Hong Kong’s Couples Invited to Wed at McDonald’s

In 2006, Hong Kong changed its marriage law to permit for weddings to be held outside places of worship or City Hall.  Since then, weddings have taken place on boats, in underwater theme parks, and shopping malls.  The latest company to cash in on this trend is... McDonald's.  A McWedding starts at $1280, which includes food and drink for 50 people, a "cake" made of stacked Apple Pies, gifts for the guests, and invitation cards with photos of the couple.  McDonald's employees dress in black suits, greet guests, and deliver Big Macs and fries with the proper pomp.  There is no alcohol -- toasts are accomplished with sundaes or shakes.

Hong Kong’s Couples Invited to Wed at McDonald’s - NYTimes.com

Starbucks Brews Plan to Enter India

India remains a huge untapped market for coffee giant Starbucks.  The company plans to grow to 1500 outlets in China in the next five years, but doesn't have any retail stores in India yet.  That may change soon, as the company announced plans for an alliance with Indian conglemerate Tata Group.  Tata Coffee already owns Eight O'Clock brands sold in the U.S., and is a big coffee producer and exporter in India.  Indian law prohibits Starbucks from owning its own retail outlets.  The alliance starts with Starbucks purchasing coffee from Tata, and may grow to include joint operation of Starbucks-branded outlets in the country.

Starbucks Brews Plan to Enter India - WSJ.com

McDonald's Bets on Japan Big-Burger Blitz

Japan's top restaurant by number of outlets, McDonald's, rolled out its Big America 2 campaign last week, featuring the Texas burger (above).  It comes with chili, three buns, cheese and bacon, and comes in at 645 calories.  The Idaho burger features a quarter-pound patty, cheese, a hash brown, bacon, onions, and pepper-and-mustard sauce, for 713 calories.  In Japan, going big and unhealthy, and emphasizing its American roots, works well for McDonald's.  The company made $91 million in Japan last year.

McDonald's Bets on Japan Big-Burger Blitz - WSJ.com

Japan’s Farmers Oppose Pacific Free-Trade Talks

Japan maintains a 777% tariff on imported rice, as well 252% on wheat, 360% on butter, 320% on sugar, and 38.5% on beef.  As a result, Japanese consumers have to pay some of the highest prices in the world for basic foods.  Now, Japanese industry groups are urging the government to reduce tariffs in return for greater market access to big economies such as the U.S.  Japanese farmers, however, are terrified that dismantling the tariffs will lead them to ruin.

Japan’s Farmers Oppose Pacific Free-Trade Talks - NYTimes.com

Yum Brands Raises Profit Outlook, Helped by China

Faced with a mature market and slow growth in the U.S., Kentucky-based Yum Foods (which owns the Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut brands) has looked to China to propel new profits.  That strategy is paying off, with the company reporting a 6% jump in revenue in China, compared to only 1% in the U.S.

Yum Brands Raises Profit Outlook, Helped by China - WSJ.com

Free donuts as Krispy Kreme opens in Bangkok

Above, shoppers line up at Siam Paragon yesterday as Krispy Kreme opened its first outlet in Thailand.

Free donuts as Krispy Kreme opens in Bangkok | CNNGo.com

Danone Expands Its Pantry to Woo the World's Poor - WSJ.com

Is it possible to make a profit selling a tube of yogurt for 10 cents in Senegal? Or a 15 cent sealed cup of water in Mexico? French dairy giant Danone is experimenting with these products at these price points, both to grow their base of consumers in emerging markets and as part of social responsibility efforts. Only the future will tell whether these efforts will provide a return to the company.


Danone Expands Its Pantry to Woo the World's Poor - WSJ.com

Growing Organic in China

As affluence increases in China, more consumers are becoming more aware about the attraction of organic food. This is leading to a dramatic increase in organic farming in China, both for export and domestic consumption.

Wasabi Kit Kat

Dunkin' Donuts Makes Return to Russia

Eleven years ago Dunkin' Donuts pulled out of the Russian market after its franchisee ignored its contractual promises to Dunkin' and began selling meat pies and liquor alongside doughnuts. Now, Dunkin' is back with 20 stores planned in Moscow this year. Dunkin' has some challenges. In the U.S., over 60% of sales are generated by coffee, but overseas that number is much lower. Starbucks is already present with coffee and pastries, and Russians aren't that familiar with doughnuts. Still, another Russian partner has successfully built up another Dunkin' brand, Baskin-Robbins, to the number two Western restaurant brand behind McDonald's, and Dunkin' is hoping to do the same with doughnuts.

Dunkin' Donuts Makes Return to Russia - WSJ.com

Privilege Pulls Qatar Toward Unhealthy Choices

Qatar, a tiny nation in the Middle East of only 250,000 citizens, is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. That wealth has translated into one of the worst Western exports in modern history -- fast food and the obesity and other health problems that accompany it.

Privilege Pulls Qatar Toward Unhealthy Choices - NYTimes.com

An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

Whenever I visit a big city such as Bangkok or NYC, I am always envious of those who can order food from any restaurant and have it delivered to your door through a third-party delivery company. The convenience is great! Now, a service called 3 Course Delivery is bringing that exact service to the Dayton area. There's cheaper options like Chipotle and Quizno's, as well as higher-end restaurants like Thai 9 and Sake. Sushi delivered to my front door for $4.99? I think we have a winner.

Asian Carp Fix: Just Eat It

In Asia and Europe, Asian carp is a delicacy, with a bland white flesh that is juicy and firm. In the U.S., however, the fish are seen as a menace to fishermen and boaters. The solution? Try to get Americans to eat more carp.


Asian Carp Fix: Just Eat It - WSJ.com