Facebook Inc.

[thor666]

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/co...ffee-shops
Costa Coffee exits S’pore, as tide turns in favour of indie coffee shops  
05 SEPTEMBER, 2018

The falling fortunes of major cafe chains — hit by hefty rents and soaring costs — come as independently run cafes become more popular.

These "indie" cafes, which serve up java that is roasted in-house or sourced from roasters around the world, are part of the so-called "third wave of coffee" movement. It emphasises, among other things, an appreciation of high-quality coffee as a craft beverage, with a similarly artisanal production process and alternative preparation methods.

..

These customers seek the "experiential factor", Mr Grover pointed out. "People want to advertise their lifestyle on their social media feeds. This is good for us — but it also keeps us honest and we have to really deliver."

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This past few years I came to appreciate the power of social media more and more. To me it is no longer just a hyped up investment fad (everyone heard of them, use them on their phone, therefore investors are enamored by them and assign them a very high multiple). I have came to see social media as a democratizing force, one that empowers individuals and small brands to reach out to consumers and establish their presence at a lower cost then ever before; which allows them to compete against the big boys on a level playing field. 

They are also actively shaping cultures, tastes and trends. Consumers reach out and recommend products and services to one another more effectively on social media. As social media becomes more omnipresent, this is a new era of social discovery (online reviews, friend recommendations, influencer endorsement) driven commerce.

This "3rd wave of Coffee" is just part of a greater shift in consumer spending habits. From commercialized, efficient, top-down franchise business models (Toys"r"us, Macdonalds, Starbucks, Costa Coffee etc.); successful businesses are increasingly bottom-up, small businesses that provide more variety, more personal, and more experiential consumer experience.

Facebook remains the only social media company of note outside of China. As long as their dominance in social media remains intact. It remains an attractive investment to me.

(vested; ymmv)

As a side note, the today article might not have been too detailed. As Costa coffee probably exited also in tune to Coca Cola takeover.

https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/20...cquisition

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