Final answer:
The average supermarket may hold thousands of brands, with the number likely increasing over the past 30 years due to market changes and consumer demand. Supermarkets have departments offering a vast range of products, and the FTC now assesses market trends based on actual competition rather than market share alone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of different brands a supermarket holds can vary widely depending on the size and business strategy of the store. Major grocery stores in the US are divided into various departments such as dairy, meats, produce, bread, and cereals. In each department, customers may find hundreds or even thousands of product options. While exact numbers are hard to come by due to the dynamic nature of inventory and market strategies, larger supermarkets can carry thousands of brands. Compared to 30 years ago, there has likely been an increase in the number of brands carried by supermarkets, driven by globalization, advancements in logistics, and a consumer demand for more variety.
Furthermore, market dynamics have changed over the years, influenced by mergers such as the one between Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Market.
However, the actual competition between businesses is now more indicative of market trends according to the Federal Trade Commission, rather than just market share. This transition reflects the complexity of defining the 'market' in today's consumer landscape, which now includes a broad variety of stores selling grocery and specialty food products.