In a tiny, unassuming town in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, four small countries are forever united. Most people in New Zealand have never heard of Norsewood. It’s off the beaten track and it’s certainly not heavily marketed. But one thing for certain, the town is proud of its Scandinavian origins. Even though most of its ancestry can be traced back to Norway, it hasn’t forgotten its allegiances to the entire Scandinavian region – as can be seen in the picture above.

And not far from Norsewood is another, slightly larger town that owes its existence entirely to Denmark. In this town of Dannevirke, “Copenhagen” occupies prime real estate, as you can see in this picture of Copenhagen Square.

So awareness of Scandinavia in this quiet, modest part of the world is healthy.

Starbucks is set for further expansion in Europe - and Arla is a key partner. The Esbjerg-based company will manufacture, market and distribute Starbucks’ ready-to-drink coffee beverages for the European market. Arla subsidiary Cocio Chokolademælk has already increased plant capacity and is ready to begin production. I know quite a few Americans who will be happy to have their Starbucks back.

In just two years, Lego will open another Legoland theme park in the United States. The company’s second park in the States will be in central Florida - not far from the Orlando area, which is already home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and other top entertainment destinations. On the grounds of Florida’s oldest amusement park, Cypress Gardens (now defunct), this fifth Legoland park will be the largest yet. And it should give the brand a big boost within the US.