The Russian Parliament next week will consider legislation that would nationalize the country's wineries. A state monopoly on wine is contended to accomplish several objectives. Vintage 1917 The Russian Parliament next week will consider legislation that would nationalize the country's wineries. A state monopoly on wine is contended to accomplish several objectives: 1) improve the quality, 2) boost state revenues, 3) assist disadvantaged regions in wine making and 4) result in substitutes for imports. For some reason, this seems like a bad idea. The old Soviet empire organized and effectively produced so-called "Group A" industrial goods, but "Group B" consumer goods never quite satisfied actual needs. A bottler in Kazakhstan packaging Fr...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Key Market Insights Macro markets delivered a full whipsaw today. Early in the session, crude oil had rallied back above $100/barrel as traders priced renewed concern over the U.S.-Iran standoff and potential supply risk through the Strait of Hormuz. That strength helped pull grains off their o...
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.