World Perspectives

Too Small to Matter

Vending Impact on Food Safety: Food industry research firm Technomics says that the retailer meal solutions (RMS; prepared meals for takeout) category in grocery stores is growing 6-13 percent annually, depending on the venue, and that it is a growing profit center versus the usual low margin rest of the store. Basically, Americans are eating more meals prepared away from home but not necessarily in a restaurant. Since Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data suggests that most foodborne illnesses occur as a result of poor handling practices in the home kitchen or local restaurant, large chain retailers with a strong focus on proper food handling should result in lower foodborne illness. In fact, they could have a larger impact than the Foo...

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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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