Plunkett's Food Industry Almanac

Introduction

PLUNKETT'S FOOD INDUSTRY ALMANAC, the first edition of our guide to the food field, is designed as a general source for researchers of all types.

The data and areas of interest covered are intentionally broad, ranging from the rise of genetically-modified foods, to the globalization of manufacturers, to an in-depth look at the 300 major firms (which we call "THE FOOD 300") within the many sectors that make up the food and beverage industry, including retailing, distribution, specialty products and much more.

This reference book is designed to be a general source for researchers. It is especially intended to assist with market research, strategic planning, employment searches, contact or prospect list creation (be sure to see the export capabilities of the accompanying CD-ROM that is available to book and eBook buyers) and financial research, and as a data resource for executives and students of all types.

PLUNKETT'S FOOD INDUSTRY ALMANAC takes a rounded approach for the general reader. This book presents a complete overview of the food and beverage field (see "How To Use This Book"). For example, sales trends in the U.S. and abroad are discussed, as well as the power of Wal-Mart in the grocery sector, changes in distribution and new technology within the scope of the industry.

THE FOOD 300 (the actual count is 340 firms) is our unique grouping of the biggest, most successful corporations in all segments of the food industry. Tens of thousands of pieces of information, gathered from a wide variety of sources, have been researched and are presented in a unique form that can be easily understood. This section includes thorough indexes to THE FOOD 300, by geography, industry, sales, brand names, subsidiary names and many other topics. (See Chapter 4.)

Especially helpful is the way in which PLUNKETT'S FOOD INDUSTRY ALMANAC enables readers who have no business background to readily compare the financial records and growth plans of food companies and major industry groups. You'll see the mid-term financial record of each firm, along with the impact of earnings, sales and strategic plans on each company's potential to fuel growth, create new technologies and provide investment and employment opportunities.

No other source provides this book's easy-to-understand comparisons of growth, expenditures, technologies, imports/exports, corporations, research and many other items of great importance. The information within is crucial to people of all types who may be studying this, one of the largest industries in the world today.

By scanning the data groups and the unique indexes, you can find the best information to fit your personal research needs. The best major growth companies are profiled and then ranked using several different groups of specific criteria. Which firms are the biggest employers? Which companies earn the most profits? These things and much more are easy to find.

In addition to individual company profiles, an overview of food technology and its trends is provided. This book's job is to help you sort through easy-to-understand summaries of today's technologies and trends in a quick and effective manner.