Paul Venturino, executive director Strategika -a GHMC partner-
Sebastián Goldsack, PhD, professor at the Faculty of Communications of Universidad de los Andes, Chile.
Although the concept of responsible investment has been used for approximately 60 years, only recently have standards been established. The climate crisis has accelerated the need for implementing new strategies to address rapid global and technological changes. We refer to these new standards as ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) principles.
There were two key milestones in the ESG evolution. The first was the creation of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index in 1999, a stock index focused on sustainable investments which allowed for broader financing options. The second, much more recent, was the UN Global Compact of the Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI, 2023).
One of the key elements of responsible investment is active incorporation of ESG criteria. This implies everyone in the chain (organization, shareholders, financiers, management) must adhere to rules and be proactive agents of mobilization.
ESG criteria is based on three pillars:
Environment: Refers to the environmental impact of an organization and the activities to reduce it, especially in areas such as emissions, waste or use of natural resources.
Social: Refers to the management of people in the workplace and the community in various aspects such as human rights, gender, inclusion.
Governance: The way in which corporations or institutions are organized. The key is respect for rules and transparency.
As with any regulatory change, responsible investment has also been strongly pressured by changes in production conditions, stricter regulations and strong activism. ESG criteria seeks to respond to scenarios with measures that allow us to face challenges while maintaining profitability (Shakil, 2021).
With this in mind, we interviewed key executives from Chilean and multinational corporations operating in Chile to learn the latest trends and challenges in responsible investment and ESG.
Key trends:
Investors—especially investors in international companies—are driving the movement for responsible investment by pressuring these organizations to incorporate ESG criteria.
ESG criteria are beginning to include the full value chain, transferring good practices to all steps of a company’s operation.
Although incipient in Chile, there is pressure to achieve higher diversity on boards (gender, class, race/ethnicity, professional backgrounds).
There is a movement toward clear and effective tools to guide compliance and measure accountability. Regulations can help ensure higher ethical standards across industries.
A diverse, inclusive workforce with a safe workplace environment is positive for workers and business alike.
Companies are now more motivated to seek new ways of doing business and transforming their forms of production, in order to maintain profitability.
Climate change mitigation is seen as a strategic pillar of a company’s ways of doing business.
The traditional way companies engage with interest groups (advocacy groups, etc.) is evolving to include new ways of working.
In addition to these positive trends, come challenges. The biggest challenges relate to the speed of adoption of these practices, and whether they can generate profitability.
Challenges to be addressed in the short term
A move from tactical actions and rankings to a genuine modification of the ways of doing business and the governance structure at a high level.
Convince executive boards of the importance of ESG trends and responsible investment criteria.
Strengthen the ethics of executives.
Raise standards in industries and ensure all companies adopt ESG.
Improve the legislation applied and the bureaucracy of the authorities.
EXECUTIVES INTERVIEWED FOR THIS INVESTIGATION
Kelly, Conrod, Managing Director MSD Chile
Margozzini, José, Gerente general TEG Chile
Orrego, Carolina, gerente de asuntos corporativos y cumplimiento Empresas Melón
Pinto, Patricio, gerente de asuntos corporativos Minera Los Pelambres
Vergara, Ana Luisa, subgerenta de sostenibilidad corporativa Colbún
Vilches, Javier, gerente general Grupo Eulen Chile
García Beatriz y Grande Cristina: Nuevas formas de gobierno empresarial? Activismo e influencia de terceras partes interesadas en información económica-financiera. Boletín de estudios económicos Volumen LXXVII n°233, diciembre de 2022. Deusto. Available in: https://bee.revistas.deusto.es/article/view/2561/3286
We can’t talk about health industry communications in Latin America without understanding the complex landscape in the region; the political, economic, and social scene is diverse and ever-changing. The region has seen a mix of stable democracies and periods of political instability. With new governments already installed and elections to come, the uncertainty still reigns. Reforms in the public and private health system are taking place in different countries and increasing regulation to the Pharma Industry being discussed.
The digital transformation of the industry is imminent; many have already taken steps to optimize their internal processes. Additionally, the pandemic accelerated the shift to a more “virtual” approach to communicate and connect with healthcare professionals, partners, and consumers. According to a market-research study conducted by the Mexico Internet Association on how doctors use the Internet, “93% do research on new products and diagnostics, 86% to received information on new product launches and 57% use internet to have virtual sales representative meetings”.[1]
In addition to these changes, the industry is facing the wipeout of third-party cookies (Google cookies). This presents a formidable challenge for companies operating in the region, necessitating a thoughtful reassessment of advertising and communication approaches, where innovation and adaptation will play a critical role.
Third-party cookies are small pieces of data that are created and stored by websites other than the one a user is currently visiting. These cookies are generated by third-party domains, such as Google, and often for the purpose of tracking and collecting information about the user’s online behavior and preferences. Unlike first-party cookies, which are created by the website the user directly interacts with.
In the article “Inside the Google media team’s cookieless measurement tool kit”, they point out: “For decades, third-party cookies have served as a one-stop shop for marketers to meet their measurement needs. These identifiers have multiple uses, such as conversion measurement and attribution, while helping us communicate the value and impact of our work. But consumer and regulatory privacy shifts have compelled the industry to seek new ways of measuring marketing success that don’t rely on third-party cookies.”[2]
Precision in Targeting
Third-party cookies have long been the linchpin of precision targeting, enabling communication and marketing specialists to tailor messages to specific user segments. Balancing the need for personalized communication with privacy and regulatory compliances becomes increasingly intricate, and implementing a strategy to collect first party data will be the key to building effective communications.
Transparency regarding what personal data is being collected and how is going to be used will help build trust with consumers. Cisco 2022 Consumers Privacy Survey found that “76% of respondents said they would not buy from a company who they do not trust with their data. In addition, 81% of respondents agreed that the way an organization treats personal data is indicative of how it views and respects its customers.”[3]
Navigating strict regulatory frameworks
One of the distinctive challenges for the healthcare industry lies in the strict regulatory frameworks that govern its promotional practices. Balancing the need for direct and personalized communication with consumer privacy and regulatory compliance becomes more difficult, striking the right chord between reaching the target audience and adhering to regulations will require an innovative approach and the reimagining of current strategies.
Embracing contextual relevance
As the industry bids farewell to cookies, contextual relevance, based on the content of webpages or the context of user interactions, can offer a way forward. Collaborating with platforms that understand regional distinctions and languages can facilitate the delivery of meaningful, contextually driven messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
AI-driven marketing segmentation
AI is a transformative tool, revolutionizing the way companies understand and engage with their target audiences. Through sophisticated data analysis and machine learning algorithms, AI enables healthcare marketers to identify consumer behaviors, preferences, and demographics. AI can assist in segmenting the market based on factors such as patient or health professionals’ demographics, treatment adherence patterns, and even social media trends. Having timely access to this information and being able to update it is crucial to be able to make strategic decisions and adjust accordingly.[4]
The challenges posed by the elimination of third-party cookies are undeniably substantial, yet the healthcare industry has a history of innovation in the face of adversity. Navigating these uncharted waters requires a combination of technological adaptation, respect for regulations, and a commitment to consumer privacy. As stakeholders in health and well-being, industry leaders must collaboratively explore new roads, ensuring that the critical dialogue between the sector and its consumers and professionals endures, in an era defined by privacy, access to information and digital transformation. Only through new solutions and joint efforts can the industry continue to communicate effectively and responsibly in the absence of the familiar tracking tool provided by third party cookies.
We asked our partners for their perspectives on healthcare communications trends and opportunities in 2024. Here’s a look at what’s unfolding in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Latin America. Check it out below!
In a container, beat the eggs and add the cinnamon and set aside.
In another, mix the milk with the condensed milk.
Dip the slices of bread in the mixture with condensed milk.
Then, dip them in beaten eggs.
In a frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil.
Fry the slices over medium heat until golden on both sides.
Drain on paper towel and finally, coat in sugar and cinnamon.
Serve.
Italy
Struffoli
Struffoli are one of the most famous Italian desserts that cannot be missed on the table during the Christmas time. If you’ve never heard of struffoli before, all you need to know is that they’re little sweet dough balls that are fried and then dipped in honey and decorated with colored sprinkles and candied fruit.
INGREDIENTS
Flour 00 4 ⅓ cups (500 g)
Sugar 1 ½ tbsp (20 g)
Fine salt 1 pinch
Butter ½ cup (100 g)
Eggs 3
Egg yolks 2 – (from medium eggs)
Baking soda ¾ tsp (4 g)
Orange peel 1
Anise liqueur 1 ¾ tbsp (25 g)
Lemon peel 1
FOR COATING THE STRUFFOLI
Wildflower honey 1 ¾ cup (600 g)
Sugar ½ cup (100 g)
Lemon peel 1
Orange peel 1
Colored sprinkles to taste
Candied orange 5.25 oz (150 g) – diced
Candied cherries to taste
Food decorations to taste – Silver sprinkles
FOR FRYING
Sunflower seed oil to taste
METHOD OF PREPARATION
To make the Struffoli, start by sifting the flour onto a pastry board, then spread it out to form a well in the center.
Add the salt.
Next, add the sugar and baking soda.
Cut the butter into cubes and place them in the well.
Start to knead the butter and sugar with your hands, then add the eggs to the well one at a time, and keep kneading. Add the egg yolks, too.
Now add the anise liqueur and lemon and orange zest.
Start to work the dough with your hands or using a dough cutter to get a smooth, even dough.
Once smooth and even, wrap the dough in plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out.
Leave to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Take some of the dough, keeping the rest well covered at all times. Roll this dough into cylinders with a diameter of around 1 cm, then cut them into small pieces around 1-1.5 cm long. As you cut the dough into pieces, transfer them to a tray covered with a clean dish towel, leaving space between them. Repeat these steps until all the dough has been formed into these small pieces.
Now move on to the frying: pour the oil into a large pot and heat it to a temperature between 300°F and 320°F (150-160°C).
Immerse a few pieces of dough at a time, using a skimmer to help, and move them around a little while they’re cooking so they take on a round shape.
Drain once they’ve turned nice and golden; this will take around 3-4 minutes.
Transfer the fried dough balls to a tray lined with paper towel to drain off the excess oil. Repeat these steps to cook all of the Struffoli.
Now move on to the decoration. Take the candied orange and cut it into cubes. Place the honey and sugar in a pot. Heat over low heat, stirring from time to time.
As soon as the mixture begins to boil, turn off the heat.
Let it cool and then add the lemon and orange zest.
Add the chopped candied orange and stir again. Let it cool for 5-6 minutes, then pour the Struffoli into the pot.
Stir well with a wooden spoon until the Struffoli are coated well and cool.
Transfer to a serving dish and decorate with the colored sprinkles, candied orange peel, and candied cherries.
Your Struffoli are ready to enjoy!
UK
Sherry Trifle
Ingredients
4 tbsp raspberry jam
300g bar cake madeira or lemon cake, thickly sliced and halved
300g raspberries, plus extra for decoration
4-6 tbsp sweet sherry
2 tbsp custard powder
1 tbsp caster sugar
500ml milk
284ml pot and 142ml pot double cream
a handful flaked almonds, toaste
Method of Preparation
Spread a little jam on each slice of cake.
Arrange on the bottom of a glass dish.
Spoon over the raspberries and squish down a little with a fork then sprinkle over the sherry.
Put the custard powder and sugar into a bowl and mix in 2 tbsp of the milk.
Heat the rest of the milk then gradually pour over the powder, mixing all the time.
Return to the pan and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Leave custard to cool to room temperature then spoon over the raspberries.
Chill for 30 minutes.
Softly whip the cream and dollop over the custard.
Scatter over the almonds and raspberries then chill for an hour before serving.
Singapore
Chendol
Ingredients
10 pandan leaves, sliced to about an inch length
100g mung bean flour, sifted
1/2 tsp alkaline water (optional)
pinch of salt
45g sugar
650 ml water
500ml coconut milk (to mix with pinch of salt)
100ml gula melaka (palm sugar) syrup or as needed
Method of Preparation
Put chopped pandan and about 50ml water to blitz in a blender.
Strain the mixture to about 650ml of pandan water.
Mix pandan water with mung bean flour.
Add salt and sugar.
Cook the mixture over medium heat and whisk continuously to prevent the batter from getting burnt at the bottom.
Prepare a tub of ice water.
Press the chendol batter onto a perforated ladle and allow the mixture to drop directly into the cold water. Drain chendol from ice water and use.
Garnish the chendol with gula melaka (palm sugar) syrup and coconut milk.
Asking “Are butter tarts Canadian?” is like asking if the sky is blue: the iconic dessert is one of the tastiest things to ever be created on Canadian soil. Nothing beats the flaky pastry filled with a perfectly sticky-sweet center.
Ingredients
30 (2-inch) unbaked tart shells
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
½ cup butter
2 large eggs
2 cups raisins (optional)
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Method of Preparation
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Arrange tart shells on a baking sheet.
Beat sugar, butter and eggs together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy.
Stir in raisins, walnuts and cream until thoroughly combined.
Spoon batter into tarte shells, no more than half full.
Bake tartes in oven until pastry is golden and filling is set, 20 to 25 minutes.
Perhaps one of the most popular Indian dessert recipes across India, it is one that is not only liked by all age groups but can also be attempted by all age groups. Made with milk solids, most commonly known as mawa or khoya, the Gulab Jamun recipe has evolved to have many variants which mainly differ with the type of key ingredients used for it. Milk powder is used to make instant mawa, and which is eventually used to make these fried jamuns. Due to the use of sugar syrup which acts as a preservative, the shelf life of this sweet dessert is high compared to other Indian sweets.
Ingredients
Jamun
3/4 cup (100 grams) of milk powder, unsweetened
1/2 cup (60 grams) of maida (all purpose flour) (which helps give consistency to the bread)
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
Milk, for kneading
Ghee or oil for frying
Sugar syrup
2 cup sugar
2 cup water
2 green cardamom
1/4 teaspoon kesar (saffron)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon rose water
Method of Preparation
Firstly, in a large bowl take 3/4 cup milk powder, 1/2 cup maida (all purpose flour), and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
Mix well, homemade gulab jamun mix is ready.
Now add 2 tbsp ghee and mix well making the flour moist.
Further, add milk as required, start to combine.
Combine well forming a soft dough. do not knead the dough.
Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the sugar syrup by taking 2 cup sugar, 2 cup water, 2 cardamom and ¼ tsp saffron.
Mix well and boil for 5 minutes or until the sugar syrup turns sticky. do not attain any string consistency.
Turn off the flame and add 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp rose water. lemon juice is added to prevent sugar syrup from crystallizing.
Cover and keep the sugar syrup aside.
After 10 minutes or resting the dough, start to prepare small ball sized jamuns.
Make sure there are no cracks in the jamun. if there are cracks then there are high chances for jamuns to break while frying.
Deep fry in medium hot oil or ghee. Frying ghee gives good flavor to jamuns.
Stir continuously and fry on low flame.
Fry until the jamuns turn golden brown.
Drain off and transfer the jamun into a hot sugar syrup.
Cover and rest for 2 hours or until jamuns absorb the sugar syrup and double in size.
Their origin dates to the Viceroyalty, when the Spaniards introduced a baking tradition that would be enriched with ingredients native to the Mexican territory, such as corn. At present, this dessert is often served during various celebrations and has been changing its original recipe with the incorporation of other ingredients, and many people even accompany it with additions such as milk caramel, condensed milk, cream cheese, chocolate and sometimes with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
1/2 kilo of frozen sweet corn
125 grams of butter at room temperature
1 cup of rice flour (which helps give consistency to the bread)
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
a pinch of salt
2/3 cup of sugar
4 eggs at room temperature
23 cm + 13 cm loaf pan, previously greased and floured
Method of Preparation
Separate the egg whites from the yolks.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir.
Thaw the corn kernels and grind them with a little milk.
Beat the butter with the sugar, reserving a little sugar to include with the egg whites.
Add the yolks one by one and integrate them well.
Once the mixture is fluffy, incorporate the flour.
Subsequently, integrate the corn mixture and set aside.
Beat the egg whites until fluffy; then, add the reserved sugar and integrate well.
Finally, fold the egg whites into the corn mixture with gentle, enveloping movements.
Pour the mixture into the pan and level it.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F.
After 50 minutes, perform a test with a toothpick to check that it comes out clean, indicating that it is perfectly cooked.
To prevent it from sticking to the pan, once cooled, remove it.
Named after the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who visited Australia in 1920s, the pavlova is synonymous with Australian summer celebrations. The dish is commonly served as a dessert on Christmas and/or at a backyard barbeque. It’s a super delicious sweet treat on a hot and sticky summer’s day!
Ingredients
6 eggs separated
1 ¼ cups (270g) caster sugar
2tsp cornflour
1tsp white vinegar
½ tsp vanilla extract
300ml thickened cream
2tbsp pure icing sugar, sifted
Fruit of your choice (e.g. passionfruit, strawberry, mango, raspberries, blueberries, and mulberries)
Method of Preparation
Preheat oven to 120°C. Line an oven tray with foil. Brush with melted butter and dust with cornflour, shaking off excess. Mark a 24cm-diameter circle on foil.
Use an electric mixer to whisk egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until meringue is thick and glossy, and sugar has dissolved. Rub a little meringue between fingers. If still “gritty” with sugar, continue to whisk until sugar dissolves. Add cornflour, vinegar and vanilla, and whisk until just combined.
Spoon meringue onto the foil, using the marked circle as a guide. Smooth sides and top of pavlova. Use a small spatula to form little peaks around the edge of the pavlova.
Bake in oven for 1.5 hours or until pavlova is dry to touch. Turn off oven. Leave pavlova in oven with the door ajar to cool completely. When completely cold, transfer pavlova to serving plate and store in an airtight container until required.
Use an electric mixer to whisk the cream and icing sugar in a medium bowl until firm peaks form. Spoon cream onto the top of the pavlova. Top with cream and preferred fruit.
The Romanian cozonac is a traditional Christmas dessert that is enjoyed by many during the holiday season. Every region has a different recipe, and every household has its tricks to get the fluffiest cozonac. The filling can include cocoa powder, nuts, raisins, poppy seeds, or even Turkish delight. It’s best if you have it fresh from the oven, but it will last in your pantry for up to a week. You can have it for breakfast with a cup of milk, as a snack or as dessert.
Ingredients
1 kg of sifted flour
250 gr sugar
550 ml of warm milk
6 egg yolks
150 ml of melted butter
15 gr of dry yeast
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
zest from 1 orange
zest from 1 lemon
1 pinch of salt
Filling
350 gr of walnuts
150 gr of sugar
3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
3-4 tablespoons of milk
Turkish delight
Method of Preparation:
Mix the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and a little warm milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour with salt and sugar. Make a well in the middle and add the eggs, melted butter, lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients together and knead until you get a soft dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more warm milk.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This might take around an hour or more, depending on the room temperature.
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts, and shape each piece of dough into a long, flat rectangle.
Mix the filling ingredients together and spread them over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
Place each rolled dough into greased loaf pans.
Cover the pans with a towel and allow the dough to rise again until it fills the pans.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the tops of the risen cozonacs with beaten egg.
Bake the cozonacs for approximately 30-40 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this delightful treat and have a wonderful Christmas celebration!
This classic cake is a traditional Christmas dessert in Spain. It’s easy to make, and a fun game to play; find the hidden toy in your slice for good luck all year! One of the best things to do in Malaga in January is celebrate Three Kings Day. This delicious Roscon de Reyes is the traditional cake. If you get a piece with the hard lima bean inside, it means you’ll be footing the bill!
Ingredients
4 cups plain flour
½ teaspoon of salt
1-ounce dry baker’s yeast
⅓ cup milk lukewarm
⅓ cup water lukewarm
6 tablespoons butter at room temperature
6 tablespoons sugar
Rind of 1 large orange grated
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon brandy or rum
1 egg white
2 cups assorted candied fruit chopped in different sizes
Method of Preparation
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, and make a well in the middle.
In a smaller bowl, dissolve the yeast into the lukewarm milk and water. Once the yeast is completely dissolved, pour the mixture into the well of the flour.
Scrape in just enough flour from around the well to create a thick batter, sprinkle some extra flour on top, and cover with a kitchen towel. Leave the bowl in a warm place for around 15 minutes, or until the batter is doughy and sponge-like.
Meanwhile, in another medium mixing bowl, use an electric beater to combine the butter and sugar until creamy.
Once the dough is appropriately spongy, add the eggs, brandy, orange rind, and a splash of water to it. Mix well, until the dough is elastic and a bit sticky.
Add the butter and sugar mixture to the dough and mix until smooth.
Shape the dough into a ball and cover in oiled plastic wrap.
Keeping it in the large mixing bowl, cover it once more with a kitchen towel and leave in a warm place away from draft. As the dough proves, it will double in size. This can take anywhere between 1 to 2 hours depending on the strength of the yeast culture.
While the dough rises, grease a large baking sheet for later use.
Once the dough has doubled in size, remove the plastic wrap.
Punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured countertop or cutting board.
You need to knead the dough for two or three minutes, and then roll it into a large rectangle; roughly 2 feet by ½ a foot.
Next, roll the dough inwards from the long edge to create a sausage shape.
Bring the ends together to create the iconic donut, and place on the baking sheet.
Want to add the bean or a ceramic toy? Do it now by poking it withing the dough.
Wrap the dough once more with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for roughly one hour to again double in size.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Once the dough has risen, lightly beat the remaining egg white and brush it across the top.
Cover the cake in the assorted dried fruits, pushing gently so they do not fall off of the cake while it is baking.
Cook the water with 1/2 cup of sugar in a pot, set over low heat until caramelized.
Pour the caramel into a mold, covering the entire base. Reserve.
Beat the eggs with the cup of sugar, milk, vanilla essence and the tablespoon of lemon zest. Mix well.
Then, pour the mixture into the mold that contained the candy. Place the mold on top of a platter and add water to the platter (Bain-marie).
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Put the dish in the oven for approximately 45 minutes.
Cool, unmold and add caramel sauce
Brazil
The Brigadeiro
Post-WWII Brazil was a hotbed of political debate. Democratic elections had been suspended in 1937 but were to be reintroduced on December 2nd, 1945. All around Brazil, political parties were, therefore, fundraising and attempting to sway voters. One of the most popular presidential candidates at the time was a military brigadier named Eduardo Gomes. Gomes was also a notorious ladies man. Supporters decided to create a new confectionery item to sell in support of Gomes. The idea being, that candy was more fun than traditional political merchandise. Creating a new kind of confectionery item in 1945 wasn’t easy. Post-war food shortages meant that milk and sugar were scarce. Supporters of Eduardo Gomes had to get creative. In place of sugar and milk used in traditional milk chocolate, Rio de Janeiro confectioner Heloisa Nabuco de Oliveira found a way to use readily available condensed milk. This provided sweetness and creaminess and was easy to combine with locally produced cocoa powder.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of butter
14 oz (395g) of condensed milk
¼ cup (30g) of raw, preferably organic cocoa powder
1 cup of chocolate sprinkles
Method of Preparation
To get started, melt the butter and condensed milk in a large frying pan or skillet over low heat.
Next, add your cocoa powder and start stirring continuously. Made correctly, Brigadeiro mixtures will quickly start to resemble melted chocolate. However, it is important to keep stirring until the mixture is thick enough to start to shape.
When ready, set the Brigadeiro mixture aside and allow to cool.
When chilled, the mixture should be firm enough to be able to roll into small balls, which can then be rolled in chocolate sprinkles.
Homemade apple pie is always a good idea — and if you’re looking for the best apple pie recipe of all time, you’ve come to the right place. Grandma Ople’s recipe is one of our most popular recipes ever. Try it today to learn what all the hype is about!
Ingredients
8 small Granny Smith apples,
½ cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup white sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup water
1 (9 inch) double-crust pie pastry, thawed
Method of Preparation
Peel and core apples, then thinly slice. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour and stir to form a paste; cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add both sugars and water; bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Press one pastry into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
Roll out remaining pastry so it will overhang the pie by about 1/2 inch. Cut pastry into eight 1-inch strips.
Place sliced apples into the bottom crust, forming a slight mound.
Lay four pastry strips vertically and evenly spaced over apples, using longer strips in the center and shorter strips at the edges.
Make a lattice crust: Fold the first and third strips all the way back so they’re almost falling off the pie. Lay one of the unused strips perpendicularly over the second and fourth strips, then unfold the first and third strips back into their original position.
Fold the second and fourth vertical strips back. Lay one of the three unused strips perpendicularly over top. Unfold the second and fourth strips back into their original position.
Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to weave in the last two strips of pastry. Fold and trim excess dough at the edges as necessary, and pinch to secure.
Slowly and gently pour sugar-butter mixture over lattice crust, making sure it seeps over sliced apples. Brush some onto lattice, but make sure it doesn’t run off the sides.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until apples are soft, 35 to 45 minutes.
Bremer Klaben, or just Klaben, is a type of Stollen from Bremen, Germany. This celebrated bread, famous in Northern Germany, is traditionally eaten during the Christmas season. It is said that Bremer Klaben tastes especially good when it is baked two weeks before serving. It has a shelf life of several months (make sure to foil it closely).
Different from Stollen, a traditional German Christmas bread made of nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit, often with marzipan, coated with powdered or icing sugar, Klaben is not coated with sugar and its dough is juicier and heavier, thanks to the high fruit content and the addition of rum and plenty of butter. People are still keen to serve it with additional butter to put on top (sometimes even with smoked sausage, “Mettwurst”) 😀
Ingredients
1 kg white flour
100 g sugar
125 g yeast
250 ml milk
500 g soft butter
1 dashed tsp cardamom
1 tsp salt
125 g candied lemon peel
125 g grated almonds
750 g sultanas
Method of Preparation
Mix the milk with the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in a small bowl and leave to stand until it foams.
Mix the flour with the salt and stir half with the yeast, butter and sugar to form a soft dough. Cover and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Add the rest of the flour and knead into a smooth dough.
Wash the sultanas and pat dry. Fold in together with the candied lemon peel, almonds and cardamom
Place the dough on a baking tray lined with baking paper or, even better, in a Klaben baking tin and leave to rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180 C and bake the Klaben for 40-60 minutes, preferably covered. Make sure that the sultanas do not get too dark.
Argentina
DULCE DE LECHE
In Argentina, the holiday season takes place during summer, making fruit salad and ice cream (specially dulce de leche ice cream) staples on dessert tables. Dulce de leche, a favorite among Argentines, is very versatile and is used as a topping, in cakes, pancakes, to make mousse.
There are several stories about its origin: the most popular one dates to 1829, during the “Pact of Cañuelas.” This agreement between Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas, of the province of Buenos Aires, and his opponent, General Juan Lavalle, aimed to the end the civil war in the country. Legend has it that Rosas’s cook was distracted and left milk and sugar on the stove. When she returned, she found a thick, brown substance. Rosas, intrigued and pleased by its flavor, shared the sweet with Lavalle while negotiating the pact. Now, let’s share the recipe for our authentic Argentine dulce de leche!
Ingredients
1 liter of milk
250g sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Method of Preparation
In a pot, combine the milk and sugar, bringing it to a boil over medium heat.
Once the sugar dissolves, lower the heat and add half a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of vanilla essence.
Stir constantly to prevent boiling and ensure a smooth texture without lumps or the mixture sticking to the pot.
The preparation will gradually take on the characteristic brown hue of “dulce de leche”.
The process to achieve the ideal texture and color can take around two hours.
Once the perfect texture is achieved, remove from the heat and stir for another five minutes.
Store in previously sterilized airtight jars.
When kept in the fridge (sealed airtight), it can last more than two weeks.
The addition of Improve brings more than 10 years of experience in this key healthcare market to the network’s clients and partners, further strengthening the network’s capabilities in Latin America
NEW YORK and MEXICO CITY, Oct. 25, 2023 — Global Health Marketing & Communications (GHMC), the largest and most robust network of independent healthcare agencies worldwide, today announced the addition of Improve Comunicaciones, a Mexico-based strategic consulting agency, as its newest member. The addition strengthens GHMC’s offerings in Latin America and expands capabilities within the partnership.
Improve Comunicaciones brings more than 10 years of healthcare focused communications experience to the network. With its membership in GHMC, Improve Comunicaciones will continue to dedicate its time to the reputation management of its clients in Latin America while now having the ability to offer global insight, reach and strategy.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Improve Comunicaciones to our Global Health Marketing & Communications family, allowing global and regional clients an unparalleled level of insight and execution in the critically important Mexican market,” said GHMC President Tim Goddard. “Improve Comunicaciones’ skill and commitment to delivering innovative and impactful solutions for clients further strengthens our position as the strongest healthcare agency in the Latin America region.”
With the second-largest population in Latin America, Mexico is a critical healthcare market in the region. Meanwhile, the country continues to evolve and innovate, with its employment back to pre-pandemic levels according to World Bank,1 and its economy is predicted to become the seventh largest globally by 2050.2 The rapid growth in Mexico combined with Improve Comunicaciones’ dedication to the healthcare industry create new and unique opportunities for the network’s clients and partners.
“We could not be happier to join the GHMC network and expand our healthcare business in Latin America and across the world as Mexico’s exclusive partner agency,” said Improve Comunicaciones Managing Partner Helena Rodriguez Navarro. “By joining forces with GHMC, we are now able to offer a more diverse set of healthcare marketing and communications services and capabilities that allow us to further expand our impact, offering clients access to a global network of experts.”
As the exclusive partner for GHMC in Mexico, Improve will play a pivotal role in connecting clients and organizations to GHMC’s international network of industry leading professionals. Improve Comunicaciones bolsters GHMC’s already strong presence across the Americas, where it has exclusive partner offices in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the United States and Canada.
About Global Health Marketing & Communications (GHMC) GHMC is the largest and most robust network of independent healthcare agencies worldwide, dedicated to improving outcomes through the delivery of dynamic, health-driven experiences that drive meaningful global change. With more than 700 health-specialist communications professionals spanning more than a dozen disciplines, from patient engagement to advertising to clinical trial recruitment, the agencies that make up the partnership share a belief in insights-driven strategies and a commitment to collaboration. Today, GHMC has capabilities and reach into more than 60 countries. For more information, visit GHMCNetwork.com or follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Improve Comunicaciones We are a consulting firm focused on corporate communication strategies, public relations, creativity, sustainability, and skills training. We partner with our clients in their daily quest to add value, protect and strengthen their brand and company reputation. Our headquarters are based in Mexico, and we have implementation capabilities in all Latin America. For more information, visit www.improvecomunicaciones.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
This blog post comes to you from Bonnie Levine, MBA, COO and Senior Associate at GHMC’s Canada partner agency, energiPR.
—
The recent decision by Meta to remove all news content from Facebook and Instagram for Canadian users has sent shockwaves through the marketing and communications industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses and organizations.
The Canadian Online News Act or Bill C-18 mandates that Facebook, Instagram (and even Google!) must compensate Canadian news publishers for using their content on their platforms. In response, Facebook decided to pre-emptively remove all news articles and links from its platforms for Canadian users. While this move was aimed at avoiding potential liabilities, it has also resulted in Canadian users losing access to valuable news content, impacting the spread of information, and the public’s access to reliable sources.
To a certain degree, Bill C-18 might be as drastic a measure as Meta’s removal of news content from Facebook and Instagram and something bound to cause a significant shift in the social media landscape. With millions of Canadian users losing access to news articles, videos, and other content, the information ecosystem is set to undergo a transformation. While Meta claims this decision is a response to the Online News Act, it has sparked concerns over user experience and the credibility of the platform.
For those that rely on social media for marketing and communications, this poses definite challenges. Facebook and Instagram have been valuable channels for reaching and engaging with target audiences. The absence of news content might result in a decline in user engagement, leaving businesses to rethink their content strategies.
Can we anticipate that removing fact-based news, created by reputable journalists will diminish the platform’s credibility? How will this impact Facebook’s ability to deliver reliable content and, indeed how will this impact advertising on the platform? We will have to wait and see.
On the flip side, this new context creates opportunities for businesses to adapt their communication strategies. As users turn to alternative sources for news, there is an opening to focus on creating and sharing bonafide authentic content directly on their platforms. Businesses can differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded digital space by emphasizing the importance of credible information and building trust with their audiences.
If anything, Bill C-18 should be encouraging us, as communicators to recognize and explore diversifying communication channels. This means looking at other ways to reach key audiences. Social media platforms with a focus on news and information sharing may gain traction as we venture beyond traditional giants like Facebook and Instagram.
The transition is happening as we speak. Facebook is explaining itself and media outlets, including one of our national TV networks are running ads to drive visitors to their live coverage and online news channels. Get the news from the source.
As news evaporates from the social media landscape in Canada, public relations professionals will also need to re-evaluate their media relations strategies. Press releases and news updates that once relied on Facebook and Instagram as primary distribution channels may need to find new avenues to reach the intended audiences promptly. Developing strong relationships with journalists and media outlets will become even more critical to remain visible in a shifting media landscape.
Is this the beginning or the end? The Online News Act’s implementation has been met with both support and skepticism. While our government is trying to level the playing field and support the struggling national news industry, the move has raised concerns from tech giants like Meta. There is a delicate balance to be struck between fostering a free and open internet and ensuring a sustainable and independent press.
The removal of news content from Facebook and Instagram for Canadians is a pivotal moment for the marketing and communications industry in Canada. As professional communicators, we need to be closely monitoring how this decision will play out and adapt our strategies accordingly. Emphasizing credibility, authenticity, and diverse communication channels will be paramount in maintaining effective communication with target audiences.
The Online News Act raises numerous questions, and we should not expect its impact to be limited to social media. There are broader issues to consider that are not outside the realm of possibility such as media regulation and the evolving digital landscape. Tech giants, media outlets, and the government will be challenged to find an intersection that will strike a balance that can support a thriving media industry while preserving the principles of a free and open internet. Going forward the Canadian marketing and communications industry will need to find its footing as an advocate for solutions that can benefit all parties in this dynamic and fast-moving media ecosystem.
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