For anyone who has ever needed a solid recommendation for a local dermatologist, sushi joint, manicurist, or florist, chances are yelp.com has been consulted. That’s why I was eager to attend a recent luncheon hosted by the folks at the San Francisco PR Round Table, where the guest speaker was Vince Sollitto, Communications VP at Yelp, Inc., who spoke about the evolution of Yelp and the power of user-generated content.

The recession affects every aspect of our lives, and in response consumers are cutting back, doing away with, and trading down across the board.  Although consumers are eating at home more, CPG manufacturers can’t afford to sit idle.  Food prices are increasing at their fastest rate in 17 years, and private and store label products are tempting consumers with lower prices and flashier packaging.