As the U.S. economy continues to improve, consumer confidence has been on the rise, which would typically indicate growth for consumer packaged goods manufacturers as well. However, according to a new Hot Topic Report from Acosta, a sales and marketing agency in the CPG industry, unit sales are flat across most categories, and trade promotions continue to decline as a key factor in driving incremental volume. This decline leads to more unprofitable sales for manufacturers. Despite this, CPG manufacturers continue to allocate an average of 15 percent to 20 percent of gross sales to trade promotion.

Walmart has launched its first campaign to fight hunger and aims to provide 75 million meals through food banks.

In its quest to slake the world's thirst, Coca-Cola is intent on making milk a billion-dollar brand. But not just any kind of milk. Coke has joined forces with a dairy cooperative to create Fairlife, which produces a filtered, high-protein, low-sugar, lactose-free designer milk also called Fairlife.

Ninety-nine percent of consumers who take delivery of online orders in brick-and-mortar stores are pleased with the experience, according to a recent survey. Twenty-nine percent said the option is why they placed the order in the first place.

The electronic air waybill (eAWB) has arrived. But certain air freight forwarders and carriers are still holding on to the paper version for dear life.