Label Police: The British "consumer watchdog" group Which? has produced plenty of silly and, at least from a pure economics standpoint, illogical critiques of the food system. Its latest demand is that the UK maintain a law that food labeling errors be treated as a criminal offense. An example it provides for such harsh treatment includes the fact that "cheaper supermarket [own label] products may not always deliver better value," and "[b]randed goods don't always provide the best value." It is truly shocking news that consumers are confronted with choices in the marketplace and are apparently unable to discern these differences without the threat of gaoling the food companies.Food industry writer Elaine Watson offers up a food trend that...
What You Need to Know Today: U.S. weather is getting more attention this week as conditions vary greatly across the western, central, and eastern corn belts, with the different regions battling dryness and too much rain simultaneously. The ProFarmer Crop Tour began today in Indiana and Nebrask...
Key Takeaways: Argentina is on pace for a record corn crop and record exports in the current marketing year, with abundant supplies likely to keep the country highly competitive in global export markets. Argentina’s record exportable surplus is allowing it to offer highly competitive pri...
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.