As an expert in the food industry, I am well aware of the power and reach of the world's largest food company. It is no surprise that this company tops the list of the largest publicly traded food companies in 2024, with a diverse portfolio of over 2,000 brands. However, as consumers, it is important to understand who controls the food industry and to start supporting small food businesses, local brands, and local farmers. One would expect companies to exist because they wanted to make the world known, at least that's what I hope. However, with big brands having so much power and reach, it is important to question their motives and actions.
I'm not going to get into the dark and never-ending issue of whether most of the processed foods they benefit from are made with integrity to be as healthy as possible for consumers. This is a situation similar to that of airlines that continue to serve nuts and peanuts or refuse to make adaptations to avoid food allergies. These companies are much larger than they seem at first glance, and this is done with the intention of including apparently “competing” subsidiaries in their portfolios, so that the public does not pair brands with each other realizing that they are a single food conglomerate. The “Big 10” food conglomerate graphic that appears at the top of this post and in this section comes from Oxfam American's “Behind The Brands” campaign. This institute aims to develop a new industry between food and pharmaceuticals by creating food products with preventive and corrective health properties that replace drugs in pill bottles.
It is important for consumers to take a closer look at the food business chart and identify the brands they regularly purchase. As an expert, I urge you to do your own research on these companies and their practices. Smaller brands, both in the food and non-food industries, are often more transparent about their ingredients and allergen practices. This is because they value their customers and want them to make informed decisions. However, labeling laws have changed to support consumers, as these massive food conglomerates that dominate the market must be held accountable.
It is concerning that these 10 largest food companies in the world control a huge amount of consumer food products, yet their values for consumers are atrocious.
