Food and Drinks

Starbucks to boost pay for all U.S. employees

"For nearly 50 years, Starbucks has been a leader in providing relevant, industry-leading benefits and a total compensation approach that is best-in-class for both part and full-time employees," a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement. "Continuing in that tradition, this announcement is the next phase of its commitment to ensuring the well-being of partners with one of the most significant investments to hourly pay in the U.S. in the history of the company."

Snickers parent to buy Kind Bars for $5B

Mars announced that it is acquiring Kind North America, the maker of Kind bars, in an effort to expand the partnership that started three years ago.

US crop prices are rising, and China is buying

Futures prices for soybeans, corn and hard red winter wheat--the kind used for baking bread--have risen by about a third since a rally began Aug. 10. Soft red winter wheat, found in animal feed and processed foods, is up about 20%.