Consumer Packaged Goods

NFC Brings Contests, Content to Limited Jameson Whiskey Bottles

March 30, 2017

Jameson Irish Whiskey celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a near field communication (NFC)-enabled system to provide consumer engagement with each of its limited-edition bottles. The whiskey brand, owned by global beverage firm Pernod Ricard, has launched its Limited Edition Bottle 2017, with technology to enable consumers to connect with content about the company and its product, and to be included in a drawing for several prizes specific to Ireland.

Survival of Sears and Kmart Is in Doubt, Owner Warns

March 30, 2017

The New York Times

The corporate owner of Sears and Kmart said last week that there was "substantial doubt" that it could continue operating, as brick-and-mortar stores continue to face challenges in an e-commerce world.

Walmart Aims to Dominate Last-Mile Delivery With Startup Incubator

March 29, 2017

Mobility Buzz

Walmart launched its own startup incubator program in Silicon Valley, with a keen eye on last-mile delivery, according to Mobility Buzz.

How E-Commerce Is Changing Facility Planning and Design

March 29, 2017

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The impact of omnichannel fulfillment requirements and growth of e-commerce have altered the way companies plan and design distribution facilities. The plan and design processes themselves haven't changed as much as the number of variables that must be considered. Today's distribution facilities require greater flexibility to adapt rapidly to changing customer requirements. - Phil Quartel, senior director of operations design, Fortna Inc.

New eBay Offering Guarantees Three-Day Delivery

March 29, 2017

MultiChannel Merchant

eBay is wading into the fast shipping wars, taking on Amazon Prime and Walmart with its new Guaranteed Delivery offering that will launch this summer on its selling platform with more than 20 million eligible items. Shoppers on eBay will also be able to search and filter items by one- and two-day delivery.

Ford's Supply Chain Program On Track to Save Water, Carbon Emissions

March 28, 2017

Environmental Leader

Ford is expanding its program that helps suppliers improve their environmental management, growing the Partnership for A Cleaner Environment (PACE) program company participants to more than 40 in two years.

Bird Flu Outbreak Nation's Worst Since 2015

March 28, 2017

The New York Times

A bird flu outbreak that has led officials to euthanize more than 200,000 animals in three Southern states already is the nation's worst since 2015 and new cases are still popping up, an expert says.

How to Use Data to Compete in the Digital Marketplace

March 27, 2017

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Defining success for retailers today is pretty straightforward: Respond more rapidly and efficiently to customers' demands, at a price they are willing to pay, regardless of order platform or physical location of the products at the time of purchase. - Karl Manrodt, logistics and supply chain management professor, Georgia College and State University, and Mary Holcomb, supply chain management professor, University of Tennessee

Near-Shoring Is No Cure-all for the Traditional American Worker

March 27, 2017

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

The return of manufacturing to the U.S. and Europe from Asia is happening - but not at the pace that proponents of reshoring might hope. And there are some unexpected complications that need to be addressed.

U.S. to Launch Competition for Projects to End Modern Slavery

March 24, 2017

Los Angeles Times

The United States will launch a competition in the coming weeks to find projects that will reduce modern slavery, which by one estimate affects nearly 46 million people around the world, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley announced last week.

Consumer Packaged Goods

The latest supply-chain news, analysis, trends and tools for executives in the consumer packaged goods industry. Learn how consumer packaged goods companies and their suppliers around the world are managing the flow of products across all channels of the enterprise. Experts sound off on forecasting and demand planning, supply-chain visibility, logistics outsourcing, inventory optimization, transportation management, warehouse management, supply-chain security, corporate social responsibility and more.