The companies mentioned here were once independent and wanted to make a difference. But what usually happens once they become successful is that a large behemoth buys them up for the brand – and then capitalizes on the previous demographic of buyers. This has happened to so many good companies. Did you know that Whole Foods is owned by Amazon? That Trader Joe’s is owned buy Europe’s largest grocer chain? The list is long. There are really VERY FEW independent brands still in existence.
Another classic example: Beyond Burger. This was specifically designed to put independent vegetarian burger companies out of business – and it worked. Almost every restaurant that serves a veggie burger now uses Beyond (the initial idea was to convert meat eaters to this option). Thankfully – people have rebelled against this and they are now in financial trouble, and businesses are starting to revert back to housemade solutions. I always tell the waiter that I refuse to eat Beyond and that they need to switch. Decide with your money!