date:Dec 21, 2012
ate by 1 point. Foreign currency exchange had no impact on the rate of net sales growth in the quarter. Gross margin was above year ago levels.
Total marketing spending in the quarter was weighted toward in-store promotional support for established brands and new product introductions; advertising and media expense was below strong year-ago levels. Total segment operating profit increased 10 percent to $959 million. Second-quarter net earnings attributable to General Mills grew to $542 million