Study Group: Supermarket Experts

GLG News^SM Analyses by this Study Group's Leading Experts(?)

FEMSA, ASSESSING STRATEGIC VALUES IN GLOBAL BEER CONSOLIDATION.

October 1, 2009

Analysis by:Tom Pirko, President,

Analysis of:Mexico's FEMSA SEEN EYEING $9 BILLION BEER MERGER | reuters.com

FEMSA remains a misunderstood asset in the global consolidation of the beer industry.   A transaction will involve numerous strategic considerations andwill depend upon several key factors involving acquirers' balance sheets and plans for development.

Kraft Continues Portfolio Shuffle

September 15, 2009

Analysis by:Rick Shea, President,

Analysis of:Kraft Under Pressure as Bid Value Slips | www.flex-news-food.com

Kraft Foods bid for Cadbury makes a lot of strategic sense and will allow them to increase their growth in international markets.The key to the deal is utilizing Cadbury's extensive distribution and sales network to further drive growth of existing Kraft products.Faced with the likelihood of having to increase the all cash portion of the bid Kraft will be looking at additional brands to divest and help pay for the acquisition.

John Being a Leader!

August 7, 2009

Analysis by:Roger Davidson, Retail Food & Drug Consultant,

Analysis of:Whole Foods boss says he sells a 'bunch of junk' | www.retail-week.com

Six months ago most industry experts and analysts were writing an obituary for Whole Foods. Stock dropped to $7/share and no one had anything good to say about them. Fortunately John Mackey and his team made the adjustments needed to react to the downturn in the economy without damaging their brand and WFMI rebounded to a third quarter that propelled the stock to $29/ share.

Time to Reposition Hills

August 2, 2009

Analysis by:Roger Davidson, Retail Food & Drug Consultant,

Analysis of:Colgate Revenue Misses Estimates on Hill’s, Asia | www.bloomberg.com

Unless Colgate changes their "go-to-market" strategy for the Hill's Science Diet product, I predict they will continue to see sales declines in a category that is very profitable and has significant growth potential. My recommendation is that Colgate seriously consider offering their Hills product to the FDMC channel and follow the route previously taken by Procter & Gamble with Iams. Traditional retailers would welcome their brand and pet specialty would not be likely to drop it.

World Class Packaging

April 2, 2009

Analysis by:Rick Shea, President,

Analysis of:FOOD PACKAGER OF THE YEAR: Packaging a big part of General success | www.foodandbeveragepackaging.com

The use and design of packaging is one of the most critical elements in a supermarket products success.Packaging provides multiple benefits and serves many key objectives for food manufacturers. ---Merchandising:Product must merchandise well and provide consumers with a quick,clean understanding of the product. ---Brand Positioning : Packaging conveys a feel and tone about every product including whether its value orientated or premium. ---Quality :Packaging must obviously protect the quality of any food product and contribute to shelf life in many cases. ---Preparation: Many packages need to provide a quick,cost effective way to prepare the product. ---Informational : All key labeling and nutrition info must be accurately and effectively communicated to the consumer ---Sustainable :Cost efficiency and environmentally friendly are very important to retailers and consumers.

View All GLG News by members of this Study Group