Glovo GorokAra

 Glovo is a Spanish delivery company founded in Barcelona in 2015 by Oscar Pierre. Since then, it has experienced rapid expansion and has become one of the most well-known delivery platforms in Europe and beyond. What began as a small startup quickly developed into a position of dominance in many urban markets.

The company’s idea is simple: users can order almost anything from their city and receive it quickly. This includes food, groceries, and pharmacy products. Glovo connects customers, local businesses, and freelance couriers through a digital system. This creates a highly flexible network that has a strong economic impact, especially in large cities.

However, this model has created significant controversy. Couriers are considered independent workers instead of employees. While this offers flexibility, critics argue that it can lead to exploitation, as workers often lack job security, insurance, and long-term stability.

From a business perspective, Glovo earns profit through delivery fees and commissions from partner restaurants. This system increases visibility for businesses but can also create dependency, especially for smaller restaurants that rely heavily on the platform.

Governments have introduced regulation to address these concerns and improve working conditions. In some cases, these rules aim to limit the power of companies that act like a monopoly or part of an oligopoly. Strong competition barriers make it difficult for new companies to enter the market.

Recently, Glovo has invested in dark kitchens. These kitchens reduce overhead costs because they do not require expensive locations or dining areas. This allows businesses to improve efficiency and focus entirely on food production.

However, dark kitchens also raise concerns about transparency. Customers may not realize that several restaurant brands operate from the same kitchen. In addition, workers may struggle to keep up with the high volume of orders, which can lead to operational issues.

From an urban perspective, dark kitchens can increase traffic congestion and affect local communities. Some traditional restaurants cannot compete and face challenges in maintaining long-term sustainability. Governments are working to change how these businesses operate and ensure fair competition while maintaining convenience for consumers.

1. 📚 Vocabulary Match

   1. Expansion — A. Openness and clarity
   2. Overhead — B. Growth or increase in size
   3. Transparency — C. Heavy traffic or overcrowding
   4. Congestion — D. Costs needed to run a business
   5. Struggle — E. Ability to continue long-term
   6. Sustainability — F. To have difficulty dealing with something
   7. Convenience — G.  To guarantee
   8. Ensure — H. Doing things quickly with little waste
   9. Efficiency — I. A large quantity of something
   10. Issues — J. Something that makes life easier or saves time
   11. Volume — K. Rules created by authorities
   12. Regulation — L. Problems or difficulties

    2. Synonym Match

   1. Flexibility | A. Earnings
   2. Dominance | B. Adaptability
   3. Controversy | C. Influence
   4. Impact | D. Control
   5. Founded | E. Disagreement
   6. Exploitation | F. Established
   7. Profit | G. Fast
   8. Rapid | H. Emphasize
   9. Highlight | I. Reliance
   10. Dependency | J. Unfair use

3. Speaking Discussion

• Is Glovo a positive or negative innovation?
• Should gig workers be employees?
• Is convenience more important than workers’ rights?
• Is it dangerous when one company becomes too dominant?

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4. NEW Discussion: Job Satisfaction

Task:

Discuss how important each factor is for worker satisfaction:

• Job security
• Flexibility
• Work-life balance
• Career growth
• Fair treatment
• Benefits (insurance, holidays)
• Something not on the list 

• Rank top 3 most important
• Justify the choices
• Compare with Glovo couriers

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5. NEW Activity: Barcelona Companies

Discuss these companies that started in Barcelona:

• Glovo
• Mango
• Desigual
• Seat
• Wallapop
• Diari Ara 

Questions:

• What do they have in common?
• Why is Barcelona a good place for startups?
• Which company is the most successful? Why?
• Which ones stand out the most from this list?

6. Role Plays 

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Role Play 1: Job Interview – Glovo Courier

Roles:

• Student A: Applicant
• Student B: Recruiter from Glovo

💬 Task:

Conduct a job interview.

Applicant:

• Introduce yourself
• Explain why you want the job
• Ask about pay, schedule, and conditions
• Try to negotiate

Recruiter:

• Explain the job and payment
• Highlight benefits (flexibility)
• Answer questions
• Decide: hire or not

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Role Play 2: Business Negotiation

 Roles:

• Student A: Restaurant Owner
• Student B: Glovo Representative

💬 Task:

Discuss whether the restaurant should join Glovo.

Include:

• Commission rates
• Benefits (more customers)
• Risks (dependency, lower profit)

Make a final decision.

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Role Play 3: Government Debate

 Roles:

• Government Official
• Glovo Executive
• Courier
• (Optional) Business Owner

💬 Task:

Debate:

👉 “Should gig economy companies be more regulated?”

• Give arguments
• Respond to others
• Try to reach a conclusion

Role Play 4: Restaurant vs Dark Kitchen

 Roles:

Student A: Traditional Restaurant Owner
Student B: Dark Kitchen Manager

💬 Task:

• Compare business models
• Discuss costs, profits, and risks
• Consider why restaurants may struggle
• Decide which is better

Role Play 5: Government Debate

Roles:

Government Official
Business Owner
Worker
Customer

💬 Task:

 “Should dark kitchens be more regulated?”

• Present arguments
• Respond to others
• Discuss urban issues
• Reach a conclusion

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Role Play 6: Urban Impact Investigation

Roles:

City Official
Local Resident
Kitchen Manager
Delivery Driver

Task:

• Discuss traffic, noise, and local issues
• Consider congestion and business impact
• Each role presents their perspective

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7. NEW Business Pitch Activity

Task: Create Your Own Business

Students must:

• Invent a new business idea
• Explain:
  • Product/service
  • Target customers
  • How it makes money
  • Why it is better than competitors

Pitch:

Present to “investors” (classmates/teacher)

👉 Investors decide:

• Invest or not
• Ask challenging questions

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 8.Top Problems with Dark Kitchens

Top Problems List: Choose from this list the worst and why ?

1. Lack of transparency for customers (not knowing multiple “restaurants” share the same kitchen)
2. High-volume production pressures on staff
3. Poor working conditions for employees
4. Food quality and safety concerns
5. Increased traffic and congestion in neighborhoods
6. Negative impact on traditional restaurants

9. Fill in the Blanks

Words: Founded | Emergence | Errands | Courier | Despite | Monopoly | Oligopoly | Regulation | Highlight | Struggle | Rapid

1. A delivery __________ is the person who picks up and delivers orders to customers.
2. Authorities often __________ the importance of fair labor practices and safe conditions.
3. Couriers often face __________ because they lack benefits and long-term stability.
4. Users can order food, groceries, and even small __________ through the app.
5. Governments introduce __________ to ensure fair working conditions for gig workers.
6. When one company dominates a market completely, it can become a __________.
7. Glovo was __________ in Barcelona in 2015 by Oscar Pierre.
8. When only a few companies dominate a market, it is called an __________.
9. __________ the flexibility offered, critics argue that couriers may be exploited.
10. The rapid __________ of Glovo allowed it to expand globally in a few years.