A company that packages and distributes fruit for on-the-go lunches has established a differentiation. Its fruits are packaged in such a way that refrigeration is unnecessary, and the fruit will not wilt or discolor. The chain starts when the manufacturer purchases fresh fruit from organically grown farms. Then, the fruit is skinned and cut into convenient squares for on-the-go eating. Then, the fruit arrives at the plant for packaging and distribution to grocery stores across the country. This is an example of:

The business cycle is the periodic but irregular up-and-down movement in economic activity, measured by fluctuations in real gross domestic product (gdp) and other macroeconomic variables. a business cycle is typically characterized by four phases—recession, recovery, growth, and decline—that repeat themselves over time. economists note, however, that complete business cycles vary in length. the duration of business cycles can be anywhere from about two to twelve years, with most cycles averaging six years in length. some business analysts use the business cycle model and terminology to study and explain fluctuations in business inventory and other individual elements of corporate operations. but the term "business cycle" is still primarily associated with larger (industry-wide, regional, national, or even international) business trends.