us consumer staples introduction food processing industry analysis sharon rogers sugar ira ed smith bunty smuckers steve process of converting raw materials into over 10 000 facilities in the 2005 approximately 9 894 1 billion families and individuals disposable income was spent on expenditure mergers & acquisitions stage consolidation as a result maturing domestic market 637 2000 marked highest number 323 m&a decline continued for fifth consecutive period key issues competition health nutrition customer loyalty marketing retail offer safety internationalization brands under pressure due to rising costs spread private labels cost increases are energy material employee benefits label offerings provide retailers distributors with point differentiation from their competitors products made by independent manufacturers according specifications established marketed trademarks that usually owned retailer or distributor consumers can purchase foods beverages at 21 discount compared national