The podcast explores the economic pressures on fish and chip shops in the UK and an inspiring story of an indigenous drink maker in Colombia. It also discusses the challenges faced by fish and chip shops due to rising costs and highlights the significance of these shops in UK communities. Additionally, it delves into a trademark dispute between a small company and Coca-Cola over a beer infused with Coca-leaf.
The economic pressures faced by fish and chip shops in the UK are leading to rising costs and the closure of many businesses, turning fish and chips from a staple food into a luxury.
The trademark dispute between Fabiola Pinocue's company, Coca-Bear, and Coca-Cola highlights the clash of values between a multinational corporation and an indigenous community, emphasizing the complexities of trademarks and the significance of words in different cultures.
Deep dives
The Pressure on Britain's Fish and Chip Shops
Fish and chip shops in the UK are facing economic pressures that have resulted in rising costs. Factors such as higher fish prices, energy costs, and packaging expenses have affected the profitability of these businesses. As a result, fewer people are buying fish and chips, leading to the closure of many fish and chip shops across the country. This shift is turning fish and chips from a staple food into a luxury.
The Evolution of Fish and Chips in the UK
Fish and chips have long been a popular and integral part of British cuisine. With over 10,000 fish and chip shops in the UK, they are deeply ingrained in the culture. However, the recent economic challenges, including rising costs and competition, are changing the landscape of the fish and chip industry. These small, independently-owned businesses, known as fish bars, are struggling to survive as the cost of running a fish and chip shop continues to rise.
The Trademark Dispute: Coca-Cola vs. Coca-Bear
Fabiola Pinocue, an indigenous Colombian business owner, found herself in a trademark dispute with Coca-Cola over her company's product called Coca-Bear, a beer infused with coca leaves. Coca-Cola accused her of trademark infringement and sent a cease and desist letter. However, Fabiola decided to fight back and sent a similar letter to Coca-Cola, demanding to know who gave them permission to use the term 'coca.' This clash of values between a multinational corporation and an indigenous community highlights the complexities of trademarks and the significance of words in different cultures.
Today on the show, we have two episodes from our daily podcast, The Indicator, about things we spend a lot of time thinking about this time of year: food and drink.
First up, we explore how changes in economic conditions led to one of the U.K.'s iconic (and affordable) staple foods becoming a luxury.
Then, the story of one Indigenous woman whose small business went head-to-head with Coca-Cola over a trademark dispute.