Asianometry The Global Vitamin Cartels
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Apr 17, 2025 Discover the fascinating history of vitamins and their crucial role in our health. Delve into the shadowy world of the global vitamin market and the cartels manipulating prices. Understand the challenges faced by newcomers in a market dominated by major players. Hear about the rise and fall of vitamin cartels, including Roche's notorious practices. Finally, uncover the consequences of a major scandal that reshaped the industry and paved the way for China's dominance in vitamin production.
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Vitamins' Essential Role and Monopoly
- Vitamins are essential organic molecules needed for survival but in very small amounts.
- Science revealed their life-saving properties, engineering scaled production, but cartels monopolized them for profit.
Whistleblower Stanley Adams' Story
- Stanley Adams leaked Roche's illegal vitamin contracts to the European Commission.
- His whistleblowing led to his arrest and personal tragedy, underscoring cartel risks.
Cartel Strategy on Vitamins A and E
- Roche led vitamin producers to cartelize vitamin A and E markets, freezing market shares.
- They prioritized price over volume, manipulating prices through sustained cooperation.