レッスンを予約する
Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
Häagen-Dazs shops find a new owner in China
American food company General Mills has agreed to sell its Häagen-Dazs ice cream shops in mainland China to an investor group that includes Chinese tea brand Ningji. The deal is expected to close by the end of this year, though the price was not disclosed.
Under the agreement, the buyers will have the exclusive right to sell Häagen-Dazs products in ice cream shops and gifting businesses across China. General Mills will continue to sell the brand to retail stores and food service companies.
Ningji, which operates around 3,000 tea shops in China, opened in 2021 and has received funding from ByteDance, the company that created TikTok.
One analyst said Häagen-Dazs has been charging high prices in China without offering enough value, and that its traditional, high-fat ice cream has "passed its peak" as lighter gelato options become more popular.
This deal is part of a wider trend. Other foreign brands, including Starbucks and Burger King, have also recently moved toward Chinese ownership of their China operations.
(AP)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
investor
投資家
a person or organization that puts money into something in order to make a profit or get an advantage
My uncle became an investor in a small local bakery and helped it grow.
私のおじは地元の小さなパン屋に投資家として関わり、その成長を助けました。
disclose
公表する、明らかにする
to give information to people, especially information that was secret
The company refused to disclose how much it paid for the new building.
その会社は新しいビルにいくら支払ったかを公表することを拒否しました。
exclusive
独占的な
only to be used by one particular person or group
Members of the club have exclusive access to the swimming pool on weekday mornings.
クラブのメンバーは平日の午前中にプールを独占的に利用できます。
retail
小売り
the activity of selling goods to the public, usually in shops
She worked in retail for three years before getting a job in an office.
彼女はオフィスの仕事に就く前、3年間小売業で働いていました。
pass one's peak
全盛期を過ぎる
to be no longer at the best or most successful stage
Some people say that this singer has passed her peak, but her new album is selling well.
この歌手はすでに全盛期を過ぎたという人もいますが、新しいアルバムはよく売れています。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
What will happen to Häagen-Dazs products in Chinese supermarkets and restaurants after the deal?
Why are foreign companies selling parts of their China business to local investors?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
Have you ever bought or tried Häagen-Dazs products in your country? What did/do you think of them?
Can you think of any foreign brands in your country that are seen as premium or high-end?
Do you think premium foreign brands are worth the extra cost? Why or why not?
Do you think health trends are influencing food and drink choices in your country? In what ways?
Do you think it is a good idea for a company to expand into a completely different industry? Why or why not?