Business Wars
Wondery
Netflix vs. HBO. Nike vs. Adidas. Business is war. Sometimes the prize is your wallet or your attention. Sometimes, it’s just the fun of beating the other guy. The outcome of these battles shapes what we buy and how we live. Business Wars gives you the unauthorized, real story of what drives these companies and their leaders, innovators, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace. From Wondery, the network behind Against the Odds and American History Tellers.Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 15, 2022 • 28min
Häagen-Dazs vs Ben & Jerry's | Breaking the Ice | 6
In the year 2000, Ben & Jerry's faces upheaval under new ownership, raising questions about its core values. A proposed flavor celebrating same-sex civil unions sparks heated debates on corporate activism. Meanwhile, Häagen-Dazs struggles to maintain its premium image while competing fiercely in China. The brands confront market shifts as a new low-calorie ice cream disrupts the industry. Amid these challenges, Häagen-Dazs pivots to a culture-first luxury approach, showcasing resilience and fresh strategies during the pandemic.
Jun 8, 2022 • 28min
Häagen-Dazs vs Ben & Jerry's | Hunger Games | 5
In the late '90s, Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's find themselves in an intense rivalry as Unilever and Nestlé fight for dominance in the ice cream market. The tensions escalate with unexpected alliances and strategic corporate moves, including a contentious buyout proposal. As bids for Ben & Jerry's soar, the founders grapple with the emotional weight of their legacy versus shareholder interests. This deep dive reveals not just delectable flavors but the ethical challenges and brand identities that shape these iconic companies.
Jun 1, 2022 • 27min
Encore: Häagen-Dazs vs Ben & Jerry's | Trading Licks | 4
As the 1990s unfold, Häagen-Dazs aims to conquer global markets but faces fierce competition from a rapidly growing Ben & Jerry's. Tensions rise in corporate boardrooms as Häagen-Dazs pushes for major investments while Ben & Jerry's innovates with new flavors like cookie dough. The rivalry heats up, bringing internal conflicts and leadership struggles to light. As both brands navigate their expansion strategies, they grapple with ethical dilemmas and the looming threat of giants like Unilever and Nestle. Ice cream supremacy is at stake!
May 25, 2022 • 28min
Encore: Häagen-Dazs vs Ben & Jerry's | Doughboys and Dead Heads | 3
In 1984, Ben & Jerry's finds itself battling Häagen-Dazs for survival. With a determined lawyer and quirky publicity stunts, they embark on a daring fight against corporate giants. The rivalry gets spicy when a copycat brand emerges, threatening their unique flavors. Plus, the influence of the Grateful Dead's Cherry Garcia takes center stage, sparking trademark battles and internal debates over activism. It's a delightful mix of ice cream, strategy, and the quest for identity!
May 20, 2022 • 32min
Sponsored: Welcome to the Future of Work (Dell Podference) | 2
Nick Bloom, a Stanford economics professor and remote work expert, dives into the seismic shift in workplace dynamics post-pandemic. He discusses the rise of hybrid work models and their impact on employee satisfaction and retention. Bloom highlights how small businesses can adapt more flexibly than larger corporations in this new landscape. Additionally, the importance of technology in facilitating remote work and maintaining team cohesion is emphasized, alongside the potential future implications of innovations like driverless cars.
May 18, 2022 • 28min
Encore: Häagen-Dazs vs Ben & Jerry's | Ice Cream Castle | 2
In 1958, Reuben Mattus faced fierce competition in the ice cream market, fueling his ambition to create a luxury brand: Häagen-Dazs. The podcast reveals his journey from hardship to success, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and redefining ice cream luxury. As the brand rises in New York City, tensions emerge between Mattus and his daughter regarding its future. The battle heats up as Häagen-Dazs encounters fierce rivals like Ben & Jerry's, culminating in a dramatic sale to Pillsbury, showcasing the cutthroat nature of the ice cream industry.
4 snips
May 13, 2022 • 33min
Sponsored: The Art of Disruption (Dell Podference) | 1
Jonah Berger, a Wharton School marketing professor and bestselling author, discusses the art of disruption in business. He explains how startups thrive by addressing customer pain points, while established companies must innovate to stay relevant. Berger highlights the transformative role of consumer-centric innovation illustrated by disruptors like Uber and Airbnb. He offers strategies for legacy businesses to navigate change and emphasizes the need for fresh perspectives to overcome innovation challenges. The conversation also touches on the evolving purpose of physical stores in our digital age.
May 11, 2022 • 27min
Encore: Häagen-Dazs vs Ben & Jerry's | Big Chunks O'Love | 1
In the vibrant '70s, Ben and Jerry embark on an ice cream adventure, wanting to have fun and create unique flavors. As their business takes off, they find themselves clashing with the heavyweight Häagen-Dazs. The podcast recounts pivotal moments, including a tense legal crisis that could threaten their autonomy. Throughout their journey, innovative marketing tactics and personal challenges come to light, showcasing the sweet and tumultuous world of ice cream rivalry.
May 5, 2022 • 37min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Plant-Based Food on A Roll | 6
Heather Haddon, a food industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins comedy writer Hallie Kiefer, known for her work on Crooked Media and the horror podcast Ruined. They dive into the plant-based food revolution as big-name brands like Beyond Meat partner with giants like PepsiCo. They discuss how fast-food chains are adapting menus to cater to shifting tastes and the implications of branding changes, including M&M's efforts towards inclusivity. The duo also examines the rise of functional sodas and the evolving landscape of consumer beverage preferences.
May 4, 2022 • 37min
Tesla vs Detroit | Tales From the Tipping Point | 5
Aarian Marshall, a Wired staff writer focused on transportation, and Dana Hull, a Bloomberg reporter covering Tesla, dive into the electric vehicle landscape. They highlight the rising consumer interest driven by soaring gas prices and discuss Tesla's pivotal role in shaping attitudes towards EVs. The conversation shifts to serious allegations of racial discrimination at Tesla's factory, examining the impact on the company's reputation and the challenges faced by its Black workers. This clash of innovation and workplace justice creates a compelling narrative.
