ConAgra Stocks Up On Generics by Thom Forbes

After more than a year in the kitchen, Omaha, Neb.-based ConAgra has finally cooked up a generic deal palatable to Ralcorp -- about $6.8 billion in cold cash. The acquisition, which comes after Carl Icahn protg and Corvex management founder Keith Meister joined the Ralcorp board last month and reportedly agitated for a deal, creates the largest private label manufacturer in North America. ...Read the whole story

  • retail Aldi Stretches Brand Promise For Hunger Challenge by Sarah Mahoney

    The limited-assortment grocery store that aims to win shoppers over by stretching their food budgets has found a clever way to stretch its giving, too. Teaming up with McCann WorldGroup, the chain has tapped Detroit-area art students to compete in its "Art Over Hunger" challenge. ...Read the whole story

  • research Gen X Genders Generally Congenial To Germane Ads by Karl Greenberg

    While Gen X is a smaller group than the demographics that bookend it, they are valuable because of the affluence and purchase habits. Ignore them at your own risk. Nielsen zeros in on consumption habits of a cohort oriented to technology, affluence and brand loyalty. ...Read the whole story

  • beverages Coke's Christmas Spot Features Giant Santa Puppet by Karlene Lukovitz

    This year's Christmas TV ad from Coca-Cola focuses primarily on a giant Santa Claus marionette - something of a departure from recent years' ads (like 2010's "Snow Globes" and last year's "Shake Up Christmas" spots), which stuck with human personifications of Santa. ...Read the whole story

  • entertainment Survey Finds Consumers Down With OTT by Aaron Baar

    According to a new survey by Accenture, half of consumers in the U.S. are viewing so-called "over-the-top" content through a broadband connection on their TV screens, in addition to the programming they're watching through their cable or satellite provider. ...Read the whole story

  • financial services M&T Bank Offers Custom Check Cards by Tanya Irwin

    M&T Bank is offering customers the new option of custom check card designs. Whether it's a photo of a family pet, a favorite vacation spot or a child's art project, customers are in control of their own card design. ...Read the whole story

  • Ad Industry Asks Supreme Court To Hear Tobacco Marketing Case by Wendy Davis

    Three advertising trade groups are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to agree to hear an appeal by tobacco companies that is challenging restrictions on cigarette marketing. ...Read the whole story

  • q&a A Holistic Approach To Creativity by Ken Beaulieu

    To differentiate its brands in a highly competitive industry, Fisher-Price maintains a laser-like focus on creativity and innovation. Lisa Mancuso, who will speak at the ... ...More

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