The Illusion of Choice

The above graphic (click on it for a larger version) shows how many brands and products are controlled by just nine food conglomerates. The chains go so deep that unless you have a roadmap, it’s almost impossible to know if a product you’re buying comes from an independent producer or one of the giants. Moreover, a number of these large entities have been in trouble with environmentalists and regulators for various advertising violations, health issues, or environmentally-unfriendly practices. If you’re trying to be a responsible consumer, it becomes a lot harder when there’s so much misdirection.

The good news is, the Internet has so much information available that with patience and diligence, almost any question can be answered. Just don’t trust sources like Ask.com or Yahoo! Answers, which are tantamount to the stupid leading the blind.

The Old Wolf has spoken.

15 responses to “The Illusion of Choice”

Reblogged this on Hey Sweetheart, Get Me Rewrite! and commented:
What a beautiful graphic. You’ve got the basic point as soon as you see it and then you can dig down into levels of complexity. I’m sure if we could see the cross-links, it would be and even tighter-woven fabric.

Reblogged this on MeantToBeGood.

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Just wanted to let you know I reblogged this.somehow.

I’m new 😛

The Old Wolf says:

July 26, 2013 at 4:36 pm

Thanks for sharing, it’s good to get the word out!

Reply

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That is stunning! I had no idea how big the giants have grown. And some of the brands/products I did not realize had been bought out. Good to know. I see my favourite chocolate is an independent. http://www.whittakers.co.nz/#/faq/

Reblogged this on Wildersoul Colouring Book and commented:
Food giants are taking over the world… I was surprised to see some of the brand names that have been swallowed up!

Thanks for sharing this informative graph.

Yikes! That’s a powerful image! Thanks for sharing.

Wow…never stopped to think about it until I saw this post. Outrageous map. Thanks for leading me here with your follow! I’ll be back…have a fantastic weekend.

That’s very interesting. Sometimes I wonder, though, without those controlling entities, what would be the resulting products? Who would we be left with to blame, and moreover, could those smaller entities survive if a problem arose?

Just thinking. Cool post!