GLG News by CPG Consultants

Kantha ShelkeFounder & ScientistCorvus Blue

Market realization imminent for stevia and Reb A

December 16, 2008

Analysis of:Coke Set to Unveil Natural New Drink | online.wsj.com

The announcement in the Wall Street Journal today that Coke is expected to launch beverages sweetened with stevia derivative rebaudioside A (Reb A), indicates that Coke and Cargill are confident that their self-affirmation GRAS for Reb A is solid and that the FDA will be soon be blessing their notification with a letter of no-objection.  Self-affirmed GRAS may very well make long and drawn out additive petitions a thing of the past.  PureVia and Truvia are well on their way to becoming established brands of Reb A, many more are soon to follow.  

Brian StevensonPrincipalB. Stevenson Associates

Extremely Volatile Commodity Markets Have Changed the Way even Fine Companies are Managed

September 23, 2008

Analysis of:General Mills quarterly profit declines 3.6% | www.marketwatch.com

The basic Agricultural Commodity Markets will remain Volatile as long as the U.S. uses Corn for Fuel and the world continues to experience an emerging middle class in developing countries. Hedging can be a two edged Sword. Companies should manage to margins not markets. It is the Brands that Matter.

Rick SheaPresidentShea Marketing Consulting Inc.

Food Inflation Slows But Is Here To Stay

September 12, 2008

Analysis of:Food Inflation is likely to continue, experts say | www.venturacountystar.com

Commodity inflation appears to have peaked for the short term but long term commodities will continue to rise creating above average food inflation.How food and restaurant companies react will be the key to future price increases.

Charles YoungOwnerTBI Consulting

Altria Buys Maker Of Smokeless Tobacco

September 9, 2008

Analysis of:Altria Buys Maker of Smokeless Tobacco | www.nytimes.com

Altria should be ale to stop premium sales losses by resetting premium pricing. Merger creates strongest Other Tobacco Product co. in the domestic market. Deal should create other mergers in the Tobacco sector

Rick SheaPresidentShea Marketing Consulting Inc.

Food Companies Results Vary Based on Brand Strength

September 9, 2008

Analysis of:Amid turmoil,Big G still making dough | www.startribune.com

As commodity and energy costs continue to rise it has put more pressure on the botton lines of all food companies.Food companies have had to raise prices to offset these increases.However not all food companies are losing share to private label as a result of the price increases.

Kantha ShelkeFounder & ScientistCorvus Blue

There’s Gold in Them Thar Sweet (Stevia) Leaves

June 4, 2008

Analysis of:Gilbert firm set to announce stevia distribution deal | www.eastvalleytribune.com

Wisdom Natural Brands (Gilbert, AZ) began shipping SweetLeaf tabletop sweetener to stores around the nation on June 2.  By being the first in the race for a good-tasting, natural and nationally available stevia-based tabletop, Wisdom Natural Brands (Gilbert, AZ) stands to establish itself as the defacto standard taste for stevia in the minds of consumers.  The first taste – especially when pleasant and good-for-you – is a powerful habit former and has the potential to affect the other sweeteners to follow. 

Kantha ShelkeFounder & ScientistCorvus Blue

How do you say - "The Best Sweet Tasting Stevia Derviative?"

May 19, 2008

Analysis of:Stevia a sweet bet for Cargill | www.twincities.com

Eleven peer-reviewed albeit company-sponsored scientific studies, accepted for publication this week in Food and Chemical Toxicology, signify a significant lead for Coca Cola and Cargill in the natural sweetener race.  The media will have much to say about the new sweetener and so will giant brands like Splenda, Equal and Nutrasweet.  Industry and consumer watchdogs have much to keep them busy too.

Kantha ShelkeFounder & ScientistCorvus Blue

Candy Land Tremors While Giants Dance

May 9, 2008

Analysis of:Mars to Buy Wrigley’s for $23 Billion | www.nytimes.com

The recent Mars Wrigley courtship is sending veritable tremors ripple across candy land.  Cadbury’s and Hershey’s have to quickly figure out their response to the changing topography.  The more agile mid-market sector will find opportunities to advance their businesses while the smaller and keener innovators will likely take advantage of the market confusion to position themselves for the reactive round of acquisitions. 

Kantha ShelkeFounder & ScientistCorvus Blue

Are Organic Foods Recession Proof?

May 1, 2008

Analysis of:US Growers Should Prevent Food Recession | www.thepacker.com

Consumers, companies and investors in the organic sector are concerned about the impact of price increases and the economy.  While companies acknowledge the price increase is eroding their profit margins, they also realize that their consumer base is relatively affluent and strong principle-based loyalty.  Some sectors such as infant formula, baby food, personal care, protein foods (meat, poultry, eggs and milk), cereals, coffee, chocolate, and pet foods (to name a few) are somewhat buffered because their value propositions and associated consumer perceptions and tolerance for price increases. 

Kantha ShelkeFounder & ScientistCorvus Blue

Is Candy Recession Proof?

May 1, 2008

Analysis of:Sweet Deal: Mars and Wrigley Merge | www.brandweek.com

Is Candy Recession Proof?   Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. Executive Chairman Bill Wrigley Jr., and Mars Inc. CEO Paul Michaels, bolstered by Warren Buffet, the Oracle of Omaha, certainly think so.  The two confectionary powerhouses are betting consumers will buy candy and lots of it during down times.    Mars Inc. is buying Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. for about $23 billion in cash.  The deal would marry brands with iconic position in the lives of Americans and candy lovers around the world.  Mars, which owns m&ms and Snickers and Wrigley with Big Red, Juicy Fruit, Eclipse, Orbit, and Extra fit right in Warren Buffett's sweet spot.  The Chicago based family owned gum maker would become a subsidiary of the McLean, Va.-based and family owned Mars.  

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