Jeff Hunter, director of consumer insights at General Mills, looks at what we have learned about customer preferences and future business strategy.

We are moving towards a more stable economy, but there are still concerns about the impact of high unemployment levels and the availability of cash to invest in business growth. Jeff presents eight observations:

1. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is still relevant
2. Traditional values still have value
3. We need to source ideas broadly and adapt quickly
4. Innovate
5. Always stay very close to the consumer/customer
6. Be creatively efficient
7. Understand the value proposition and its consequence for the business model
8. Religiously assess what works and does not