. The External Environment

Economic Growth and Stability please relate the answers with Federation Artisan Chocolate (federationchocolate.com)

Identify the general economic conditions of the country, region, state, or local area where the firm's target customers are located. How are these economic conditions related to customers' ability to purchase the firm's products?

Describe the economics of the industry within which the firm operates. These issues might include the cost of raw materials, patents, merger/acquisition trends, sales trends, supply/demand issues, marketing challenges, and industry growth/decline.

What potential market disruptions should be included in planning?