Smuckers Buying Folgers

Big news this week in the coffee-making business.

Jam and jelly maker J.M. Smucker Co. is expected to reach an all-stock deal later this week to acquire the Folgers coffee business from Procter & Gamble Co.

Folgers, which has a Kansas City plant and has been the nation’s No. 1 ground coffee brand, could bring a price tag of $2 billion or more, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited unidentified sources familiar with the matter in reporting the expected sale.

Uniquely naming the new coffee-producing division appears to be a real challenge for Smuckers management. Combining the Smuckers and the Folgers brand names hasn't produced anything really catchy thus far. Smugers, Folkers, Smolgers and Fmuckers all lack advertising appeal.

Maybe Smuckers will launch a contest to name the new coffee product line.