Senator Eyes

Elizabeth Warren Wants to Save You From a Mayonnaise and Hot Sauce Monopoly

By Dmitri Bolt, Townhall

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is taking a stand for all Americans against the newest, most dangerous monopoly threatening the republic: spices.

Warren posted a statement on social media voicing concern over a potential merger between Hunt Valley's McCormick & Company and Unilever, a deal that would place Hellmann’s mayonnaise, McCormick spices, Cholula hot sauce, and Frank’s RedHot under one corporate roof. Her concern is simple, and stereotypical: consolidate enough beloved condiments and seasonings under one company, and grocery prices could rise as the newfound monopoly charges whatever rates it wants to.

It is also, naturally, the epitome of socialist grandstanding: because if there is one thing the free market needs, it is a senator standing between Americans and the looming threat of consolidated hot sauce.

These condiments already carry significant market shares. Hellmann’s mayonnaise holds roughly 46.7 percent of the U.S. mayonnaise market; McCormick dominates the retail spice market with an estimated 40 to 60 percent share; and Frank’s RedHot and Cholula, both McCormick-owned, combine for about 30 percent of the hot-sauce market. In other words, each product already enjoys considerable market power.

But notice something else: each is also typically more affordable for the average shopper than many of its competitors. FINISH READING HERE

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