As an advocate of conscientious consumerism, we believe our customers prefer high quality and ethical supply chains.

Oxfam’s ‘Illusion of Choice’ Grocery Food chart is a good reminder that majority of supermarket items are owned by 10 companies.

“You might think you’re a savvy shopper, supporting independent businesses when you buy a product from the organic foods aisle of your grocery store, but chances are you’re really being duped by a small handful of grocery industry Goliaths hiding behind an array of brands and pretty packaging,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch.

• In 2012, 53.6 percent of the money that Americans spent on groceries went to the four largest retailers: Walmart, Kroger, Target and Safeway
• The top companies accounted for more than 90 percent of sales in things like infant formula and microwave dinners
• Consumers are led to believe they are choosing among competitors, when many different products are actually made by the same firm. For example, Kellogg’s owns both Kashi and Bear Naked brands, though their packaging and websites make them seem independent.
• Top food producers are manipulating the shopping experience. In 2012, the top four grocery retailers spent $4.4 billion on advertisements and the top food manufacturers spent $8.4 billion. Ninety-one percent of the foods advertised on children’s Saturday morning television programs were high in fat, added sugars and sodium, and low in nutrients, based on federal nutrition standards.

More food for thought – Food & Water Watch’s report

If you found this informative, please share this post widely + considering adding your name to Buycott’s efforts to create a tool that will help consumers make informed choices

Dihan, Proud-Owner, Organic Lifestyle

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