Economics Case Studies

Market Demand and Supply

Case Study #1​- ​Read the scenario and answer the questions based on only the info below.
Your uncle’s BBQ restaurant is struggling. He has fewer customers and he’s looking to make
some changes to the menu. He heard that you’ve been studying economics and he wants your
advice. You research popular food trends and find ​this article.

Impossible Foods, known for its meatless burgers, is launching plant-based pork. Like the Impossible
Burger, the plant-based pork is made with soy protein and is designed to look, taste and cook like real
meat. Others will be able to try a sausage version of the product when it arrives at 139 Burger King
restaurants later this month. Much of the hype surrounding plant-based meat has been focused on
beef substitutes. But pork could be the next big thing because of the industry's ambitions in Asia,
where African Swine Fever has devastated the pork supply. People who have turned to plant-based
beef as a healthier alternative to meat may find meatless pork attractive for the same reason.

1. According to the article, why might your uncle’s restaurant have fewer customers?

2. Your uncle wants to add either the “Greasy Pork ​Hoagie”​ or the “Meatless Pork Deluxe” to his
menu. Which of these sandwiches do you suggest he add? Why?

3. Your uncle wonders if he should only offer plant-based meat alternatives. What are the dangers of
changing everything on his menu?

4. If producing plant-based meat alternatives becomes extremely profitable, what will happen to the
supply and price of meat alternatives in the future? Why?

5. Your uncle is good friends with the farmer that sells him pork and beef. What will happen to the
price and quantity of beef if Americans continue to prefer plant-based beef alternatives. Why?

6. US farmers are ​sending more pork to Asia​. How will that affect the price of pork in the US? Why?

7. Your other uncle, Edgar, grows soybeans. Given the information in the article, do you expect the
demand of soybeans to increase or decrease in the future? Why?

8. China recently removed a ​25% tariff​ on US soybeans. Is this good or bad news for Edgar? Why?

Video Help: ​https://youtu.be/LwLh6ax0zTE