Cannondale Associates has announced that Wal-Mart and Kraft Foods were at the top of the market research firm's 2002 Power Rankings study. The annual study reports on how retailers and manufacturers rate each other in areas such as strategy, service and profitability.
Wal-Mart maintained its position at the top of the retailer rankings, increasing its lead over Safeway, the second highest rated company. Target placed third in the survey.
Kraft Foods displaced Procter & Gamble from atop Cannondale's rankings this year. General Mills and Coca-Cola followed P&G in the manufacturer evaluation.
Moderator's Comment: What are retailers and manufacturers looking for from one another? Does Cannondale's Power Rankings accurately reflect how well (or not) these companies do business?
We'd love to see how these rankings would come out if the amount of business transacted between companies wasn't factored in. Many of those receiving the highest marks are the same that get the greatest criticism when remarks are made off-the-record. [George Anderson - Moderator]