B2 – Upper Intermediate
Have you ever stopped to consider who’s behind the brands you purchase?
Well, it turns out, they are the ten biggest global players in the food and beverage industry. Nestlé, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, to name a few, have thousands of people they employ. They generate billions annually.
Oxfam’s infographic in the article below attempts for said companies to strive in creating positive impact and show consumers how closely these corporations interact with each other.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the companies behind the brands and products.
https://www.businessinsider.com/10-companies-control-food-industry-2017-3
Vocabulary Questions
- What is the meaning of the idiom “mind-boggling”? “In an effort to push these companies to make positive changes — and for customers to realize who controls the brands they’re buying — Oxfam created a mind-boggling infographic that shows how interconnected consumer brands really are.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does the phrase “move beyond” mean in the sentence “Coca-Cola is moving beyond soda, with beverage brands including Dasani, Fuze, and Honest Tea.”? Use it in a sentence.
- Explain the meaning of the adjective “____-centric” in the sentence “This snack-centric company’s brands include Oreo, Trident gum, and Sour Patch Kids.”. Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- After reading the article, are you surprised by the companies’ high level of interconnectedness?
- Why is it crucial for consumers to know which companies own the brands they buy? How can this knowledge affect the way we shop?
- How can these food and beverage companies improve their impact on society and the environment?
- Do you think these companies should focus more on ethical and sustainable practices than on profit? Why or why not?
- How can we ensure these companies are doing the right thing, and what can we do if they’re not?