Business Briefs: Coffee, Taxes, Cars, and More

A roundup of recent business news, including rising coffee prices, tax information for retirees, Volkswagen's return to physical buttons, and more.

Business Briefs: Coffee, Taxes, Cars, and More

Here's a quick look at some of the top business stories making headlines recently, from the price of your morning coffee to the future of car dashboards.

Coffee Prices Surge, Packaging Shrinks

Coffee lovers, brace yourselves! The price of coffee has been steadily increasing. To combat this, some manufacturers are resorting to a sneaky trick: smaller packaging. Instead of the usual one-kilo or half-kilo packages, you might find 400-gram packs on the shelves. Keep an eye out – the difference might not be immediately obvious. Close-up shot of various coffee packages on a supermarket shelf, some larger and some smaller, highlighting the subtle size difference.

The global coffee trade is also feeling the pinch. Traders and roasteries are reducing their purchases due to a dramatic rise in prices, particularly for Arabica coffee, which has jumped 70% since last November. Roasteries are struggling to pass these costs on to retailers, creating a challenging situation for the entire industry.

Tax Tips for Retirees

Retirement doesn't necessarily mean the end of tax season. Many pensioners have additional income from employment, business ventures, rental properties, or even investments like stocks. If you're a retiree working for only one employer and have no other taxable income, your taxes are likely handled by payroll. However, many retirees must file their tax returns independently. Make sure you understand your obligations to avoid any surprises.

Volkswagen Ditches Touchscreens, Returns to Buttons

In a surprising move, Volkswagen is reversing course on its touchscreen-heavy interfaces. After experimenting with touch surfaces, the car manufacturer will be bringing back classic physical buttons for essential functions. This change is expected to debut in the production version of the ID.2all model within the next few years. Interior of a car showcasing a dashboard with physical buttons and knobs for essential functions like volume and climate control.

"We understand the importance of tactile feedback and ease of use for drivers," a Volkswagen spokesperson said. "Our customers have spoken, and we've listened."

This decision highlights the ongoing debate between digital interfaces and traditional controls in modern vehicles.

Dry February? More Like Dry January in Czech Republic

The "Dry February" campaign, aimed at promoting alcohol abstinence, is facing opposition from distillers who claim it demonizes alcohol and hurts sales. However, data suggests that January is actually the "driest" month in the Czech Republic. Alcohol consumption, particularly beer, has been gradually declining in recent years. A close-up of a pint of Czech beer with condensation, with a blurred background of a traditional Czech pub.

Trump's Policies "Toxic" for Economic Growth, Says Economist

Economist Michal Skořepa from Česká spořitelna warns that US President Donald Trump's transactional approach to international relations and unpredictable decisions pose a threat to global economic growth. Skořepa suggests that Europe may face increased import duties as a result of Trump's policies.

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