Baby Food Industry Consolidates
April 17, 2007 by Amy Spangler | one question or comment
According to The Washington Post, the acquisition of Gerber gives Nestle, the world's largest food company, 82 percent of the U.S. baby food market.
Of greater concern than the lack of competition is Nestle's history of aggressive marketing. Nestle has been the focus of a worldwide boycott that began in 1977 in response to its refusal to halt marketing practices that clearly violate the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes.
Breastfeeding advocates had hoped that Gerber’s new owner would comply with the International Code and market its products in a responsible way, but hopes dim with the recent acquisition.
You can find more information about the companies behind making and marketing baby food at www.reportbuyer.com/food_drink/baby_food/index.html. These are expensive market reports but a quick scan means you can see which ones are active.