As we look at the 2006 environment, we see it continuing to be challenging. We wanted to move aggressively to deal with that environment. |
exploring additional pricing actions. |
Higher pricing has impacted volume, both in North America and internationally. |
In the first half of the year, we saw our category growth rates slow down in the U.S. as higher prices impacted consumption. |
The most important opportunities and pressing challenges we face today and going forward demand that we become a more unified, global company. |
We are finding we are getting incremental sales and that has been a big focus of what we do in our new product development. |
We don't want the higher input costs from commodities to prevent us from investing back in our brands. |
We talked to mothers who were buying products for their kids, ... Consumers had told us, `We would like you to restrict your advertising of the products that you sell to kids.' |
We're taking steps that are responsive to societal concerns, while at the same time driving our business results by transforming our portfolio to better align with consumer trends, |