It makes sense. When food brands initially took off (1950s?), my impression is that grocery stores were much more regional. There certainly wasn't anything at

It makes sense. When food brands initially took off (1950s?), my impression is that grocery stores were much more regional. There certainly wasn't anything at the scale of Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, or Publix these days. Consequently, it was easier for General Mills et al. to use economies of scale to sell quality, profitable products. Now, it's the grocery stores that can do that.