September 20, 2024

When it comes to global commodities like coffee beans, even the slightest change in the environment or the economy can drastically change prices and supplies. That’s what happened in 2021 when a sudden and severe frost in Brazil destroyed 500,000 acres of coffee plantations, sending prices for unroasted coffee beans soaring. The extensive damage reduced the country’s coffee production by more than 10 million bags annually for three consecutive years. Brazil is the world’s largest producer of Arabica beans, the Continue reading

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September 12, 2024

Although wine corks might seem like simple items, the video below shows why they’re anything but. Along with examining the production and manufacturing processes around cork, this lengthy video also explains how one company uses it to produce everything from flooring to footwear.

Questions:

  1. What are cork companies like Amorim doing to address the shortage of skilled laborers needed for bark harvesting? 
  2. How did Amorim diversify its operations after a fungi infection nearly destroyed its cork stopper business?
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September 6, 2024

Although summertime is drawing to a close and jack-o-lanterns are already starting to appear, meteorologists say that most of the country can still expect plenty of hot days to come. And when the temperature is high, there’s nothing quite like ice cream to stay cool. That’s why for nearly a century, ice cream trucks have roamed neighborhoods across the country serving customers of all ages looking to beat the heat. 

In 1926 Good Humour became the first brand to Continue reading

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August 29, 2024

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought the restaurant industry to a standstill as countless kitchens closed and diners largely remained at home. But that didn’t stop some entrepreneurs from finding opportunities in this chaotic situation. The video below breaks down the boom of “pop-up” restaurants that flourished during the pandemic thanks to low overhead and mobile setups that met customers closer to where they lived. 

Questions: 

  1. How did the pandemic change the restaurant industry?
  2. What are some advantages Continue reading
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August 21, 2024

For decades, many big businesses have tried to go green by reducing their carbon emissions. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Nike have made “net-zero” pledges over the years that promise to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they put into it. While some firms try to go carbon-neutral by reducing their emissions directly, others pay for carbon removal projects — such as planting trees or building solar panels — to offset emissions. 

But carbon dioxide isn’t the Continue reading

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August 9, 2024

Last month, we wrote about the global technology meltdown that impacted more than 8.5 million computers and caused at least $10 billion in financial damage. Triggered by the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, a faulty software update crashed Microsoft products around the world and in the process revealed how fragile our global technology infrastructure can be. Air transportation was one of the sectors affected most by the outage as airlines were unable to scan boarding passes or track crew members. Carriers canceled Continue reading

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August 7, 2024

For hungry American consumers, 7-Eleven isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for a variety of options. While the chain serves plenty of Slurpees, pizza, and hot dogs, that is about the limit of its domestic menu. But Japanese consumers have a different experience with 7-Eleven, which offers a wide assortment of fresh items ranging from tasty baked goods to rice balls and ramen. This video examines how 7-Eleven works in the Asian nation, and why the company wants Continue reading

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July 30, 2024

For more than 50 years, Southwest Airlines has stood out in the competitive world of air travel for a unique and equalizing perk: open seating. While other airlines required passengers to pick a seat in advance and pay more to upgrade, Southwest chose to do things differently. Instead of a seat assignment, passengers received a boarding position, lined up in order at the gate, and chose any available seat once on the plane. “It’s been a very egalitarian view of Continue reading

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July 24, 2024

Over the weekend, businesses around the world scrambled to recover after a faulty software update caused one of the biggest IT outages in history. The Texas-based cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike released a security update last Thursday that was supposed to protect computers from malware and cyber attacks. Instead, the flawed update caused Microsoft Windows to crash and impacted more than 8.5 million computers. The global tech meltdown disrupted nearly every aspect of society, especially healthcare and transportation. Hospitals canceled procedures, and Continue reading

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In a few days, millions of Americans will ignite their grills and barbecue up a storm in a grand Independence Day tradition enjoyed from coast to coast. Thanks to inflation, though, this year’s celebrations may be pricier than in years past. While Fourth of July favorites like hot dogs and potato salad remain affordable, prices for items like ground beef, pork chops, and lemonade have risen dramatically. 

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), an average cookout for 10 Continue reading

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