In a time when everyone is looking for signs that the economy may be approaching greener pastures, Campbell Soup Co. has stated that it expects the economy to become more normal and stable soon. However, the end of tough times may also harm Campbell in the long run, a company that has traditionally benefited from weak economies by specializing in a value product.
 
Campbell, the world’s largest soupmaker, has reported $69 million in earnings for the quarter ended August 2, a significant decline from the $89 million the company pulled in a year ago. All in all, though, Campbell managed to …read more

I have been enjoying the 60 minute reality show, The Next Food Network Star on the Food Channel. The show is down to the last two contestants. The two finalist, Jeffrey and Melissa. I am actually surprised by Melissa’s resiliency. I thought for sure she would be gone after week 2 or 3, but she has risen to the challenge and I actually believe she can beat Jeffrey. The winner of this reality show will get their own Food Channel TV show. That’s a great prize and a pretty good job.
The show began 8 weeks ago with 1o contestants. …read more

Let’s take a break from talking about business today and instead talk about something fun – snacks! I don’t know about you guys, but this week’s been super busy, and I could sure use the break.
Working at home isn’t good for the waistline, if you’re anything like me. I guess the same is true with any office job where you’re sitting most of the day, but when you’re at home and your kitchen is RIGHT THERE…
To help battle the bulge, I’d started stocking my cupboards with healthier snacks. That way, when I do chow down, at least I’m making better …read more

Jim Lee’s economic analysis in APICS’ on-line newsletter (subscribe at www.apics.org) covers several myths. The first two are pretty straight forward. Myth number 3 takes a bit more brain power:
Myth #3: The stagflation of the 1970s will not be repeated because economies today are more immune to the effects of rising energy prices.
Jim does a pretty good analysis of why we experienced stagflation in the ’70s and why we might again. Bottom line is that we are more energy efficient than ever while at the same time we have been increasing our use through behavior like buying large SUVs. He …read more

Jim Lee’s great perspectives on our supposed economic woes are mythologized in APICS’ on-line newsletter (subscribe at www.apics.org). Myth number 2 of 3 is:
Myth #2: With soaring food and energy prices, the official numbers on inflation (around 4 percent) are grossly misleading.
He reveals that food and energy are 6% of typical household budgets so don’t get too bent out of shape. Rather, look at your housing expenses since they are 40 percent of budgets and have stayed flat. This inflation illusion is hyped by the media and ourselves. This isn’t saying that we shouldn’t be concerned- just that the sky is …read more

Jim Lee’s economic analyses in the APICS on-line newsletter are a breath of fresh air. I’ve written about his thoughts before because he strips the discussion down to the facts of the matter. His latest demystifies today’s economy by attacking several myths. Here’s the first:
Myth #1: The consensus is that the world economy is in a recession and that U.S. government officials are either cooking the books or simply in a state of denial.
He explains that low consumer confidence is largely unfounded. Gross domestic product (GDP) indicates growth on par with same quarter last year. He suggests watching GDP, business …read more