Reynolds had been seeking expansion possibilities in the consumer products industry where its marketing skills and huge cash flow could best be put to work. Although hugely profitable, Reynolds' tobacco operations were being attacked by soaring taxes and consumers' declining interest in smoking. The acquisition of Heublein was only part of a group of companies Reynolds acquired during the late 1970s and early 1980s, including Del-Monte Corp. in 1979, Canada Dry and Sunkist Soft Drinks in 1984, and Nabisco Brands in 1985.