Abstract This paper explains that organic agriculture is defined as the agricultural process, which leads to an ecological management system that uses minimal farm inputs from outside the farm environment and management practices that aim at recreating, maintaining and elevating the ecological balance. The author points out that, using very good marketing sense, China is becoming a growing power in the global export organicfoodindustry with products meeting the standard requirements of countries like the United States of America, Japan and the countries in Europe. The paper relates that the largest market for organicfoods and beverages in the world is the United States of America, which can not grow its own demand; therefore, China with its high quality standards intends to tap this business opportunity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Globalization of the OrganicFoodIndustry China in the Global OrganicFoodIndustry Increased Availability of Organic Fertilizer
Scope for Increased Exports to Europe
Scope for Increased Exports to the United States of America
From the Paper "China also has succeeded in becoming the most important non-European Union supplier of organic beans and seeds to the Western Europe markets. The domination of Chinese exporting companies are clearly visible in the supply of organic pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, kidney beans and black beans. They have also made inroads into the supply of organic soya bean. Chinese companies have established themselves in the organic soya bean market in such a manner that they supply almost one third of all the organic soya bean requirement of the market. The Chinese government also has come out in support of the organic food industry by pledging additional support for the organic food industry thus raising expectations of increased production of organic food products."
Abstract The writer of this article explores why organic is better. The writer provides an analysis of organicfood in comparison to genetically modified foods. This paper discusses why organicfoods are better than genetically modified ones. First, this paper provides a definition of organicfoods. Then, the paper discusses whether organicfoods sell more than genetically modified ones and and how organicfoods are sold. Finally, the paper presents an argument why organicfoods are healthier and safer than genetically modified ones.
From the Paper "When most people think of the term organic, an image of an environmentally conscious farmer plowing his field covered with long shafts of wheat swaying against the wind comes to mind. Words associated with the term organic are healthy, pesticide-free and flavorful. Like most stereotypes there is a grain of truth in the representations that people encounter on a daily basis. It is true that most organic farmers are environmentally health and socially conscious ... "
Tags:organicfoods, genetically modified foods, health and lifestyle, pesticides, allergens
Abstract This paper discusses the company, Whole Foods Market. It describes the general economic characteristics of the natural and organicfoodsindustry and then provides a five forces model of competitive analysis. The paper then focuses on the Whole Foods Market company by evaluating its strategy and providing a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. The paper concludes by addressing the problems facing the company and it recommends strategies for improvement.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Industry And Competitive Analysis
General Economic Characteristics Of The Industry Driving Forces In The Industry The Five Forces Model Of Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Strategic Group Mapping
Key Success Factors In The Industry How Attractive/Unattractive Is The Industry Company Situation Analysis
Identification And Evaluation Of The Company's Strategy
SWOT Analysis
Financial Analysis
Portfolio Analysis
Key Issues/Problems Which The Firm Must Address For Its Future
Identification And Evaluation Of Various Strategy Alternatives
Presentation Of Final Commendations To The Company
Implementation Concerns
From the Paper "Whole Foods' economic strategy has recently revolved around the shifting of buying responsibility from the store level to regional and national levels, in effect putting the company into a premium position to negotiate volume discounts with vendors (Thompson C-17). The biggest supplier to Whole Foods Market is United Natural Foods (accounting for approximately 18% of the company's purchases) and the company operates eight regional distribution centers for store supplies (Thompson C-17)."
"Furthermore, Whole Foods' growth strategy is strengthened by its demonstrated commitment to community and social issues, including its donation of at least 5% of the company's after-tax profits to nonprofit/educational organizations and by offering employees 20 hours of paid community service work for every 2,000 hours worked (Thompson C-18). The company also maintains its image of social and environmental consciousness through the distribution of brochures, seminars and presentations on key issues affecting health and well-being of humans (Thompson C-18)."
Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that, in the United States, perceptions factors in the purchase of organicfoods relating to food safety concerns are environmental contaminants, disease-causing organisms and pesticide residues. The author points out that useful knowledge for anyone wishing to introduce consumers to organicfoods is that the consumer would not perceive much risk in food until after he or she has heard about some problem; however, once that happens, it would be likely that they would make biased judgments. The paper indicates that, in contrast to nutrition knowledge, perceptions about attributes of organicfoods, such as importance of nutrition, appear to be good predictors of dietary behavior; therefore, consumer information programs must be careful to reiterated nutrition as a "salient attribute" of organicfood if they want to be successful in encouraging consumers to behave in a certain way.
Table of Contents
What is Consumer Behavior?
Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior
What is Perception?
Perceived Risk in Food Price Perception
What are Attitudes?
Willingness to Pay
Resource Deficit Model
OrganicFood as a Strategy to Deal with Worries about the Safety and Quality of Food Consumer Buying Decision Process
From the Paper "Dean (1999) investigated three factors-advertising cues-he believed affected consumer perceptions (and therefore behavior) concerning product quality, uniqueness, manufacturer reputation and manufacturer corporate citizenship. It is likely the last of this list would have some effect on consumer behavior regarding organic foods, especially. The three cues Dean investigated were third-party product endorsement, brand popularity and event sponsorship. He found that the popularity cue lacked significant effect; also, he found that the three cues do not interact with each other significantly in forming a basis for consumer perception and arguably behavior."
Tags: reconstructionist, nutrition, perceptions, food-safety, information
Abstract A critique of the fast foodindustry that discusses Eric Schlosser's book, "Fast Food Nation" and Morgan Spurlock's documentary film, "Supersize Me". It contends that both present ample evidence that the health and longevity of the American people are being severely damaged by the fast foodindustry.
From the Paper "Eric Schlosser's, "Fast Food Nation" uses the truth to persuade his readers of the reality of the facts and opinions presented in his book. Unlike the devious deceptive and manipulative methods used by the fast food industry to stimulate sales on ..."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the food market. According to the paper, trends are moving from fast foods to more healthier, organicfoods. The paper also discusses the important role that food plays in the social arena.
Outline:
Introduction
FoodIndustry Overview: Organic, Fruits and Vegetables, and Fast Food Sectors
Factors in the Changing Tastes of Society: From Fast Food to Organic How Fast Food Restaurants are Reacting to the Shift to More OrganicFoods Conclusion
From the Paper "To remain competitive, fast food restaurants have had to turn to innovative products, often redeveloping their product lines, to meet the changing demands of consumers for organic foods specifically, and healthier foods in general. The demand for organic foods has been the mechanism for industry evolution. As noted, McDonalds phased out their supersize menu items, in response to society's growing health concerns. In addition, they've begun to offer more healthy menu choices, such as low-fat items and fresh salads, to their customers, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles in their marketing campaigns. In the New England area, McDonald's even replaced their coffee with Newman's Own Organic blend, in an attempt to take further advantage of more organically-discriminating tastes of consumers. This move has been well-received in the region . In addition, new fast food restaurants are being introduced to the marketplace, in response to these new consumer demands. Company's like Healthy Express are still relatively small players in the industry, but are slowly garnering market share from their less healthy competitors ."
Abstract This paper offers an extensive review of literature focusing on the organicfood market in the United Kingdom. It gives a general definition of organicfood with regards to harvesting, pesticide and animal welfare. It discusses the reasons for the marked increase of consumer interest in organicfood. It also discusses the viability of organicfood feeding the masses. The author offers a brief summary of the literature reviewed.
Literature Review
Quality in organicfood products
Are organicfood products more nutritious than conventional products?
Organicfood products and pesticide use
Organicfood and food poisonings
Can organicfood feed the world?
Chemical pesticides versus natural pesticides
Impact of organic farming in the environment
organic farming versus organic products(process versus product
Organicfood and food miles
Organic farming and animal welfare
Organic farming and the community
Are organicfood products free of GMOs?
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Organic farming is the most vital part of the organic industry. They are particularly important in the United Kingdom because of the demand for organic products. Organic farming is a unique trade because farmers utilize natural means to produce crops and they have to adhere to very strict regulations. The soil Association explains that under current regulations, land has to be managed organically for at least two years before it can qualify for organic certification (Key elements of organic farming 2005). In addition, a conversion plan including comprehensive cropping plans, rotations and budgets is a vital part of successful integration into organic farming and is a requirement for certification (Key elements of organic farming 2005)."
Abstract This paper examines the fast foodindustry, a rather controversial industry within the United States and on an international basis. The paper maintains that it is useful to understand some major tenets of its operations and to use these as comparative measures to see if the strategic objectives of the industry are different or similar to that of other industries. It adds that it is also useful to understand the business management aspects of the fast foodindustry model. The paper chooses three criteria - automation, uniformity, and low prices - and provides a critical review of these criteria in the fast foodindustry. These are then compared to other industries for a crucial review of the overall fast foodindustry model. The paper includes graphs and charts.
Outline:
Introduction
Automation: Fast FoodIndustry Technological Advancements
Insurance and Fast Food: Comparison of Automation Criteria
Uniformity in the Fast FoodIndustry Exploring the Uniform Criteria: Comparing the Fast Food and Coffee Shop Chains
Low Prices in the Fast FoodIndustry: Is that Necessarily a Negative Criterion?
Low Pricing Model: Comparison of Wal-Mart and Fast Food Companies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Automation within the industry has been noted to optimize efficiency, enhance physical and financial assets, and to minimize waste, all of which increases the profit margin for many companies within the industry. Automation in the fast food industry is primarily driven by consumers increased demand. For example, McDonald's has utilized a mobile point of sale software at some locations to increase sales by serving more drive-thru customers faster, increasing accuracy for orders, and decreasing the standard wait time in the store."
Abstract This paper explains that a faster-paced lifestyle with more women joining the workforce results in the detriment of "traditional" American family meals, but it is an enormous advantage to the fast foodindustry; virtually everyone loves fast food, even though there are concerns about health, and the industry is firmly established around the world. The author points out that the multi-billion dollar fast foodindustry today is said to have been started in 1936 by Maria del Gray, who named the original McDonald's after her fiancee who was killed in a vehicular accident; Ray Kroc later founded the McDonald's franchise system based on del Gray's McDonald's. The paper concludes the process of "McDonaldization" continues to spread the inexorable forces of capitalism and standardized food products around the world; everyone is eating fast foods, even if they are protesting it as soon as they are finished with their burgers and fries.
Table of Contents
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Social Effects
Structural Changes in the Fast FoodIndustry Figure: Franchise Percentages Owned by Parent Company as of 1991
Current and Future Trends
"McDonaldization"
Fast Food's Impact on Health
Focus on Service
Conclusion
From the Paper "Today, the fast food industry has evolved in a number of important ways from the early days of Maria del Gray's McDonalds. The fast food industry is highly competitive, but remains fairly homogeneous and nonunion; however, some restaurant outlets are owned and operated by parent companies while others are owned and operated by individual franchisees. In a typical franchise agreement, the franchisor (known as the parent company) grants the franchisee a license to operate a standardized restaurant with a specified technology and widely recognized trademark; in exchange, the franchisee pays the parent company a fixed fee and a monthly royalty on gross sales (Krueger says this is generally 8 percent). In some instances, the franchisee will be required to post an explicit performance bond as well. The total start-up cost of a franchised restaurant in a major chain is ordinarily between $400,000 and $600,000."
Abstract This paper looks at the global features and implications of conducting international operations within the fast foodindustry. It also analyzes the macro and micro environments affecting the fast foodindustry in the United States. It then looks at how changes in consumer behavior and successful management have resulted in the growth of the fast foodindustry.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
The Fast FoodIndustry Societal Developments
Economic Forces
Political Climate
Technological Developments
Ecological Developments
Market Forecasts - Future Scenarios
Equilibrium of Power
Regulatory Framework
Franchising in the Fast FoodIndustry Conclusions
From the Paper "The fast food industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and most of their success has been based on the changes occurring in the micro and macro environments. People have reduced time to cook and fast food products are the handiest solution. The future of the industry looks bright, but difficulties could be posed by regulatory measures and changes in the society. The potential threats refer to inabilities in retaining the staff members (due to the low wages), the consumers' preference for healthy foods, environment protection policies, an unstable economic background or an economic perception for creating economies of scale."
Abstract organicfoods clearly have a benefit over processed foods or those produced using artificial chemicals or pesticides. It looks at how food today is more processed, refined, pre-packaged, and instantly available than it ever has been and how convenience foods are loaded with fat and sodium, not to mention all the chemicals, preservatives, and additives they contain. It looks at how even the United States government has recognized the benefits to be had in organicfoods by forming an organization to help regulate how such food is produced.
From the Paper "Thus, chemicals in our food are obviously a problem. As studies continue to gather information on the specific effects such chemicals have in the long term, organic food is gaining in popularity. Even the federal government has given its "seal of approval" to organic foods. Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an organic-labeling campaign designed to implement a set of standards and guidelines for organic food, much like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does with regards to food production, handling, and manufacture."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of eating and buying organicfoods. It looks at the reasons that organicfood has become popular and discusses the social pressures that are associated with organicfood consumption. The paper also discusses the advantages for the individual of eating organicfoods and how people may be changing society by choosing to buy organic.
From the Paper "Society decides what foods they will eat including whether they choose to become healthier or to become unhealthy. Buying organic food is one way the society can make a difference in changing from unhealthy people to people who care about what they eat. Allen and Kobach states, "The notion that social goods such as environmental preservation can be procured through the market is well established in various approaches of environmental economics" (2000, 222). The question might be asked how a person can make a difference. Things in society change when people focus on spending their money as a statement. Allen and Kovavh state, "As Green Consumers, you have the right and responsibility to vote - with your dollars - on how well businesses are doing these things: how successfully they are addressing the issues you believe are important to your life" (2000, 222). Money often does the talking."
This paper analyzes the duplicitous nature of advertising in the fast foodindustry, focusing on the advertisements of three multinational fast food companies, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver.
Abstract Fast food advertising has been allowed to profess anything, from the "healthy quality" of their food to the food company's contribution to homeless kids. While fast food giants are quick to take any of their detractors to court for any erroneous allegations made by members of the public, it doesn?t stop these same companies from committing libel themselves through their promotions. However, most fast food companies steer clear of making outrageous claims such any health benefits, preferring to concentrate on marketing their service's convenience, economy and perceived lifestyle. This paper endeavors to highlight this discrepancy in the industry and showcases three fast food companies and their advertising efforts in that regard.
From the Paper "Fast food outlets have become the messiah for the millions of people out there who don"t have more than five minutes to spare in grabbing a bite to eat or for the millions of mothers desperate for one night of not cooking dinner for the family. There is certainly a lot to choose from. All one has to do is switch on the television, turn on the radio, go to the cinemas or even walk down the street. People from all walks of life are bombarded each and every day with jingles and gimmicks and catchcries, inviting the consumer to partake of their fried or greasy menu. Some appeal to the consumer's need for convenience, others appeal to the consumer's economic constraints, and others appeal to the consumer's perceived utopian lifestyle. Some even go so far as to appeal to the consumer's interest in healthy eating. But are these appeals from fast food conglomerates based on truth or are they just trying to beef up their profits duplicitously" This paper endeavors to explore some claims that fast food companies have made in the past through their advertising. Three fast food giants will also be held under the microscope and studied for any evidence of duplicity through their advertising."
Abstract The paper examines the workplace issues at fast food restaurants. The paper portrays the realities of low wages and poor motivation of the employees who work at these places. The paper also notes that one of the reasons that workers at fast food restaurants have poor morale is that workplace conditions are typically dirty and poor and too often the emphasis is on speed rather than the safety and quality of the product. The paper also discusses a study where researchers monitored the "frequency of fast food restaurant use" (FFFRU) amongst adolescents and found that FFFRU was directly linked to fat intake.
Outline:
Introduction
Motivational Problems in the Fast FoodIndustry Motivational Problems Due to Poor Working Conditions
Low Wages in the Fast FoodIndustry What About Those Who Eat at Fast Food Restaurants?
From the Paper "Americans spent more in 2001 on fast food than on "books, CDs, newspapers, magazines, and videos combined - about $110 billion," writes Julie Finnin Day in The Christian Science Monitor (Day 2001). "What's more," Day continued in her review of Eric Schlosser's book, Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, "the golden arches are more universally recognized than the Christian cross." Moreover, Day summarizes Schlosser's focus on how the labor force in the meat processing industry has changed, from skilled, unionized workers a generation ago to today's workforce in fast food restaurants, which is "mostly recent immigrants, many of whom are illiterate and non-unionized." The plight of those who work in the industry that provides chicken, beef, pork and other meats to the fast food industry "has met with public indifference and industry secrecy - largely, Schlosser argues, because of their dark skin color.""
Abstract This paper examines the current and future market situation for the leading fast food restaurants in America. The paper begins with a thorough assessment of the financial and marketing considerations for the industry. Next the paper examines how traditional growth engines, such as R&D and technology investment can be utilized to help grow the fast food business. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future, and then offers an appendix on statistical trends in food consumption -- particularly as it relates to fast food.
Outline:
Financial Analysis
Stock/Investment Outlook
Potential/Prospective for Growth
Competitive Structure
Role of Research and Development
Technological Investment and Analysis
Recommendation for the Future
New Trends In Food Preparation and Eating
From the Paper "In today's market the state of the fast food industry can be summed up in two words: "fiercely competitive." McDonald's and Burger King, two fast food giants, dominate the industry but many smaller companies such as Checkers, Subway, and Taco Bell are starting to make a large dent in fast food sales. The number of fast food restaurants increased by 5% in 1995 adding more competition to an already staggering number of restaurants. Fast food continues to be very popular helping to ease the competition for customers. Americans are working longer hours leaving less time to cook at home. With less time on their hands consumers are turning towards fast food. Of the total number of people dining out 66% go to a fast food restaurant. Americans spent 93 billion dollars on fast food in 1995 accounting for 49% of total eat out food expenditures. Value pricing and larger portions are popular trends to meet consumer demand for cheap, plentiful food. Companies stay competitive by attracting customers through advertising and movie sponsorship. Marketing expenditures are gigantic in the fast food industry with many companies spending up to 25% of total expenses on advertising. Aggressive global expansion has increased fast food sales and promises to provide strong future growth. Large, untapped marketplaces exist for fast food in both industrialized and developing nations."
