They say freedom of choice is just an illusion. The global economy is controlled mostly by a handful of companies. Here is a list of the 10 companies that have their hands in pretty much everything.
Kellog’s
This serial giant is the proud owner of brands like Pringles, Karo and Virgo, but they particular dominate the cereal market. Almost 100 years old, Kellog’s is a household brand that has distributed hundreds of products across international markets.
Nestle
Nestle has made its presence felt in the farthest corners of the world. From chocolates to beverages to fast food, the giant owns almost all the packaged food that enters households. Based out of Switzerland, it is the biggest food manufacturing company in the world.
Pepsi Co.
Pepsi, Tropicana, Lays, Quaker, Cheetos, Gatorade – they all have one thing in common; they are all Pepsi Co. some of the most successful products. With skyrocketing sales and an irrefutable brand, this company has established itself internationally and is here to stay.
Coca-Cola
With Lipton, Sprite, Fuze and Kinley, Coca-Cola has come a long way from being just a soda brand. The company witnessed profits of $42 billion in the financial year of 2018-19 alone and has no plans to stop for centuries to come.
Unilever
Unilever is the brand behind all the famous brands of the world. It has the most diverse list of products and companies – ranging from AXE Bodyspray to Knorr to Surf. However, in addition to its cut-throat business strategies, they are also truly “pioneers, innovators and future-makers” and have been for almost 120 years.
Mondelez
Owner of Cadbury’s, Oreos, Chips Ahoy! and Ritz, Mondelez has revenue of about $26 billion internationally, and operates in approximately 160 countries. The company is annually listed on the Fortune 500 of the largest United States corporations by total revenue.
General Mills
General Mills is best known for cereals like Cheerios and Chex, but it also owns brands like Yoplait, Hamburger Helper, Haagen-Dazs, and Betty Crocker. Fun fact, Nerf Ball was actually invented under this company when the company was also into developing toys in 1980s.
Alphabet Inc.
There isn’t a person on this planet who hasn’t consumed this company’s products – be it Google or YouTube. This tech company has access to information about pretty much anything and everything; and well, you know what they say – knowledge is power.
Disney
With an undeniable presence in the entertainment sector, this company has also now established itself through ventures such as on-demand streaming (Disney+) and live entertainment (musical/theatre adaptations).
Pearson
Founded originally as a real-estate company, Pearson is now the world’s largest education and book publishing company. With almost a monopoly in the education sector – this company controls international education everywhere.
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Opinions expressed by AsianBlurb contributors are their own.
Shanae Brooks is a reporter covering leadership in the business world. She began her journalism career as a ghostwriter behind various successful books in the business realm.
