Expecting commodity costs to rise between 2% and 3% next year, McDonald's intends to increase prices in the U.S. and Europe after holding tight since late 2009 and, in the process, gaining market share against competitors such as Wendy's/Arby's Group and Burger King, Paul Ziobro reports. "We'll actively look at the opportunities and with some optimism, the economy will get stronger next year and we'll get price increases," CFO Peter Bensen says, without disclosing any details. The Chicago Tribune's Emily Bryson York writes that McDonald's intends to continue building on …

Carl Edwards, one of NASCAR's top drivers, signs a deal to create and market cologne that evokes the "confidant attitude" of racing.

Coca-Cola CEO Muhter Kent says the company's 5% gain in volume sales and 8% revenue improvement during the last quarter are due to brand loyalty, particularly for its flagship. "Coca-Cola remains the No. 1 favorite brand," Kent reports, "and has widened that lead over its nearest competitor; [the] ratio is now 1.6: 1 versus 1.4 in a year-to-date 2008." Coke Zero, Sprite and Fanta also gained volume and Powerade sales surged 30% across the reporting period. The company intends to invest in emerging markets, corporate social responsibility and building brand equity, Kent told analysts during a …

Self-serve frozen yogurt is a hot segment in a retail environment that has otherwise been decidedly chilly, Stacey Vanek Smith reports. There are about 22,000 frozen yogurt stores in the U.S. and more are probably on their way because it can cost less than $10,000 to open shop. But real estate consultant Jim Husted sees a bubble forming. "If you're a successful location, that means three others are coming. It doesn't mean that you've taken over the market, everyone's scared because you're going to beat them." And Technomic analyst Darren Tristano points out that while the …