Two food and drink indicators | Planet Money

Intro

In this episode of the “Planet Money” podcast, titled “Two food and drink indicators,” the hosts explore the changing dynamics of two iconic food items – fish and chips in the UK and coca leaf products in Colombia. They delve into the economic factors, cultural significance, and trademark disputes surrounding these items, shedding light on the challenges faced by businesses and indigenous communities.

Main Takeaways

The Rising Cost of Fish and Chips in the UK

• During the holiday season, comfort foods like fish and chips are popular due to their humble origins and inexpensive ingredients.
• The aftermath of the pandemic and inflation in the UK is causing the cost of running fish and chip shops to soar, leading to closures and turning the staple food into a luxury.
• The majority of the 10,000 fish and chip shops in the UK are independently owned takeout joints, but they are facing intense economic pressure due to rising costs of ingredients and energy.
• Fish and chips shops face challenges with supply lines, import difficulties, and rising costs of cod and haddock, leading to consumers seeking cheaper alternatives such as fried chicken.
• The UK is experiencing a significant shift in the availability of fish and chip shops, similar to the decline of banks, post offices, and pubs in small towns and villages.

The Trademark Dispute Over Coca Leaf Products in Colombia

• Fabio Lepinioque, a member of the NASA indigenous people in Colombia, received a cease and desist letter from Coca-Cola for naming her beer “Coca-Bee” due to its use of Coca-Lief, a traditional ingredient in her culture.
• Fabio Lepinioque fought back against Coca-Cola’s trademark dispute, asserting her cultural heritage and the long-standing tradition of using Coca-Lief in her community.
• The clash between Coca-Cola’s valuable trademark rights and the sacred meaning of “Coca” to indigenous communities represents a clash of values.
• Colombia’s Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that “Coca” is a generic term, allowing anyone in the market to use it, although it might not be distinctive in other countries or languages.
• Fabiola’s company, Coca-Nasa, wrote a letter to Coca-Cola, threatening to ban them from indigenous territories, leading to a stalemate.

Summary

The Rising Cost of Fish and Chips in the UK

Fish and chips, a beloved staple of British cuisine, is facing economic challenges in the UK. The aftermath of the pandemic and inflation has caused the cost of running fish and chip shops to skyrocket. The majority of these shops are independently owned takeout joints, and they are struggling to cope with rising costs of ingredients and energy. Supply lines, import difficulties, and increased prices of cod and haddock have further compounded the challenges. This has led to closures and a shift in the availability of fish and chip shops, resembling the decline of other essential establishments in small towns and villages. Consumers, seeking more affordable alternatives, are turning to fried chicken and other fast food options.

The Trademark Dispute Over Coca Leaf Products in Colombia

Fabio Lepinioque, a member of the NASA indigenous people in Colombia, found herself in a trademark dispute with Coca-Cola over her beer named “Coca-Bee.” The beer utilizes Coca-Lief, a traditional ingredient in her culture. Fabio fought back against Coca-Cola’s cease and desist letter, highlighting the cultural heritage and long-standing tradition of using Coca-Lief in her community. This clash represents a clash of values between Coca-Cola’s valuable trademark rights and the sacred meaning of “Coca” to indigenous communities. Colombia’s Supreme Court ruled that “Coca” is a generic term, allowing its use in the market. Fabio’s company, Coca-Nasa, threatened to ban Coca-Cola from indigenous territories, leading to a stalemate. Public relations play a significant role in this dispute, with both Coca-Cola and Coca-Nasa products remaining on shop shelves in Colombia.

Conclusion

The rising cost of fish and chips in the UK and the trademark dispute over coca leaf products in Colombia highlight the complex intersections of economics, culture, and trademark law. These stories shed light on the challenges faced by businesses and indigenous communities in preserving their traditions and sustaining their livelihoods. As consumers, it is essential to understand the impact of economic factors on our favorite foods and support local businesses and cultural heritage.