World Perspectives

Cold, Hungry Winter

Europe is facing an energy crisis this coming winter and the food situation could be bad as well. This summer’s drought, reduced corn and sunflower oil imports from Ukraine, and the fact that energy prices are tied to food could make for an equally bad situation. This is exacerbated by the fact that caloric consumption increases in winter by around 86 kilocalories/day, depending on activity and the amount of shivering to keep warm.  An active life in a cold winter increases caloric needs by about 3.4 percent. Meanwhile, the average age of Europeans has been increasing with a fifth of the population now over 65 years of age. That has reduced overall average caloric intake by 0.05 percent.  ...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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