Some may think that the empowering statuses of corporations are only used for “evil,” but Pepsi has begun something that has also influenced many other corporations to follow. While Pepsi is still keeping its edge on business, they have also begun to show care for the poverty stricken small communities and farmers. While farmers in Mexico used to have to endure a difficult journey north from the Jalisco Mountains into the United States to look for money to cover debts, Pepsi has now eliminated that dangerous trek. Pepsi now directly buys the crops from these poor farmers to increase the nutritional value of its products such as snack foods. In the past, farmers would sell the crops to middlemen who then turned and sold it to Pepsi (Par 4). Pepsi has eliminated these middlemen, thus making it much more convenient to the farmers. Not only does this operation greatly help the farmers in Mexico, but it is also a great asset to Pepsi. According to Stephanie Strom of the New York Times, the operation saves Pepsi transportation costs because the farms are very close to two of its factories (Par 7). The advantages that it gives to the farmers are much less transportation and more income because Pepsi pays for the crops up front. Even the communities around the area are benefited by the gracious acts of Pepsi. Strom says it has a great impact on illegal immigration and even possibly marijuana production (Par 8).
Because of the intelligent operation of Pepsi to help improve poor communities in Mexico while also maintaining a strong business status, other corporations should see that it has a great impact to everyone. It shows that corporations are not all just bullies that push the public and communities around, but that some use their power and wealth to improve the conditions of some citizens. Pepsi has clearly shown to use their “powers” for good and not evil.
Photograph: Pepsi originally uploaded by Lel4nd
Works Cited
Strom, Stephanie. "For Pepsi, A Business Decision With Social Benefit." New York Times. New York Times, 21 Feb. 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/business/global/22pepsi.html>
Fransisco, Leland. O Pepsi. 2010. Photograph. Flikr.
Dear Spencer,
ReplyDeleteI thought that it was a ery good post turning a so-called "evil" big business on its side and showing everyone that Pepsi is doing good things as well! When I began reading I thought that this was about the Pepsi refresh project, but I had never heard of this. It was a simple change, to cut out the middle-man but it helps the farmers and the company so greatly.
My favorite part was when there is discussion about how much good it is doing regarding the farmers and local communities. It really is an all around win-win situation. I also liked the part where it talks about the fact that it might even decrease illegal immigration and marijuana use- that puts a definite positive spin on things.
I really think that this was the right thing for Pepsi to do. Not only does it save money and makes their products better all around, but it also looks good for them to do such. It's about time corporations care about what consumers think of them.
Thanks for sharing your blog with me! I noticed another post and saw the word JEOPARDY! I will definitely be back.
-Galago
Dear Spencer,
ReplyDeleteYour blog was very enlightening and filled a very strong purpose. I liked the angle that you put in your blog and how you showed the good side of some corporations.
“Strom says it has a great impact on illegal immigration and even possibly marijuana production.” This piece really stood out to me because it not only shows the good parts of Pepsi, but it also shows how they are helping to stop bad actions in the world. This really shows the world how big business can cause a positive big change. Not many corporations say that they do the people good in the sort of way Pepsi does.
“Pepsi has eliminated these middlemen, thus making it much more convenient to the farmers.“ This part stands out because it shows way more good that Pepsi does for the farmers. It shows me that they really care for the farmers and want them to receive more money for their crop, while they still want to turn around with more profit. This is just good business ethics and shows more responsibility on the behalf of the corporations.
Thank you very much for choosing this subject to blog about. This blog goes against the typical media agenda and speaks about the light side of some big corporations. I like this blog because it shows how not only cutting out the middleman can help the little farmers from Mexico, but it can also bring in more profit and make the world a safer place.
Sincerely Meadowlark
Dear Spencer Griffin,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this breath of fresh air. With all I have read about corporations being bad, It was refreshing to read a post about one doing things for good.
"While farmers in Mexico used to have to endure a difficult journey north from the Jalisco Mountains into the United States to look for money to cover debts, Pepsi has now eliminated that dangerous trek." This sentence really sums up the blog post as a whole, and shows a kind-hearted Pepsi Co.
"Because of the intelligent operation of Pepsi to help improve poor communities in Mexico while also maintaining a strong business status, other corporations should see that it has a great impact to everyone." I agree with every fiber of my being to this comment. This move by Pepsi will hopefully set a precedent to other big corporations. It should show that you can do good, and still make a profit.
Thank you so much for this post Spencer! It really means a lot. I will for sure keep coming back to see more!!!
With Love,
Carolina Wren
Dear Writer,
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you talked about the good things that corporations can do. We all know there are bad corporations out there, but to hear about the good ones make me think that there is hope in the future for more good ones to come along.
"Pepsi now directly buys the crops from these poor farmers to increase the nutritional value of its products such as snack foods." I think that it was really good of Pepsi to make it easier for the poverty stricken farmers. Usually when things go through a middleman, it is changed drastically and not the same once it gets to it's final stop. Knowing that Pepsi is helping others makes me have hope for more of this kindness to catch on later. So kudos to Pepsi!
"Even the communities around the area are benefited by the gracious acts of Pepsi." Knowing that it helps farmers and the communities around them makes me even more happy! That means that the help will keep growing, and hopefully not stop. It's very refreshing to see that people care these days, when most people just don't.
Thanks so much for writing about this topic. I had no idea that Pepsi did these kind of things to help people! The only downfall of reading this blog is now I want a Pepsi...thanks a lot :)
Sincerely,
Goldfinch