Twinkies, the Undead Snack - Essay Example

Twinkies: A Snack or an Employment Opportunity “While I would never wish a cut in the standard of living of any worker, and few working people have control over which job they wind up in, the companies that deserve to survive are the ones that produce things we need and provide gainful employment” (Bittman 2012). This article discussed the recent filing for bankruptcy of Hostess, the manufacturer of the Twinkie. A brief historical perspective was offered through a discussion of the baby boomers outlook of the Twinkie as a snack compared to today’s standpoint that Twinkies are an unhealthy option at any time.

The article implies that it is this notion, along with an extremely liberal union agreement for workers, which has led to the financial instability of Hostess and the Twinkie. The author concludes with the quote as stated above and I agree that the companies that survive over time are the ones that continue to produce products that people need and find value in. Thinking about companies that have been around for generations and that are currently financially stable such as McDonald’s, Walt Disney and Microsoft, you will notice that they all stay current with the times and produce products that people want.

These companies are willing to change their products, designs, logos and marketing techniques in order to keep their products in the forefront to remind consumers that they need to have their products. These companies also market themselves well in terms of using the latest technology and making that known to customers. These companies make people believe that what they are producing is truly needed by people around the world. Hostess, on the other hand, is not known for being modern and up to date.

People don’t talk about Twinkies at their get social events. Although their products still sell, they are not seen in the same light as they once were. In my opinion, Hostess needs a new modern twist on its traditional products. Hostess is not viewed as a company that provides products that are in line with what people today want. There has been a modern day focus on health and nutrition, of which Hostess has not been able to keep up with. In addition Hostess has not been able to make the necessary changes in developing appropriate union contracts for its workers.

Those contracts need to change with the times as well. While I admire that Hostess’ employees have a generous contract, which is something all companies should strive for, Hostess and its employees have to realize that in order to stay financially viable, there have to be changes. Maybe when employees start losing their jobs, they will realize that changes in this area are a necessary evil. In conclusion, I believe that the article quote sums up the issue. For survival, companies must produce products that people want and thus will buy.

In addition, they serve the role of providing quality employment opportunities for people in their community. Bittman, Mark. “Twinkies, the Undead Snack.” New York Times 17 Jan. 2012: Opinion Section 1-3.