Corinna Hawkes: A Byproduct Of Globalization

An increase in mobility by technological advancements such as boats, planes, and on-land vehicles allow trade to be made more effective in places that were once very difficult to get to. This increase in mobility and distribution has given rise to the concept of globalization. Globalization is the process by which the mobility of goods, services, people, etc., operate on an international scale. Therefore, these kinds of areas benefit greatly from globalization, such that most of the foods eaten today are a byproduct of globalization. However, this also means that both the benefits and problems that arise in local diets will quickly become global issues. The combination of growing cities and rising incomes has led to dietary convergence, which

The implications of the consolidation of global food systems can be linked to the rapid growth and concentration of supermarkets. As described by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the increasing dominance of super¬markets has yielded greater consumer choice, more convenience, lower prices, higher food quality and safety for urban consumers. It has also led to consolidated supply chains in which buyers for a handful of giant food processors and retailers wield increasing power to set standards and prices. These changes have massive implications for the food security and nutritional well-being of people at both ends of the global food system. From farmers who must adapt to the requirements and standards of changing markets as set by food conglomerates to urban consumers who depend increasingly on processed foods and meals purchased from street vendors and fast food restaurants, no one is unaffected by the nature and consolidation of global food

The food market links many of the cultures of the world but these interactions has lead to changes in food cultures. One process of globalization, which is marketing, encourages more consumers to consume and more producers to produce. This is done by attracting the attention of consumers to new products, creating perceived differences between similar products, and improving the value and desirability of products. Cultures are affected by this to a large degree due to the acceptability of new products and services introduced through the globalization process. Marketing for the global food system appeals to already existing cultural viewpoints or traditions in order to infiltrate, then change cultural norms and rules about how food should be eaten. There is cause for concern that local cultures and their food traditions are disappearing as a result of the availability of standardized food choices stifling the food traditions of local cultures. Therefore, marketing facilitates globalization and the vice-versa holds true as well, creating a culturally destructive cycle. This ongoing cycle of global market exchange and integration encourages more people to consume the product, more frequent consumption among people already familiar with the product, and consumption of more of the product