As an expert in the food industry, I have seen firsthand the immense power and influence of the top food mega companies. These 10 companies, including Nestle, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Danone, General Mills, Kellogg's, Mars, Associated British Foods and Mondelez, dominate the market and control what we buy and consume on a daily basis. From cereals to snacks to beverages, these companies have a hand in almost every aspect of our food choices. While most people are familiar with the popular brands owned by these companies, such as Froot Loops and Coca-Cola, many are unaware of the vast range of products and brands that fall under their umbrella. For example, Kellogg's not only owns cereal brands like Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, but also non-cereal brands like Eggo, Pringles and Cheez-It.
Similarly, General Mills is known for its cereals like Cheerios and Chex, but also owns brands like Yoplait, Hamburger Helper, Haagen Dazs and Betty Crocker. Danone may be best known for its yogurts like Activa and Oikos, but they also sell medical nutrition products and bottled water. And while Mars is famous for its chocolate brands like M&M's, they also own other popular brands such as Uncle Ben's Rice, Starburst and Orbit gum. Coca-Cola goes beyond just soft drinks with beverage brands like Dasani, Fuze and Honest Tea. And Unilever's diverse list of brands includes Axe body spray, Lipton tea, Magnum ice cream and mayonnaise Hellmann's.It's hard to believe that just a few decades ago, most people shopped at local or regional grocery stores.
But now, just four companies (Walmart, Costco, Kroger, and Ahold Delhaize) control a whopping 65% of the retail market. And in the U. S. and Canada, the top five food and beverage companies are still Nestle, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Danone. According to our annual report of North America's top food and beverage companies, these "Big 5" generate billions of dollars in revenue each year.
And if you think about it, these companies own just about everything you could want to buy - from orange soda to coffee with milk chips. It's no wonder that the theory of six degrees of separation has been proven true, as we all unknowingly support these mega companies through our everyday purchases. But just how much do we really know about the companies behind the brands we love? Surprisingly, not much. In a survey conducted by Oxfam American's "Behind the Brands" campaign, respondents were asked to identify the correct owners of major brands. The results showed that Americans were unable to correctly identify the right owners for many popular brands. For example, only 48% of respondents correctly identified Kellogg's as the owner of Kashi, a brand that promotes "simple, natural ingredients." And when it came to Honest Tea, only 30% of respondents selected Coca-Cola as the correct owner.
Similarly, only 27% of respondents correctly chose General Mills as the owner of Annie's Homegrown. This lack of knowledge is concerning as it shows how little we truly understand about the companies that control our food choices. So why does it matter who owns these brands? Well, for one thing, it affects our choices as consumers. When we support these mega companies, we are indirectly supporting their values and practices. And unfortunately, the values of these companies are often not aligned with what is best for consumers, farmers, small food businesses, and the planet. It's widely accepted that when the top four companies control 40% or more of total sales, consumers and the planet lose out.
And with these 10 mega companies controlling an enormous amount of consumer food products, it's no wonder that their values are often atrocious. From unethical labor practices to environmental damage, these companies prioritize profits over people and the planet. As an expert in the food industry, I believe it's important for consumers to be aware of who controls the food they eat. Instead of blindly supporting these mega companies, I encourage everyone to do their own research and support small food businesses, local brands, and farmers. Not only does this support a more diverse and sustainable food system, but it also allows us to make more informed choices about what we consume. Furthermore, it's important to consider the environmental impact of our food choices.
The carbon footprint of animal-based foods like beef, lamb, chicken, and cheese is much greater than that of plant-based foods. This is due to factors such as deforestation for feed production, fertilizer use, and methane emissions. By reducing our consumption of animal products and focusing on whole plant-based foods, we can all play a part in reducing our environmental impact. In conclusion, the truth behind the food mega companies is that they hold an immense amount of power and influence over what we eat. As consumers, it's important for us to be aware of who controls our food choices and to make informed decisions about where we spend our money.
By supporting small businesses and sustainable practices, we can create a more diverse and ethical food system for ourselves and future generations.
