Playfish Social Game To Feature P&G Paper Towel Brand June 30, 2011: 12:08 AM EST Electronic Arts Inc. announced it is working with Procter and Gamble to feature Bounty paper towel products in EA’s Playfish Restaurant City, a social game in which players create and manage virtual restaurants and use their Facebook friends as waiters and chefs. Under the new collaboration, players will be able to use Bounty products to enhance their Restaurant City gameplay experience and interactions with friends, the company said. The Bounty products will be used in “in fun and relevant ways,” including “product centric in-game challenges.” Acquired by EA in 2009, Playfish is the world’s No. 2 publisher of social games on Facebook with titles like Pet Society, FIFA Superstars and Madden NFL Superstars. "EA Launches Procter and Gamble’s First Social Gaming Campaign in Playfish Social Game Restaurant City", Press release, Electronic Arts, June 30, 2011, © Electronic Arts

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Indian FMCG Companies' Margins Benefit From Lower Palm Oil Prices June 28, 2011: 12:25 AM EST Lower prices of palm oil offer India's fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies Hindustan Unilever and Godrej Consumer Products some relief from dropping margins. Profit margins of FMCG companies suffered from soaring prices of palm oil, a key ingredient in soap manufacturing, and other raw materials in 2010, with palm oil prices reaching record levels in February. However, prices have dropped about 18% to a seven-month low in June because of increasing inventories, expanding supplies, and falling crude oil prices. Palm oil makes up 16%-17% of HUL's total raw material costs, and 25%-28% for Godrej Consumer. Nachiket Kelkar, "Palm oil price fall to ease HUL, Godrej's margin pressures", Moneycontrol.com, June 28, 2011, © e-Eighteen.com Ltd

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Beiersdorf Replaces Pinger With Gusko As Brand Realignment Continues June 23, 2011: 12:48 AM EST German cosmetics company Beiersdorf AG has appointed 22-year company veteran Ralph Gusko as the executive in charge of brands and supply chain, replacing Markus Pinger, who will leave the company at the end of June. Gusko is currently general manager, Northern Europe. The appointment is part of a major brand realignment process launched under Executive Board Chairman Thomas-B. Quaas in mid-2010. The first phase of the realignment process was completed with the launch of the new NIVEA brand campaign “100 Years Skin Care for Life.” Gusko’s mission will be to further implement the brand realignment. "Beiersdorf: New Executive Board Member Responsible for Brands to Lead Next Phase of Realignment", Press release, Beiersdorf, June 23, 2011, © Beiersdorf AG

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Clearasil To Use Social Media Campaign To Boost Awareness Of The Skin Care Brand June 22, 2011: 03:15 AM EST Reckitt Benckiser announced that skin care brand Clearasil has launched a summer-long marketing campaign targeting young adults using online and integrated experiences and leveraging the "summer break" and "back to school" themes “for impactful and exciting consumer communication.” The "Rock Your Skin" campaign is designed to boost conversations that expand the brand experience using music and Facebook. The campaign launches with a “Rock Your Skin” Facebook application on the Clearasil brand page that features a sweepstakes that will send two winners to an all-expenses paid trip to the Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago with free 3-day passes to the Lollapalooza Music Festival in August.  "Clearasil Introduces "Rock Your Skin" Summer Campaign", Press release, Reckitt Benckiser, June 22, 2011, © Reckitt Benckiser

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