Discussion 1: Read and analyze the Kashi Case Study (found in important documents). Look up more information if needed. Research Kashi. What was the original mission and vision of the founders of Kashi? How did Kashi start out to have a social impact? Was it possible to sustain this impact when absorbed by a large conglomerate? Why or why not. Analyze what Kellogg did in response to the issues raised about Kashi’s marketing. What ethical response should Kellogg’s have taken? Was their ultimate response enough?

write a 500 word initial post. Then, reply on 2 student's initial posts: Student#1: The original mission and vision of the Kashi was to nourish the people as well as the planet by making use of real ingredients. They held the opinion that the real food holds the power and capability to bring positive changes in the human body. Its aim of providing the real ingredients to the patrons formed the basis of its success and triumph. It influenced the individuals in a positive manner and captured an increased market share. However, it faced different challenges and troubles when absorbed by a large conglomerate. It became difficult and problematic for the company to sustain its objectives owing to the presence of high competition as well as difference in operations of the parent company. It is deliberated that the Kellogg responded to the issues in an appropriate manner and changed the labeling in order to keep the stakeholders satisfied and contented towards the company. It could however bring alterations in its production activity in order to have the required outcomes. Moreover, it also stopped the autonomy and independence that it provided to the Kashi that eventually resulted into lack of understanding of the specific market needs and requirements. Also, It failed to understand the particular culture of Kashi and did not respond to the emerging needs of the customers of the Kashi brand. The issues could have been handled if the parent company had allowed the Kashi brand to make its own decisions as well as given the employees due autonomy to function independently. Student#2: This modules discussion is about Kashi. Kashi is a producer of many kinds of foods that are labeled as healthy (organic, all natural etc.). Below are some of the questions that are being asked about the case study: What was the original mission and vision of the founders of Kashi? The original mission of Kashi was to nourish people and the planet with progressive nutrition. They not only focused on the food itself, but what goes into the food and how it effects people and the environment. How did Kashi start out to have a social impact? In the beginning, Kashi just wanted to deliver good nutritious foods. The began by giving away free cereal and cereal bars to athletes after sporting events. They began to get their products out via media (TV, radio, internet, etc.) and sort of created this following of people who wanted a healthier breakfast, and eventually, more healthy food options. Was it possible to sustain this impact when absorbed by a large conglomerate? Why or why not. Kashi has been able to sustain their impact on the organic healthy food market. Although Kellogg’s brought the company, their brand is not readily identifiable by Kashi consumers. Kashi stull makes its products with the same promises, products and practices that it had before its acquisition. I think that Kellogg’s knows that it would not be wise to interfere with a brand that has done relatively well on its own. Analyze what Kellogg did in response to the issues raised about Kashi’s marketing. In 2012, Kashi came under fire for misrepresenting some of its ingredients as all natural. In 2014, Kellogg’s company agreed to stop using the terms “All Natural” and “Nothing Artificial” labels on Kashi products and pay $5 million dollars in a settlement. The FDA has to decide what can be labeled as all natural or organic, and I think that sometimes the average consumer forgets that there is a major grey area on that matter. Either way, consumers felt betrayed by Kashi, but they still have a strong following. Kellogg’s has agreed that all of their products will contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients. This was, the public cant say that they were misled, and Kellogg’s and Kashi still get to use those healthy words that everyone likes so much. What ethical response should Kellogg’s have taken? I think that Kellogg’s took a ethical response. What they did initially may not have been ethical, but they responded in the appropriate way. They stated that their products would be at the least, 70% organic. This gives consumers the choice of whether or not they want to continue to buy the Kashi brand or not. Was their ultimate response enough? Despite the initial turbulence, Kellogg’s and Kashi did a pretty good job cleaning up the PR nightmare that was created when consumers felt like they were being lied to. Once the damage is done, there are going to be those who will never trust the brand again. This cannot be undone. Moving forward though, I think that Kellogg’s and Kashi’s response was quick and genuine enough to keep the companies moving forward in a positive way.