January 2013

partner, Symphony Consulting, SymphonyIRI Group

Three years ago, the chain of 1,058 supermarkets based in Lakeland, Fla., installed an inventory replenishment software system that uses sales data and information about upcoming promotions to more accurately predict demand and automatically order appropriate stock.

The new brand, Wild Ophelia, validates Chicago-based Vosges Haut-Chocolat's success in carving a place in the crowded premium chocolate category with its high-quality ingredients infused with exotic blended flavors.

Our efforts are working, and collaboration among CPG trading partners has never been greater. Advancements in innovation, technology and joint business planning have helped our industry serve consumers better, faster and more completely than ever before.

"In grocery, what we're seeing is that increases are driven by inflation," says Patrick O'Brien, lead retail analyst at London-based Verdict Research. "Consumers are spending a bit more, but buying a bit less," he says.

New product development is expected to pick up in 2013, as executives' confidence in the economy improves.