A new study is challenging one of the coffee industry’s most repeated assumptions: that robusta coffee can provide a relatively reliable alternative to arabica as climate change makes traditional coffee-growing conditions more difficult. The research argues that robusta’s ability to tolerate higher temperatures has been repeatedly confused with broader climate resilience, particularly its ability to…
Anthropic’s reported discussions with artificial intelligence chip startup MatX highlight a strategic problem that is becoming increasingly important for leading artificial intelligence companies: access to computing power is no longer simply a purchasing issue. It is becoming a question of how much control an AI developer wants over the hardware on which its models are…
Gap is turning to an experienced retail executive to address a problem that has become increasingly difficult to overlook: its largest brand is no longer contributing to the broader turnaround at the same pace as the rest of the company. The appointment of Michael Francis as president and chief executive of Old Navy follows a…
Shein’s long-awaited stock market debut is the result of a significant strategic adjustment. After spending years presenting itself as a global company and pursuing listings in New York and London, the fast-fashion retailer is preparing to enter public markets through Hong Kong, after obtaining approval from Chinese regulators. The shift reflects more than a change…
Meta’s settlement with almost all United States states over alleged harm to teenagers is becoming more than a costly legal resolution. It is emerging as a reference point for governments trying to determine how far social media companies should be required to go in protecting children from platform features that can encourage excessive use. Meta…
Best Buy’s decision to raise its annual sales and profit forecasts is providing an early indication that artificial intelligence is beginning to influence consumer electronics spending beyond the technology companies building AI itself. The US electronics retailer now expects annual revenue of $42.3 billion to $42.8 billion, compared with its previous range of $41.2 billion…
China was once treated by American consumer companies as an almost indispensable engine of global growth. Its huge population, expanding middle class and rapidly developing cities created an opportunity that few multinational brands could ignore. But the assumptions behind that opportunity have changed. For companies such as Nike, Starbucks and General Motors, the problem is…
Coca-Cola is moving beyond the traditional soda fountain as changing consumer tastes push restaurants toward customized, visually distinctive and higher-value beverages. Inside its innovation facilities, the company is developing equipment that can automate products such as dirty sodas, refreshers and customized energy drinks, allowing restaurant workers to offer drinks that appear handcrafted without requiring the…
Iran and Oman are still negotiating the details of a proposed arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz, exposing the gap between political declarations of progress and the practical conditions required to restore normal shipping. A senior Iranian source has said that no final agreement has been reached, despite the Revolutionary Guards previously claiming that Tehran…
Meta’s agreement to pay up to $17.1 billion and impose sweeping new protections for young users marks a significant turning point in the legal battle over children’s safety on social media. The settlement, announced after a federal trial had already begun, does more than put a financial value on years of allegations against Facebook and…
