339 - Savory Snacks: Mars Inc.'s acquisition of Kellanova
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Release Date: 10/08/2024
398 - AI Slop: How Low-Quality Content Is Flooding the Internet
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief AI-generated content is spreading fast — from strange social media videos to fake product reviews and “polished” workplace writing that says very little. This flood of low-quality output is often called AI slop, and it is creating real problems for consumers, platforms, and businesses. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with AI slop — the growing wave of low-quality, AI-generated content that is showing up across the internet. They explain what AI slop looks like on platforms like YouTube, how it is impacting...
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396 - GLP-1 Inhibitors
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief GLP-1 weight loss drugs are changing the global pharmaceutical market. Products like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now household names, and competition between drug makers is becoming more intense. As new companies enter this fast-growing market, the question is: who will come out on top? Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with GLP-1 inhibitors — the drugs behind today’s weight-loss boom. They explain who the main players are, including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, and compare their leading products. The...
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393 - The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam - Bonus D2V (Members only)
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
In this Members-only Bonus Vocabulary episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan provide bonus vocabulary explanations and examples for words and phrases used in . After explaining the words and expressions in the context of how they were used in ‘’, Skip and Dez demonstrate how these words and phrases can be used through a business conversation role-play. The words they explain are: To be under the weather (idiom) To carry weight (verb phrase) To do something unilaterally ‘(adjective) To denounce (verb) To settle (verb)
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394 - Jaguar
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief: British automaker Jaguar is undergoing one of the boldest transformations in its 100-year history. From switching to an all-electric lineup to unveiling a new brand identity, Jaguar is taking a radical approach to stay relevant in a fast-changing automotive market. But will its rebrand resonate with consumers — or alienate its traditional base? Overview: In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with Jaguar — one of the UK’s most iconic automotive brands. Their conversation traces Jaguar’s history, from its early days as...
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392 - The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is Africa’s biggest hydroelectric project. It is a great step forward for Ethiopia’s development, but it is also a source of conflict with Egypt and Sudan, which depend on the Nile River for almost all of their water. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega talk about how the GERD was built, why Ethiopia needs it, and why its neighbors are worried about its impact. They also look at how the project could bring both opportunities and risks to East Africa’s energy and business sectors....
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390 - Image Washing
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief From rainbow logos during Pride Month to eco-friendly rebrands by oil giants, businesses often try to make themselves look more responsible than they really are. These tactics — known as 'image washing' — can involve sports, social causes, AI, or environmental promises. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the world of “image washing.” They define the term and discuss common forms such as sportswashing, pinkwashing, AI washing, and greenwashing. They also talk about well-known cases like BP’s “Beyond Petroleum” campaign...
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388 – The Stablecoin Gold Rush — Why Wall Street Is Betting on Digital Dollars
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief Stablecoins are suddenly the hottest topic in global finance. From Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, to governments in the U.S., Japan, and even China, everyone is rushing to get a piece of the digital dollar market. But what exactly are stablecoins, and why are they attracting so much attention? Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega unpack the booming world of stablecoins. They explain what makes stablecoins different from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, why new U.S. regulations (the GENIUS Act) have given them legitimacy,...
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386 - The Protein Push: How a Niche Market Went Mainstream
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief Once limited to gyms and fitness circles, protein-packed products have gone mainstream. From “proffee” at Starbucks to high-protein rice balls at Japanese convenience stores, protein is everywhere — and the market is booming. Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Samantha Vega and Skip Montreux explore the rise of the high-protein food market. They discuss why demand for protein is surging, the role of health-conscious consumers and weight-loss medications, and how major brands like Starbucks are repositioning themselves to meet this growing trend. Insights Skip and...
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382 - Reimagining Wearables
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief Smart glasses are making a comeback, with big tech companies hoping these AI-powered wearables will soon become part of everyday life. But will smart glasses finally become popular, or will they fail again like before? Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan talk about the return of smart glasses. They discuss why Google’s first smart glasses did not succeed, and how companies like Meta, Amazon, Snap Inc., and Google are trying again with new features and better technology. Insights Skip and Dez’s conversation will help you better...
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380 - Back to the Workshop: The Rise of Blue-Collar Careers
Down to Business English: Business News to Improve your Business English
Brief Blue-collar jobs are making a comeback around the world. As white-collar office work loses some of its shine, skilled trades are attracting more people than ever before—with higher pay, job security, and newfound respect. But what’s driving this shift, and what challenges still face blue-collar workers today? Overview In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega dive into the rising popularity of blue-collar careers. They explore why young people are increasingly choosing trade roles over office jobs, how wages are changing, and what it all means for...
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Mars Inc., known for its chocolate products like Mars bars and M&Ms, is making a major move into the savory snack market. With a $35.9 billion deal to acquire Kellanova, Mars is positioning itself to compete with industry giants like PepsiCo. This acquisition could reshape the savory snack landscape and help Mars diversify beyond its traditional chocolate-based portfolio.
Overview
Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss Mars Inc.’s acquisition of Kellanova, a major player in the global savory snack market. Formerly part of Kellogg's, Kellanova produces well-known brands like Pringles and Rice Krispie Treats. Skip and Dez explore why Mars, typically focused on chocolate, is investing heavily in snacks like crisps and pretzels. They also look at how the rise in cocoa prices has pushed Mars to diversify its portfolio and enter the savory snack market.
Insights
Skip and Dez provide valuable insights into Mars Inc.'s strategic move into the savory snack market. Key points include:
- Mars Inc. is acquiring Kellanova for $35.9 billion, giving it a major stake in the global snack food industry.
- Kellanova is a new snack food company, formerly a division of Kellogg's, featuring brands like Pringles.
- Rising cocoa prices are driving Mars to diversify into savory snacks, which are less affected by cocoa market fluctuations.
In Summary
D2B 329 breaks down Mars Inc.'s acquisition of Kellanova and how it signifies a significant shift in Mars' business strategy. Skip and Dez explain how this move will position Mars to become a major competitor to PepsiCo in the global snack market.
Take Action
Stay informed on Mars Inc.'s acquisition and how it impacts the snack food industry. Join the D2B community to continue the conversation on the growing competition in the global savory snack market and explore how this deal could shift consumer choices worldwide.
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