African Entrepreneurship Record

Trieste.

Entering June.

Ships carrying grain from East Africa began unloading at the docks of Trieste port, then the goods were transported by a dedicated railway line to the factory of Vienna Food Company in the suburbs of Trieste.

"In these two months, everyone needs to work harder; we have to increase our production capacity by sixty percent," the supervisor said in the factory.

It was already dark, but the electric lights illuminated the entire factory brightly, with the night shift and day shift transitioning seamlessly.

It was summertime, extremely hot, and the ovens exhaled heat into every corner of the workshop.

"Francis, keep feeding coal to the boiler."

"Mars, organize people to quickly remove the finished products from the ovens, cool them down, and package them well."

"Larry, clear out the warehouse for me, make sure to keep it dry."

...

At the same time.

Factories in the German region of Heixinggen were intensifying production, especially of military supplies, food processing, and beverages.

Even a factory dedicated to producing crude East African militia uniforms started large-scale production of relatively refined Prussian uniforms, storing them for shipment in two months.

Prussia was determined to wage war against France, particularly Bismarck and the reckless Prussian army.

The Franco-Prussian War couldn't be separated from these gamblers, especially the Ems Dispatch incident, where Bismarck altered the response from William I to Napoleon III, escalating French anger and ultimately sparking the war between the two countries.

If this had happened in East Africa, Ernst would certainly show such insubordinate individuals what authoritarian iron-fisted means, in Eastern thinking, Bismarck's actions would be considered suicidal.

However, this was Prussian domestic affairs, and Ernst saw no need to expose the matter. Furthermore, even the Prussian Prime Minister deliberately incited war, and perhaps the extensive Junker military aristocracy also had similar thoughts.

This was the will of the entire Prussia, so the Franco-Prussian War was destined to occur, only a matter of time, and with the overly confident Napoleon III as neighbors, they truly complemented each other.

In the previous world, Prussia had mobilized nearly a million troops to win this war; such an abrupt call to arms affected the autumn harvest of that year, so Ernst decided to fill this gap himself, while finding more channels to sell East African grain.

The Franco-Prussian War commenced hastily; neither Prussia nor France was sufficiently prepared, but the reformed Prussia had a highly efficient mobilization system, quicker response than France, coupled with a well-developed railway system, making their advantages more prominent.

Mobilizing a million troops greatly increased the odds of victory, but the supplies like food, essential for the battlefield, would still strain the Prussian government when rapidly mobilizing such forces; at that time, the Heixinggen consortium, stockpiling vast amounts of goods, could sell their products to the Prussian military.

Prices need not rise; selling at regular market prices would suffice. Once Prussian military procurement began, with ample supply from the early prep of the Heixinggen consortium, it spelled success.

Utilizing abundant raw materials from East Africa and Austria-Hungary, along with two newly built comprehensive grain production zones, costs could be pushed to the lowest levels.

Meanwhile, a half-year-long war would also drive related industrial growth, marking an opportune moment to profit from war.

In reality, Prussia's eventual victory meant any losses could be compensated at France's expense, making the industrial and agricultural losses due to the war negligible.

...

"Your Highness, this is the compressed biscuit ration we've developed following your requirements. Although the flour from East Africa isn't very palatable, we've added corn bits and ghee to enhance the flavor, making it more fragrant. However, I'm not sure if it will sell."

"As long as it's edible, the main thing is convenience for carrying, long shelf life, and flavor improvement is an added bonus."

Ernst picked up a piece and tried it.

"Hmm, the taste is not bad, but it's a bit bland."

"Too salty wouldn't be good for the military, and salt is relatively easier to manage as it doesn't occupy much space like dry rations."

"Hmm, what about the packaging?"

"We wrap it in oil paper and place it in wooden boxes with desiccants inside. The wooden boxes can be recycled and are easy to stack, allowing quick railway transport to the frontline."

"Very well, how are the other products coming along?"

"Your Highness, over here, these are our latest developments, all gourmet food products, especially the meat, which can last for up to six months."

"What's in this can?"

"Beef and potato stew, one can handle a meal for a squad. Once opened with a can opener, there's beef, potatoes, and beef tallow inside, smells good, no need for heating, ready to eat."

"And what's in this can?"

"This can contains green beans and ham."

"How's the cost of these canned goods?"

"Rest assured, Your Highness, we've used many meat scraps and leftovers, the cost won't be too high."

Afterwards, Ernst inspected the beverage production.

"We need the cheapest Vodka; affordability and strength are the key advantages. On the battlefield, soldiers consume what the quartermaster procures; therefore, low cost provides assurance to the military, and high strength satisfies the soldiers."

"Hmm, also increase production of Lime soda, the lure of sweet drinks is unbeatable for soldiers, especially in July and August, the peak of summer, the refreshing taste of lime is sure to be appealing."

"Your Highness, this soda sells quite well in the market, but its competitiveness may not match alcohol and coffee."

"It's summer; the power of this sweet drink is just beginning. Last year, we produced it only at summer's end, so the effect was not visible, but sales have surged these last two months, and its taste, particularly when chilled, has been very well received in the market," said a sales department manager.

"Alright, you must continue to strive, especially focusing on the convenience of food consumption, taste, and cost-effectiveness."

"Yes, Your Highness, our R&D department will develop more products that ease people's lives and are of high quality yet low price based on market demand."

"Not only that, we need to advertise more, especially managing public sentiment to not let anyone sway public opinion. Industrial food, though low in cost and high in quantity, might not gain everyone's acceptance, particularly housewives, who are the most discerning. So also emphasize the nutritional value of our foods in promotions."

Though Ernst spoke this way, the next few months were preoccupied with the logistics of the Franco-Prussian War, even contemplating profiting from both sides by providing military supplies to both Germany and France.

To do business with the French, it's necessary to plan ahead, establishing a shell company in France first, then acquiring some warehouses, and when the French start nationwide mobilization, use connections with French nobles to sell these products. Hm! This seems feasible, Ernst planned to consider it carefully after returning.