©AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you heard of a company splitting into two smaller businesses? If so, which company did you hear about? If not, what do you imagine happens?
- Do you know any food brands that are very popular worldwide? If so, which ones do you know? If not, what kind of food do you think sells well?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- decline /dih-KLAHYN/
[noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength
The town had an economic decline after the factory closed. - competition /kom-pi-TISH-uhn/
[noun] – the situation in which people or businesses try to be more successful than others
The competition between the two bakeries is very strong. - transition /tran-ZISH-uhn/
[noun] – a change from one form or condition to another
The school is in a transition to online classes. - innovation /in-uh-VEY-shuhn/
[noun] – a new idea, method, or invention
Smartphones were a big innovation in communication. - stability /stuh-BIL-i-tee/
[noun] – a situation in which something does not change much
The bridge has stability even in strong winds.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Kraft Heinz announced that it will separate into two independent businesses in the second half of 2026. The decision came ten years after the well-known merger of Kraft and Heinz, which created one of the largest food makers worldwide. A strategic review launched in May led to this plan. Global Taste Elevation Co. will handle faster-growing brands such as Heinz ketchup, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. North American Grocery Co. will take charge of slower-selling items, including Oscar Mayer, Maxwell House, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables. Company leaders explained that a steady decline in revenue and the preference for healthier food choices forced the change. Since 2020, annual sales have dropped, and experts linked this to strong competition from cheaper store brands and changing customer habits.
The restructuring is expected to create sharper focus and efficiency, allowing more investment in stronger categories. Analysts said this major transition could reshape the food industry. The 2015 merger, once praised, soon revealed problems such as rising costs and limited innovation. Some observers warned of possible risks for employees during the long process, while others believed the brands will maintain stability and may find success under new management. Experts compared this move to Kellogg’s split in 2023, showing that breaking companies apart can sometimes open new growth opportunities.
The restructuring is expected to create sharper focus and efficiency, allowing more investment in stronger categories. Analysts said this major transition could reshape the food industry. The 2015 merger, once praised, soon revealed problems such as rising costs and limited innovation. Some observers warned of possible risks for employees during the long process, while others believed the brands will maintain stability and may find success under new management. Experts compared this move to Kellogg’s split in 2023, showing that breaking companies apart can sometimes open new growth opportunities.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What will Kraft Heinz do in the second half of 2026?
- When did Kraft and Heinz merge into one company?
- What review in May led to the split plan?
- Which company will handle Heinz ketchup and Kraft Mac & Cheese?
- Which company will manage Oscar Mayer and Kraft Singles?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried food from Kraft or Heinz? If so, which product did you like? If not, what food brand do you often eat?
- Have you seen a company change its products before? If so, what changes did you notice? If not, what changes would you want to see?
- Do you agree that splitting a company can make it stronger?
- Why do you think people are moving away from processed foods?
- How might employees feel if a company splits into two parts?