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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a chain
    • ex. McDonald's is a famous fast-food chain with restaurants all over the world.
  2. capitalize on (something)
    • ex. The company is capitalizing on the summer season by selling more ice cream.
  3. a franchise
    • ex. John decided to open a burger franchise because it already has many loyal customers.
  4. an outlet
    • ex. The clothing brand opened new outlets in different shopping malls in the city.
  5. impatient
    • ex. The impatient customer at the restaurant couldn’t wait for her food.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Chinese food and drink brands are growing in Southeast Asia. They offer alternatives to big American chains. The Chinese company Mixue Group has now become the world’s largest food and drink chain. Today, it has more stores than Starbucks and McDonald’s. This success is also increasing China’s business and cultural influence in nearby countries.

Mixue Group, which means “Honey Snow Ice City” in Chinese, is capitalizing on the region’s love for sweets. It sells ice cream, coffee, and bubble tea at low prices. Many Mixue stores are franchises, in which owners receive ingredients to make drinks with different flavors. Other Chinese brands are also growing, with over 6,100 outlets in the region. Researchers say Chinese businesses are expanding in Southeast Asia because of strong competition in China.

Chinese brands aren’t like Western chains, which take time to develop plans and find local partners. Chinese brands move quickly because they are more impatient. They are known for being good at marketing and using technology to improve their business. Experts say the growth of Chinese food and drink companies shows that Chinese products are no longer just cheap but seen as high-quality.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Food Outlets

  • What types of food outlets are popular in your country (ex. milk tea shops, pizza places)? Discuss.
  • Which do you like better: local food outlets or foreign brands? Why? Discuss.
  • Imagine you own a food outlet that sells local foods. What food would you sell? Why? Discuss.

Expanding a Business

  • The success of Chinese brands in other countries has also increased China’s cultural influence. Do you think food and drink brands can help people learn more about a country's culture? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Chinese brands are impatient and quick to expand their businesses, unlike Western brands. In your opinion, is being impatient bad for business? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • A franchise is a store that uses a big brand’s name and products but is paid for and run by a different owner. Imagine you were to start a business. Would you like to start a new brand or buy a franchise? Why? Discuss.