The Checkout
Episode 174: Phil Howard On Food Industry Consolidation
Mar 31, 2024
Professor Phil Howard discusses food industry consolidation, highlighting how a few firms control the supply chain. He explores capitalist consolidation, vertical integration in food companies, impact on farms, seed industry dominance, and unethical practices in the food sector.
54:00
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Quick takeaways
- Consolidation in the food industry leads to market control by a few firms.
- Vertical integration affects dairy production and organic food industry, increasing market consolidation.
Deep dives
Consolidation and Concentration in the Food System
The podcast discusses how the food system involves various steps from production to consumption and disposal. The speaker highlights the issue of consolidation and concentration in the food sectors, where a small number of firms control the flow of food from farmers to consumers. Examples like the dominance of Walmart in the retail sector and the impact of mergers and acquisitions on market control are mentioned.
