🎧 Audio
📖 Script
Coles, a major supermarket chain in Australia, has decided to delay its plan to stop selling caged eggs until 2030. Initially, Coles had intended to phase out caged eggs by the end of this year. However, the company cites the rising cost of living and ongoing supply chain disruptions as the reasons for this delay. These economic pressures have made it difficult for Coles to transition to only selling free-range or cage-free eggs as quickly as they had hoped.
The decision has sparked a discussion about animal welfare and consumer choices. Many animal rights groups advocate for cage-free eggs, arguing that they are more humane and align with ethical farming practices. On the other hand, caged eggs are usually more affordable, which is an important factor for many consumers, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
A consumer expert has suggested that other supermarket chains might follow Coles’ lead. If Coles continues to sell caged eggs, its competitors may do the same to avoid losing price-sensitive customers. This situation highlights a broader challenge in balancing ethical considerations with economic realities.
The delay in banning caged eggs is also linked to supply chain issues. These disruptions have affected various industries worldwide, making it harder to ensure a steady supply of certain products, including eggs. By extending the deadline to 2030, Coles hopes to give itself and its suppliers more time to adapt to these challenges.
The decision by Coles reflects the complexities facing businesses today, where they must weigh consumer expectations, ethical standards, and financial pressures. It also raises questions about the future of the egg industry in Australia and whether more sustainable practices will become the norm.
In summary, Coles’ decision to delay the ban on caged eggs is influenced by economic factors and supply chain issues. While the move has disappointed some who advocate for animal welfare, it underscores the difficulties of making significant changes during challenging economic times.
📝 Vocabulary
- delay: to postpone something
例文: “The company decided to delay the project until next year.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- delay a meeting
- delay a decision
- delay indefinitely
延期する - transition: the process of changing from one state to another
例文: “The team is in the transition phase to the new system.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- smooth transition
- gradual transition
- transition period
移行 - welfare: the health and happiness of people or animals
例文: “Animal welfare is an important consideration in farming.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- social welfare
- welfare system
- welfare benefits
福祉、幸福 - disruption: a disturbance or interruption in a process
例文: “The storm caused a major disruption in power supply.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- supply chain disruption
- major disruption
- minimal disruption
混乱、中断 - ethical: relating to moral principles
例文: “The company strives to maintain ethical business practices.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- ethical standards
- ethical dilemma
- ethical behavior
倫理的な
✏️ Grammar Point
Relative Clauses – “Coles, a major supermarket chain in Australia, has decided to delay its plan to stop selling caged eggs until 2030.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
関係代名詞は、名詞を詳しく説明したり、追加情報を加えたりするために使います。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: Coles plans to stop selling caged eggs by the end of 2030.
- MCQ: What are the reasons Coles gives for delaying the ban on caged eggs?
a) Animal welfare concerns
b) Rising cost of living and supply chain disruptions
c) Lack of consumer interest
d) Government regulations - MCQ: What might other supermarket chains do following Coles’ decision?
a) Lower the price of caged eggs
b) Immediately ban caged eggs
c) Follow Coles’ lead and continue selling caged eggs
d) Increase the price of free-range eggs
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- True
- b) Rising cost of living and supply chain disruptions
- c) Follow Coles’ lead and continue selling caged eggs
📚 Reading Questions
- Why has Coles delayed its plan to stop selling caged eggs?
- What do you think are the challenges businesses face when making ethical decisions?
- What does the word “transition” mean in the context of this script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- Coles delayed its plan due to economic factors and supply chain issues.
- Businesses face challenges such as balancing financial pressures with ethical standards.
- Transition means the process of changing from one state to another.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
オーストラリアの大手スーパーマーケットチェーンであるColesは、当初の予定を変更し、2023年末までにケージ卵の販売を中止する計画を2030年まで延期すると発表しました。この決定の背景には、生活費の上昇やサプライチェーンの混乱が影響しています。この動きにより、他のスーパーも同様の対応を取る可能性があると考えられ、卵産業の今後の展開に注目が集まっています。倫理的な農業慣行を推進する動きがある一方で、経済的な現実とどのように折り合いをつけるかが課題となっています。
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-05/coles-caged-egg-ban-delayed-until-2030/105739120
