In The News

Three Cheers for the Onion

Marek Pruszewicz January 12, 2015
Four centuries ago, Babylonians appreciated onions, as revealed by Yale University’s Babylonian Collection and three clay tablets described as the world’s oldest known cookbooks. Marek Pruszewicz for BBC News Magazine points to onions as “the only truly global ingredient, adding, “rare is the cookery book that that is onion-free.” The hardy vegetable adapts to many climates; it’s easy to store...

Chinese Agriculture Goes Global

Loro Horta December 16, 2014
China is a fast-growing emerging economy, developing competitive manufacturing and technology sectors, but its leaders must also feed the world’s largest population. China’s expanding middle class has more expensive tastes, demanding more meat, coffee, and fruits and vegetables like avocados, blueberries and more. “China is home to 22 percent of the world’s population, but possesses around 7...

Bud Crowded Out by Craft Beer Craze

Tripp Mickle November 27, 2014
Big-factory beers have fallen out of favor as customers increasingly demand the flavors offered with small and local craft beverages. Some bars no longer sell major brands like Budweiser. Meanwhile, many of the craft beer makers began as do-it-yourself home brewers, tinkering with recipes and relying on local ingredients. Young beer drinkers have flocked to the diverse flavors, paying more for...

An Opportunity That India Let Go

Nayan Chanda August 11, 2014
India may have missed a rare opportunity to reform an antiquated program of agriculture subsidies with the support of the World Trade Organization. The newly installed Modi administration also signaled to the global business community that the country may not be ready for serious reform. “By standing alone against all, including its partners in BRICS, the G-20 and G-33, and threatening to scuttle...

In China Meat Scandal, McDonald's Japan Switches to Thai Chicken, No Nuggets in Hong Kong

July 28, 2014
The reputation of any multinational corporation relies on the integrity of its suppliers. Reports of shadiness from one company can reduce business for an industry or nation, and food suppliers are especially susceptible to negative reports. Food giant McDonald’s Corp. suspended sales of chicken nuggets in Hong Kong, and the company’s Japanese arm has halted imports of all chicken products from...

Beef Environment Cost 10 Times That of Other Livestock

Matt McGrath July 25, 2014
Beef cattle are tough for the environment, and now that has been quantified by researchers at Bard College. “Beef cattle need 28 times more land and 11 times more irrigation water than pork, poultry, eggs or dairy,” points out research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reported by Matt McGrath for BBC News. “As well as the effects on land and water, cattle release...

Mumbai Restaurant Uses Drone to Deliver Pizza

May 28, 2014
A pizzeria in Mumbai conducted a test flight and delivered a pizza with an unmanned done in mid-May. The restaurant owners read about multinational Amazon’s plans for drone delivery and decided to give it a try with pizza. “A four-rotor drone took off with the order from its outlet in central Mumbai's Lower Parel area and delivered it to a high-rise building in adjacent Worli area,” reports...