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TECH TODAY

Goldman Sachs: David Solomon cautions Startups to rethink going public.

Mark Cuban: Ready to fund a Tik Tok alternative built on Bluesky’s protocol.

Threads: Music may be coming to Threads posts soon.

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TODAY’S HEADLINE NEWS 👀

Costco Stands Firm on Diversity

Costco won’t budge, and given the consumer friction they solve they don’t need to. As other companies scale back diversity efforts, the warehouse giant defends its commitment to inclusion, tying it directly to business success.

Ahead of its annual meeting, Costco urged shareholders to reject a proposal claiming diversity initiatives could harm stock value. The board went further, arguing diversity boosts innovation and attracts talent, fueling the "treasure hunt" experience customers love.

CEO Ron Vachris doubled down after a customer complaint about hiring practices. “We’ve never used quotas,” he replied. “If these policies offend you, I won’t change them.”

While pressure mounts on companies like Walmart and Meta to abandon DEI policies, Costco’s loyalty-driven model gives it room to resist. Activists pushing boycotts admit Costco’s devoted customer base makes it a tough target. “You don’t mess with a beloved company,” one said.

Costco’s high wages and worker-focused policies back its stance, though diversity at the top remains limited. Over 70% of managers are men, and 81% are white. Critics argue the company isn’t immune to DEI risks, but Costco insists inclusion strengthens its business.

As corporate America retreats, Costco is betting that sticking to its principles pays off.

Holiday Shoppers Deliver And Retailers Win

Shoppers splurged this holiday season. They snapped up everything from Cartier jewels to Target toys, despite inflation and job market jitters.

Retail sales for November and December hit $994.1 billion, a 4% rise from 2023, outpacing forecasts. Online sales climbed 8.6%, showing steady growth after the pandemic era spending frenzy. “Not a blowout year, but a good one,” said Craig Johnson of Customer Growth Partners.

Target bounced back, reporting a 2% rise in same store and digital sales. At the luxury end, Richemont’s jewelry brands, including Cartier, saw a 10% surge, defying high end demand concerns.

Still, not all retailers thrived. Macy’s and Signet Jewelers struggled, with Signet citing a shift toward cheaper gifts. Meanwhile, Lululemon and Urban Outfitters raised their forecasts, benefiting from strong demand.

Election year uncertainty loomed, but consumers proved resilient. Some even rushed to buy big ticket items, spurred by tariff fears. Lower income shoppers tightened their belts, focusing on essentials, while selective spending defined the season.

Retail’s winners celebrated, but investors showed no mercy for slip ups. Abercrombie’s strong sales couldn’t offset profit margin woes, sending its stock tumbling. As 2024 kicks off, the holiday season highlights a mixed but resilient retail landscape.

TikTok’s Survival Could Hinge on Trump’s Inauguration

TikTok got a lifeline. CEO Shou Chew will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, as the incoming president’s team scrambles to delay a looming U.S. ban.

Chew will join tech titans like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook, Sam Altman, and rival Mark Zuckerberg at Monday’s ceremony. Trump’s embrace of TikTok marks a stark shift from his first term, when he sought to ban it outright.

By law, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, must divest by Sunday or face a U.S. ban. Trump takes office the next day. His advisers are exploring ways to push the deadline by 60 to 90 days, with National Security Council pick Mike Waltz vowing to keep TikTok alive.

“Trump is determined to save TikTok,” said transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. Still, the Supreme Court may rule on the law, and the Biden administration claims there’s no authority to delay it.

TikTok plans to go dark Sunday night unless a last minute order halts the ban. Trump could revive the app with an executive order after taking office Monday.

China protests the ban, while the U.S. cites national security concerns. Some suggest allowing a trusted non Chinese party, like Elon Musk, to take control of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

Trump sees TikTok as a bridge to young voters. Chew, meanwhile, is set to attend key inaugural events, positioning TikTok closer to survival. The clock is ticking.

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS NEWS

Inflation Is Back!

Prices climbed faster in December, signaling the Federal Reserve’s inflation battle may have hit a wall.

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% from November, up 2.9% from last year, the sharpest monthly jump since February. Eggs and groceries led the surge.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, showed slight improvement, rising 3.2% annually after holding steady at 3.3% for months. Forecasters didn’t expect that dip.

Inflation has cooled since peaking above 9% in mid 2022. But progress has stalled in recent months, frustrating Fed officials, and putting into question additional interest rate cuts early this year.

“Inflation isn’t really moving anymore,” said Wells Fargo economist Sarah House. “The pace of improvement has been disappointing.”

Despite inflation’s stubbornness, the job market remains strong. December’s surprise surge in hiring eased fears that rate hikes might trigger layoffs.

As a result, the Fed is expected to hold rates steady later this month after three consecutive cuts. Some experts now doubt rates will drop further this year.

Still, housing inflation, a major pressure point, is easing with shelter prices up just 4.6% annually, the smallest gain in nearly three years. Wholesale prices also slowed in December, offering hope.

Uncertainty looms, however. President elect Trump’s plans for tariffs, immigration restrictions, and tax cuts could ignite a new round of inflation stoking prices higher. Fed policymakers are watching closely but remain cautious.

With inflation stuck and the economy stable, the Fed is in wait and see mode. “They can afford to hold off until Trump’s policies take shape,” said BNP Paribas economist James Egelhof.

Banks Are Booming And Earnings Are Too

JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and others posted massive profits, blowing past expectations. JPMorgan alone made $14 billion last quarter and $59 billion for the year. Wells Fargo pulled in $20 billion annually, while Goldman raked in $14 billion. Optimism reigns as bankers predict more deals, mergers, and lending under Trump’s pro business administration.

“This is an ‘animal spirits’ moment,” said JPMorgan CFO Jeremy Barnum, borrowing from Keynes.

Wall Street is riding high. Bank stocks outpaced the broader market’s 23% surge in 2024. Yet questions loom. Wells Fargo flagged high mortgage rates and inflation hurting lower income consumers. Citi warned of uncertainty around Trump’s tariffs and tax plans.

California’s wildfires add risk, with banks like JPMorgan assessing the impact on mortgages and insurance. But for now, the mood is clear, business is good, and bankers are betting it stays that way.

QXO Wants Beacon Roofing Supply

The new building products distributor revealed its $124.25 per share cash offer for Beacon Roofing Supply, claiming Beacon won’t engage. The bid, first made in November, values Beacon at nearly $7.7 billion. Beacon shares, trading at $108.85 before the news, jumped 10% Wednesday.

QXO says it has financing in place and is ready to nominate directors to Beacon’s board. But it warned, $124.25 is near the top of its range.

QXO, led by dealmaker Brad Jacobs, was born in 2023 after Jacobs and investors rebranded a small software firm. It hasn’t made its first move in building materials yet but sees Beacon as the target. With no other buyers in sight, QXO’s clock is ticking as shareholder nominations close Feb. 14.

Democrats Lock And Load On Pete Hegseth

Tipping Drops As Diners Push Back On Rising Costs

Americans are tipping less at restaurants than at any time in six years, squeezed by rising prices and relentless prompts for gratuities in unexpected places.

In full service restaurant environments, tips averaged 19.3% by late 2024, down from 19.9% in 2021, according to Toast, a restaurant payment platform. The decline mirrors diners’ frustrations as menu prices climb and mandatory service fees appear. Leaving many customers cutting back on dining out or ordering less when they do.

Andrea Hill of HMC Hospitality, which runs Chicago’s Hooters locations, says customers are skipping extra drinks, meaning servers are “making less per table.” Meanwhile, waitstaff like Jenni Emmons in upscale Chicago restaurants fear their incomes are under threat as tipping norms erode under pressure.

About 38% of diners tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, according to Popmenu, a restaurant tech company. High costs have diners rethinking generosity, with some balking at new fees.

In Washington, D.C., where voters scrapped the tipped wage system in 2022, 70% of restaurants raised prices. Fritz Brogan, who owns five D.C. eateries, says higher payroll costs forced him to bump prices and cut employee hours, leaving diners confused about service fees and tipping expectations. “No one wants to do math after dinner,” he said.

Worker advocacy groups like One Fair Wage are pushing to eliminate tipped wages entirely, arguing they exploit workers. They’ve made gains in D.C. and Chicago and aim to expand efforts in states like New York and Maryland. But restaurant industry leaders warn these shifts threaten traffic, operators, and workers too.

The fight over tipping, wages, and rising costs shows no sign of slowing, leaving diners and staff to navigate a landscape where generosity increasingly feels like a luxury. Though when a tip system is in place workers do not earn a working wage therefore tips are the bulk of income earned by wait and bar staff so remember to be generous in any case, and extra generous when the service is deemed above that which was expected.

Starbucks New Rules Bathrooms For Customers Only

Starbucks is rolling back its open door policy. Starting January 27, the coffee chain’s North American stores will require customers to make a purchase to use its cafes, patios, or restrooms.

The shift marks the end of a nearly seven year policy allowing anyone to linger. Sparked by a 2018 incident in Philadelphia that led to national backlash and racial sensitivity training. While some praised the policy, Starbucks employees often complained of messes, loitering, and disruptive behavior.

“There's a need to reset expectations,” said Starbucks North America President Sara Trilling. The new policy, outlined in employee notices, includes bans on harassment, smoking, and panhandling. Free water will also be limited to customers and their guests.

Baristas will now ask non compliant individuals to leave, with clearer protocols for involving law enforcement if necessary. CEO Brian Niccol, who took over last year, is revamping Starbucks' approach to improve safety and restore its cafes' inviting atmosphere.

The chain will reintroduce amenities like condiment bars, ceramic mugs, and free coffee refills for those who dine in. But after three quarters of declining sales and complaints of overcrowding and loitering, Starbucks is prioritizing paying customers.

“Our stores will be inviting places to linger,” Niccol wrote, “but for those who actually support our business.”

Sketchers The Underdog That Outsold Expectations

The NBA’s MVP and Europe’s top goal scorer don’t lace up Nike or Adidas. Instead, they wear Skechers just like Martha Stewart.

Known for slip on comfort, Skechers has quietly climbed to the third largest footwear brand globally. By 2026, it’s on track to hit $10 billion in revenue without chasing the cool factor. Its strategy is to fill gaps rivals overlook. While Nike courts superstars and Hoka targets runners, Skechers wins over retirees, budget conscious families, and now athletes like Harry Kane and Joel Embiid.

Skechers keeps it simple, a comfy affordable shoe priced around $50 for kids and $115 for pickleball players. It doesn’t dabble in hype driven limited releases, but dominates in overseas markets, even outselling Nike in India.

Founded by Robert Greenberg in 1992, Skechers took decades to rise. Greenberg’s past at L.A. Gear taught him patience and the perils of expanding too fast. Now, with steady growth and $8 billion in 2023 sales, Skechers has doubled its stock price in five years while Nike and Adidas faltered.

Skechers’ pivot into performance shoes and cleats, paired with Nike’s retreat from lower income markets, has opened new doors. Even a pending Nike lawsuit hasn’t slowed its momentum.

For Skechers, it’s not about being flashy, it’s about staying comfortable. As one fan put it, “Since I have these, I’m unstoppable.”

LOS ANGELES FIRES

Devastated Communities Strain Businesses

LOS ANGELES—Toscana Brentwood, once a hub of Hollywood’s elite, now sits eerily quiet. Fires have ravaged the Palisades, forcing evacuations in Brentwood and Santa Monica. Valets sit idle, no Aston Martins or Teslas to park.

“We have customers who lost their homes,” said Roberto “Roby” Facciolla, Toscana’s general manager. “Everyone is in shock.”

Nearby, Santa Monica’s hotels are packed with evacuees. Shutters on the Beach, where rooms typically top $700, is now a refuge for displaced families and pets. Affordable motels like the Sea Shore on Main Street have slashed rates to accommodate those seeking shelter.

The fires have upended life across Los Angeles County. Small businesses are struggling as foot traffic vanishes. Restaurants close early. Tourism dips. Even Hollywood studios halted productions, delaying shows like Grey’s Anatomy.

The economic toll will be immense. Los Angeles County’s GDP, the highest of any U.S. county at $962 billion, faces a hit. Recovery will take years and billions of dollars. Cleanup crews and construction workers will find steady work, but for now, uncertainty reigns.

“This community is a big portion of our customer base,” said Travis Strickland of Alliance Hospitality Group, which owns several affected restaurants. “We’re left wondering what the future will look like.”

Rebuilding will be slow. Economists predict a three to-five year timeline for home reconstruction, despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to expedite the process. Meanwhile, businesses grapple with fewer customers, staff shortages, and the question of how long they can hold on.

“There’s a lot that can’t be measured in numbers,” said economist Ben Herzon. “Lives, memories, and communities lost, those can never be recouped.”

Survivors Thankful And For Some Means Just Surviving

Roya Lavasani spent thirty years building a life in Malibu, only to see it reduced to ash in minutes. Her four unit condo, nestled among fruit trees and vibrant flowers, provided both a home for her family and a steady $150,000 annual income. The Palisades fire took it all. Now, everything she worked for is gone, and she mourns most the loss of her daughters’ photo albums, precious memories that can never be replaced. “All memories just gone,” she said.

The fire, one of the most devastating in California’s history, has displaced nearly 200,000 people across Los Angeles County. Some fled the flames, others the suffocating air thick with ash. Every choice carried a cost, what to take, where to go, and how to start over. When firefighters arrived at their door, Lavasani’s husband, Majid Amirani, and their daughter, Rezvon, scrambled to gather essentials, passports, documents, jewelry, and Coco, the family’s 9 year old pygmy goat. Lavasani stayed behind, desperate to save more, but the flames came too fast. She fled with only the clothes on her back, pulling her sweatshirt tight over her face as the fire surged around her. She escaped with burns and nothing else.

Now, the family is living in borrowed campers parked at an evacuation center in Westwood. Coco sleeps in the parking lot, too frightened to be around other animals. Aid comes in fits and starts, bottled water, medical supplies, even a new pet bed for Coco, but it’s not enough. The challenges of rebuilding their lives feel insurmountable. The roof they had just paid $60,000 to replace has collapsed. The fruit trees that Lavasani nurtured for years stand blackened and skeletal. Their rental income is gone, and rebuilding could take years. Although they have fire insurance through California’s FAIR plan, the state’s insurer of last resort, they worry it won’t be enough to cover the losses. “This is not a time to rebuild your business again,” Lavasani said, her voice heavy with the exhaustion of starting over at 57.

Their story is not unique. Across Los Angeles, families face similar devastation. In Pasadena, Marcell Scott opened his home to relatives fleeing the Eaton fire. Many packed only what they thought they’d need for a night, believing they’d return to their homes. By morning, some had nothing to return to. In Altadena, Lui Elliot lost his family home, along with a beloved record collection his late father had carefully curated. Yet it is the loss of his neighborhood that haunts him most. Once a vibrant Black community, the cost of rebuilding threatens to scatter its residents. “We can have all the money, but without infrastructure, we can’t rebuild,” he said, referencing the destroyed water systems, power lines, and sewers that make returning impossible for now.

Evacuation shelters offer basic support, and community groups have stepped in to help, but the road to recovery is long. The Amirani family has raised $25,000 through donations, a small fraction of what they need just to begin again. As the fires continue to burn, the uncertainty smolders alongside them. For families like the Amiranis, the loss is about more than property. It’s about memories, community, and lives put on hold, waiting for a spark of hope to rise from the ashes.

SPORTS

NFL 2025 Playoffs Bracket (Updated)

January 13, 2025 Update: The Los Angeles Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings to advance to the second round of playoffs. The NFL postseason had some blowouts and one, maybe two, good games. Hopefully your team made out better than mine ⚡️ but there’s always next year! Here is the playoff bracket update, along with all the second round matchups. The postseason will conclude with Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 🏈

💰️ Smart Money Matters 💰️ 

Culture Corner

Artificial Dye Red No. 3 Banned By FDA 

The FDA is banning Red No. 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer in lab rats, from food and ingested drugs. Food manufacturers have until 2027 to remove it from products like Pop Tarts and candy corn.

Red 3, approved in 1969, is made from petroleum and gives foods a bright cherry red hue. It was banned from cosmetics in 1990 but remained legal in food, thanks partly to industry lobbying. Consumer advocates argued the dye violates a 1958 law prohibiting additives that cause cancer in animals or humans, even at tiny doses.

The ban comes amid growing scrutiny of food additives. California recently passed a similar law, and Europe has banned Red 3 in most products for years. Companies like Kellogg and Ferrara are already phasing it out.

Critics call the dye’s risks unacceptable for its purely cosmetic use. “It’s absurd Red 3 was banned in lipstick but still allowed in candy for kids,” said CSPI President Peter Lurie.

The move highlights a shift toward stricter food safety rules, with consumer groups pushing for bans on other chemicals like BPA and titanium dioxide.

Quiet Quitting Became A Prominent Term Heading Into 2025

In 2024, "quiet quitting" became a buzzword, capturing a shift in how employees view work. It means doing only what your job requires, no extra effort, no overtime. It’s a rejection of hustle culture, with workers prioritizing their health and personal lives over endless ambition.

The trend grew from the pandemic’s aftershocks. The Great Resignation saw millions leave jobs in search of balance and meaning. Burnout pushed others to rethink how much they were willing to give. Younger workers, especially, now seek purpose beyond paychecks.

Opinions differ. Some call it healthy, a stand against overwork and a move toward sanity. Others see it as laziness, a threat to productivity.

Quiet quitting isn’t simple. It reflects a deeper change in workplace expectations. Employers who adapt, offering support, fair pay, and respect, will be the ones to thrive.

With TikTok’s Fate Uncertain Users Look For Alternatives

The Supreme Court is weighing TikTok’s future in the U.S., and with 170 million users on edge, alternatives are gaining attention.

One contender is Lemon8, a ByteDance app blending Instagram and Pinterest. It launched in Japan in 2020 and has slowly expanded. ByteDance has pushed creators toward Lemon8 with promises of incentives. But if TikTok is banned, Lemon8 might face the same fate.

That leaves platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Instagram’s Reels mimics TikTok’s vertical videos, while YouTube offers Shorts for quick clips and its classic long form content. Both platforms are ready to absorb TikTok’s audience.

Creators like Yumna Jawad are already diversifying. “I’m on Flipboard, testing Lemon8, and Threads,” she said. “There’s always a new one, and I’m open to trying.”

As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, users may need to explore new digital homes. The question is, where will they land?

ECONOMY

Undocumented Workers Pour Billions Into Social Security They’ll Never Collect

Undocumented immigrants pumped $25.7 billion into Social Security in 2022, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Since they can’t claim benefits without legal status, this money subsidizes payouts for American retirees.

But if mass deportations proceed, an idea floated by past administrations, Social Security could lose $20 billion annually, say program actuaries. With birthrates falling and baby boomers retiring, every dollar counts.

Immigrants, documented or not, are a lifeline for the aging workforce. They pay taxes, often under borrowed or fake Social Security numbers, but cannot access the benefits. Some see this as unfair, others as essential to keeping the system afloat.

Experts warn that stricter immigration policies could worsen Social Security’s funding shortfall, projected to cut benefits by 21% in 2033 if no action is taken. For every 100,000 additional net immigrants annually, the funding gap improves by 0.09% of payroll.

Undocumented workers still file taxes, often through IRS issued taxpayer IDs, hoping to prove good character in future immigration cases. Their contributions to federal, state, and local taxes totaled $96.7 billion last year, reinforcing their role as quiet backers of U.S. social programs.

“They want to integrate,” said Sarah Lora, a tax law professor, “and paying taxes is a key step.”

FINANCE

American Express Fined $230M For Misleading Small Businesses

American Express will pay $230 million in penalties for deceptive sales practices targeting small business customers. The fines include $108.7 million to the Justice Department and an expected settlement with the Federal Reserve.

The penalties stem from tactics like misrepresenting card rewards and fees, checking credit reports without consent, and falsifying employer ID numbers to boost card signups. Salespeople also marketed wire services as tax avoidance tools, the DOJ said.

The Wall Street Journal exposed these practices, which began during Amex's scramble to retain Costco’s small business customers after their partnership ended in 2016. Aggressive sales goals and hefty commissions fueled the misconduct, lasting until 2021.

Amex claims it has addressed the issues, disciplined staff, and revamped training. But the fallout from its high pressure sales tactics, originally aimed at offsetting the loss of Costco’s lucrative business cardholders, continues to cost the company.

POLITICS

Marco Rubio Has Latin America On His Mind

The Florida senator, tapped by President elect Trump as secretary of state, will juggle migration, trade, and ambitious territorial plans. Trump’s America first agenda centers on tariffs, curbing immigration, and asserting U.S. influence. Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, will be key to executing it.

Trump has floated ideas like annexing Greenland and the Panama Canal, adding Canada as a 51st state, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau dismissed the idea outright, “It’s not going to happen.” Mexico mocked back, proposing to rename U.S. territories “Mexican America.”

Rubio faces tough negotiations. Mexico and Panama are critical partners on migration and drug trafficking. Tensions with Venezuela and Cuba will flare, with Trump likely to reinstate Cuba’s terror designation and tighten sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Rubio’s task is to smooth over conflicts, strike deals, and keep Trump’s bold plans from boiling over.

Trump’s Cabinet Picks Face Scrutiny In Senate

The fight over Donald J. Trump’s cabinet begins this week. Senate hearings will probe more than a dozen nominees. Democrats aim to expose flaws, hoping to sway Republicans and derail some picks.

Tuesday brings the main event, Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary. Hegseth, a Fox News personality and combat veteran, faces accusations of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and controversial remarks. Democrats, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, plan to grill him hard.

Trump urges GOP unity to confirm key nominees quickly. Republicans want national security roles filled by Inauguration Day but admit it's unlikely. “The president needs his team,” said Senator John Barrasso. “We’ll work around the clock if needed.”

History says rejections are rare. Still, Democrats aim to highlight baggage, slow confirmations, and force transparency on ethics and F.B.I. checks. “We want to show who they really are,” said Senator Chuck Schumer.

Nominees like Marco Rubio for secretary of state may get bipartisan support, but others, including Hegseth, face a tougher road. Delays are expected, with partisan battles over paperwork, ethics, and loyalty to campaign promises.

The stage is set. The Senate’s verdict will test Trump’s grip on his new administration and the GOP’s unity. The clock ticks toward Inauguration Day.

THE GRIND FACTORY ⚙️

UNIQUELY INTERESTING

💡 Epiphany Moments

Starbucks began in 1971, as small shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Three friends, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker sold high quality coffee beans, tea, and spices. It became a local favorite, known for its focus on quality.

In 1982, Howard Schultz joined the company. A trip to Italy inspired him when he saw coffeehouses as gathering places and imagined Starbucks becoming more than just a seller of beans. By 1987, with investors’ help, Schultz bought the company and set his vision in motion.

Starbucks grew quickly, transforming into a coffeehouse chain. Espresso drinks, lattes, and cappuccinos became staples. Stores opened across the U.S., then the world. Starbucks became a global phenomenon with thousands of locations.

Innovation followed soon thereafter. New drinks, food, and mobile ordering kept customers coming back. Starbucks also embraced social responsibility, ethical sourcing, sustainability, and community engagement became part of its brand.

Today, Starbucks is more than coffee. It’s a cultural icon, a meeting place, and a symbol of modern life. Built on quality, customer experience, and constant evolution, Starbucks became a brand the world recognizes and loves.

 🍎 One Smart Apple

Ready Pac Produce achieved true success in the mid 1990s by revolutionizing the fresh food industry with its single serve salad kit. Known as the Bistro Bowl®, this innovative product transformed the way consumers accessed fresh, healthy meals on the go. Combining convenience, freshness, and portability, it met the rising demand for healthier, ready to eat options and set Ready Pac apart as a pioneer in the pre packaged produce market.

The single serve salad kits quickly became a hit, appearing in grocery stores, convenience stores, and even airline meals. This success drove rapid expansion, with Ready Pac extending its product lines to include fruit and snack packs, becoming a household name for fresh, convenient food. Strategic partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and fast food chains further cemented its market dominance.

In 2017, Ready Pac’s success culminated in its acquisition by Bonduelle, a French agricultural powerhouse, for $409 million. This marked the company’s transition from a U.S. leader to a global player in fresh produce.

Ready Pac’s breakthrough wasn’t just a product it redefined a category, proving that fresh, healthy food could also be convenient and accessible. The single serve salad kit remains a cornerstone of its legacy, reshaping consumer habits and the fresh food industry. 🍏 

 HEALTH & LONGEVITY •ᴗ• This Week For A Long Life

Longevity Essentials Are Simply Making Good Choices

Longevity comes down to choices. Eat well. Stick to whole foods fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed junk. The Mediterranean diet, heavy on fish and olive oil, is linked to longer life.

Move often. Exercise regularly, 150 minutes of moderate activity a week will do. Add strength training twice a week. Enjoy what you do, and you’ll stick with it.

Sleep matters. Get 7-9 hours a night. Go to bed at the same time. Build a calming bedtime routine.

Stress kills. Manage it with meditation, deep breathing, or time in nature. Keep strong social connections they’re vital.

Don’t smoke. If you drink, do it sparingly.

Visit your doctor. Regular checkups, screenings, and vaccines can catch problems early.

Keep your mind sharp. Learn new things. Stay curious. Stay connected. Life is long if you live it right.

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