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Cookie & Cracker Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US cookie and cracker manufacturing industry includes about 300 companies with combined annual revenue of about $11 billion. Major companies include Kraft's Nabisco subsidiary, Kellogg's US Snacks Division, Campbell Soup's Pepperidge Farms unit, Snyder's-Lance, Interbake Foods, and Otis Spunkmeyer. The industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies account for more than 90 percent of industry revenue.

SIC: 2052

NAICS: 311821

Sample Questions & Answers

Who are the company's primary competitors?

The cookie and cracker industry competes with a number of other impulse purchases and snacking options, including potato chips, nuts, energy bars, in-store bakery items, fast food, and baking at home. Cookies and crackers are indulgence items that...

How do volatile ingredient prices affect the company?

The price of critical commodity inputs such as wheat flour, shortening, soybean oil, corn sweetener, and chocolate can increase significantly due to poor farm yields, unpredictable weather patterns, high import tariffs, and government farm subsidies.

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Cookie & Cracker Manufacturing Industry Report

Hotels, Motels & Resorts Industry Report

Overview

The US hotel, motel, and resort industry consists of about 40,000 companies that operate about 50,000 properties, with combined annual revenue of about $120 billion. Large US companies include Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham Worldwide. The industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies generate about 45 percent of revenue.

SIC: 7011

NAICS: 721110

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company handle ups and downs in business and leisure travel?

With the possible exception of the luxury segment, the hotel industry is sensitive to the health of the national economy, which affects the number and frequency of business and tourist travelers, the major customer segments. National personal income,...

Which reservation systems are most important to the company's success?

Access to one of several large computer reservation systems is critical to success for most hotels, as a vast majority of bookings is through the large systems. Hotel chains' and travel agencies' proprietary systems now compete with Web-based...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Hotels, Motels & Resorts Industry Report

Wholesale Sector Industry Report

Overview

The wholesale distribution industry in the US includes about 300,000 companies with combined annual sales of about $5 trillion. Large distributors include SYSCO (foods); McKesson (drugs); and Avnet (electronics). Distributors specialize by product. The industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest distributors generate about 25 percent of industry revenue.

SIC: 5012, 5013, 5014, 5015, 5021, 5023, 5031, 5032, 5033, 5039, 5043, 5044, 5045, 5046, 5047, 5048, 5049, 5051, 5052, 5063, 5064, 5065, 5072, 5074, 5075, 5078, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5192, 5193, 5194, 5198, 5085, 5087, 5088, 5091, 5092, 5093, 5094, 5099, 5111, 5112, 5113, 5122, 5131, 5136, 5137, 5139, 5141, 5142, 5143, 5144, 5145, 5146, 5147, 5148, 5149, 5153, 5154, 5159, 5162, 5169, 5171, 5172, 5181, 5182, 5191

NAICS: 424480, 424490, 424510, 424520, 424590, 424610, 424690, 424710, 424720, 424810, 424820, 424910, 424920, 424930, 424940, 424950, 424990, 425110, 423310, 423320, 423330, 423390, 423410, 423420, 423430, 423440, 423450, 423460, 423490, 423510, 423520, 423610, 423620, 423690, 423710, 423720, 423730, 423740, 423810, 423820, 423830, 423840, 423850, 423860, 423910, 425120, 423110, 423120, 423130, 423140, 423210, 423220, 423920, 423930, 423940, 423990, 424110, 424120, 424130, 424210, 424310, 424320, 424330, 424340, 424410, 424420, 424430, 424440, 424450, 424460, 424470

Sample Questions & Answers

How do changes in interest rates affect the company's profits?

Because many distributors finance their inventories, they're sensitive to interest rates. On average, distributors hold inventory equal to 35 days sales, but machinery distributors may hold products for more than 50 days. Food and petroleum product...

How much business has the company lost due to retailers buying directly from manufacturers?

Big retailers like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Costco buy much of their merchandise directly from manufacturers, bypassing distributors. Because they buy in large quantity and operate their own warehouse systems, these retailers don't need distributors.

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Wholesale Sector Industry Report

Information Technology Services Industry Report

Overview

The US information technology (IT) services industry includes about 100,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $290 billion. Major companies include Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Unisys, and the technology consulting arms of IBM and Hewlett-Packard. The computer facilities management segment of the industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 80 percent of revenue. The rest of the industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 50 percent of revenue.

SIC: 7376, 7373, 7371, 7379

NAICS: 541511, 541512, 541513, 541519

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company manage shifts in corporate technology spending?

Because spending for IT services comes mainly from corporation upgrades, much of it can be postponed during economic downturns. A large percentage of annual US capital investment is computer-related, exposing IT spending to economic cycles

How vulnerable is the company to nontraditional competition?

As computer and communication hardware and software become commodity-type products with lower margins, their manufacturers are providing more integration and maintenance services, in competition with traditional IT companies. Often manufacturers,...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Information Technology Services Industry Report

Candy Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US candy manufacturing industry includes about 1,600 companies with combined annual revenue of about $20 billion. Major companies include The Hershey Company, Mars, Tootsie Roll Industries, and Russell Stover Candies. The industry includes three major segments: companies that make chocolate from beans, companies that use purchased chocolate to make candies, and companies that make nonchocolate candy. All three segments are concentrated.

SIC: 2064, 2066

NAICS: 311340, 311330, 311320

Sample Questions & Answers

What raw materials pose the greatest cost problems for the company?

Prices of key raw materials such as cocoa beans, dairy products, and sugar, or sugar substitute, can change without warning. Cocoa bean prices can be volatile due to civil unrest in the key producing region of West Africa. US dairy producers may...

How much is the company affected by import competition?

US imports of chocolate made directly from cocoa beans grew more than 200 percent between 2000 and 2010 to account for about 85 percent of the US market. Nonchocolate candy imports grew about 100 percent during the same period to account for about 20...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Candy Manufacturing Industry Report

Office Supply & Paper Wholesalers Industry Report

Overview

The US office supply and paper wholesale industry includes about 6,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with annual revenue of about $40 billion. Major companies include United Stationers, Unisource, S P Richards (a subsidiary of Genuine Parts), and Quill Corporation (a subsidiary of Staples). The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate more than 60 percent of overall revenue.

SIC: 5112

NAICS: 424120

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company mitigate cyclical demand for office supplies?

Demand for office supplies, including paper, depends strongly on the level of business activity. Demand may grow sharply as businesses stock new offices, but drops when economic activity slows. For example, sales at industry leader United Stationers...

How is the company strengthening profit margins?

With industry gross margins typically around 15 to 20 percent of sales, office supply distributors must operate highly efficient distribution systems. Price competition is very strong. Despite attempts to differentiate themselves by providing faster...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Office Supply & Paper Wholesalers Industry Report

Oilseed Farming Industry Report

Overview

The US oilseed farming industry includes about 300,000 farms with combined annual oilseed revenue of $21 billion. No major companies dominate the industry, which is fragmented.

SIC: 0119, 0116

NAICS: 111120, 111110

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the farm deal with constantly fluctuating oilseed prices?

Oilseed crop prices fluctuate sharply due to demand, acres planted, yield, and inventory levels. In the past 10 years, oilseed prices have varied anywhere from 5 to 40 percent from the previous year. Fluctuations aren't just year-to-year: monthly...

How have increased federal subsidies for corn influenced the farm's crop strategy?

Some US farmers are switching from planting a combination of soybeans and corn to planting only corn. A government mandate to increase ethanol production has led to increased corn subsidies. While soybeans are cheaper to produce than corn, corn...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Oilseed Farming Industry Report

Professional Services Sector Industry Report

Overview

The US professional services industry includes about 770,000 firms with combined annual revenue of more than $1 trillion. Major firms include Booz Allen Hamilton, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Gensler, IBM, Jacobs Engineering Group, Omnicom, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. The industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest firms account for less than 20 percent of revenue.

SIC: 8743, 8999, 0781, 0741, 7335, 4731, 5199, 6541, 7221, 7291, 7311, 7312, 7313, 7319, 7331, 8742, 7336, 7361, 7371, 7373, 7376, 7379, 7389, 7819, 8111, 8711, 8712, 8713, 8721, 8731, 8732, 8734, 8741

NAICS: 541940, 541990, 541110, 541120, 541191, 541199, 541211, 541213, 541214, 541219, 541310, 541430, 541490, 541511, 541512, 541513, 541519, 541611, 541612, 541613, 541614, 541618, 541620, 541690, 541711, 541712, 541720, 541810, 541820, 541830, 541840, 541850, 541860, 541870, 541890, 541910, 541921, 541922, 541930, 541320, 541330, 541340, 541350, 541360, 541370, 541380, 541410, 541420

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the firm adapt to lower demand during economic slowdowns?

Many corporate customers cut outside expenses or delay major projects when profits are low. The revenue of many professional firms dropped during the late 2000s recession; particularly hard-hit were advertising, engineering, and IT services firms.

How does the firm mitigate the risk that customers will sue?

Because of the greater involvement of professional firms in the operations of corporate customers, firms face greater risk of blame or liability if their advice proves faulty. Customers are quicker to blame advisers, and regulators are more likely to...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Professional Services Sector Industry Report

Seasoning & Dressing Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US seasoning and dressing manufacturing industry includes about 600 companies with combined annual revenue of about $17 billion. Major companies include Heinz, Kraft, and McCormick. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies account for more than 70 percent of industry revenue.

SIC: 2035, 2087

NAICS: 311941, 311942

Sample Questions & Answers

What competitive issues is the company facing?

The seasonings and dressing industry is mature and highly competitive. Industry leaders compete for shelf space and customer mindshare. Smaller companies must have a truly compelling product and a willingness to pay for shelf space to be considered...

How does the company manage changes in commodity costs?

Prices for commodity inputs such as soybean oil, high fructose corn syrup, herbs, and spices can increase significantly due to poor farm yields, unpredictable weather patterns, and government farm subsidies. Ingredient prices typically represent the...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Seasoning & Dressing Manufacturing Industry Report

Apparel Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US apparel manufacturing industry includes about 8,000 companies that have combined annual revenue of about $14 billion. Large companies include Levi Strauss, PVH, VF Corporation, and Warnaco. The industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies generate less than 40 percent of revenue. The industry includes knitting mills, but most apparel is cut and sewn.

SIC: 2353, 2341, 2371, 2381, 3021, 3142, 3143, 3144, 3149, 2369, 2339, 2337, 2335, 2331, 2326, 2325, 2323, 2322, 2321, 2311, 2254, 2253, 2252, 2251

NAICS: 315111, 315119, 315191, 315192, 315211, 315212, 315221, 315222, 315223, 315224, 315225, 315228, 315231, 315232, 315233, 315234, 315239, 315291, 315292, 315299, 315991, 315992, 315993, 315999, 316211, 316212, 316213, 316214, 316219

Sample Questions & Answers

How is the company managing competitive pressure from low-priced foreign imports?

About 85 percent of apparel sold in the US is made abroad because of lower labor costs and the high labor content of most products. Imports come from foreign apparel makers, but also from the foreign plants of US and contract manufacturers. Many US...

What steps is the company taking to better compete for the business of large retailers?

Many apparel manufacturers depend on a few customers for most revenue. Large clothing chains account for a large portion of industry sales. The growth of large chains also cuts smaller manufacturers out of large orders because they're unable to...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Apparel Manufacturing Industry Report

Grain Milling Industry Report

Overview

The US grain milling industry includes about 250 companies with combined annual revenue of about $17 billion. Major companies include Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Cargill, ConAgra, General Mills, and Riceland Foods. The industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 90 percent of industry revenue.

SIC: 2034, 2044, 2083

NAICS: 311211, 311212, 311213

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the mill manage highly volatile grain prices?

Grain prices paid by milling companies fluctuate considerably from year to year, due in large part to inconsistencies in wheat supply and demand. Wheat supplies are subject to weather, and poor global harvests can drive up demand for US exports.

How has the company been challenged in responding to consumer diet trends?

Wheat flour accounts for about half of total industry revenue, and consumers can be fickle about their overall wheat intake. Grain mills depend highly on consumer interest in eating wheat-based products like bread, pasta, and cereal. Low-carbohydrate...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Grain Milling Industry Report

Snack Foods Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US snack foods manufacturing industry includes about 500 companies with combined annual revenue of $27 billion. Major companies include PepsiCo's Frito-Lay, Kraft's Nabisco subsidiary, Diamond Foods, Snyder's-Lance, and ConAgra Foods. The industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies account for 90 percent of industry revenue.

SIC: 2068, 2052

NAICS: 311911, 311919

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company limit the risk of volatile commodity prices?

The price of critical commodity inputs such as corn, tree nuts, soybean and cottonseed oil, and potatoes can increase significantly due to poor farm yields, unpredictable weather patterns, and market reactions to government farm subsidies. Tree nuts...

How difficult is raising prices to consumers?

The snack food industry competes with a number of other impulse purchases and snacking options, including cookies, crackers, candy, energy bars, in-store bakery items, fast food, and baking at home. Salty snacks are among the first foods eliminated...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Snack Foods Manufacturing Industry Report

Crop Production Industry Report

Overview

The US crop production industry includes about 1 million farms with combined annual revenue of about $205 billion. Major companies include Dole Food Company, Chiquita Brands International, and Sunkist Growers. Crop farming is the growing and harvesting of field crops such as grain, oilseeds, tobacco, dry beans, potatoes, vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts, and floriculture.

SIC: 0139, 0171, 0172, 0173, 0174, 0111, 0112, 0115, 0116, 0119, 0175, 0179, 0181, 0182, 0131, 0132, 0133, 0134

NAICS: 111998, 111150, 111991, 111940, 111930, 111920, 111910, 111422, 111421, 111419, 111411, 111339, 111336, 111335, 111334, 111333, 111332, 111331, 111320, 111310, 111219, 111211, 111199, 111191, 111160, 111110, 111120, 111130, 111140, 111992

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the farm hedge against volatile crop prices?

Crop prices can vary sharply due to demand, number of acres planted, resulting yield, and inventory levels. The price of corn, soybeans, and many vegetables has fluctuated considerably in recent years, sometimes swinging 10 percent or more in a...

How do government regulations affect the company's operations?

The federal government supports crop production through numerous pricing, conservation, marketing, credit, development, and research programs. Government subsidy programs total around $10 billion to $12 billion annually. The top 10 percent of crop...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Crop Production Industry Report

Fruit & Tree Nut Farming Industry Report

Overview

The US fruit and tree nut farming industry includes about 110,000 farms with combined annual revenue of about $19 billion. Major companies include Dole Food Company, almond cooperative Blue Diamond Growers, the National Grape Cooperative and its Welch's subsidiary, and citrus cooperative Florida's Natural Growers. The industry is concentrated: the top 8 percent of farms generate about 75 percent of revenue.

SIC: 0171, 0174, 0173, 0179, 0175, 0172

NAICS: 111320, 111336, 111335, 111310, 111339, 111331, 111332, 111333, 111334

Sample Questions & Answers

How much do the farm's yield and prices received change year to year?

Fruit and nut crop yields and prices fluctuate sharply due to demand, acres planted, weather conditions, and inventory levels. Some years can produce bumper crops; other times, fruit and nuts are so blemished or damaged that the yield is negligible.

How challenging is finding and keeping seasonal farmworkers?

Most fruit and nut crops must be handpicked by laborers willing to tolerate inconsistent hours, hard work, and low pay. Farm workers can often find jobs offering comparable pay that is much less labor-intensive. Small or remote orchards can have...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Fruit & Tree Nut Farming Industry Report

Seafood Processing Industry Report

Overview

The US seafood processing industry consists of about 550 companies with combined annual revenue of about $10 billion. Major companies include American Seafoods, Bumble Bee Foods, Icicle Seafoods, Starkist, and Trident Seafoods. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 70 percent of revenue. Some companies in the industry engage in seafood distribution as well as processing.

SIC: 2077

NAICS: 311711, 311712

Sample Questions & Answers

How dependent is the company on the success of commercial fishing operations?

Seafood processors depend heavily on the success of commercial fisheries. The challenges that shape commercial fishing - regulations, legislation, changes in fish availability due to overfishing and migratory patterns, and vessel fuel prices - have a...

How do rising fuel costs challenge company profitability?

Seafood processors depend highly on the cost of diesel fuel, as diesel is the primary fuel for powering both fishing vessels and distribution trucks. In times of high fuel prices, commercial fisheries and processors must negotiate an appropriate fuel...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Seafood Processing Industry Report