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We see them wherever we go. We can be in the middle of the Sudan or on a sidewalk café in France. Halfway up to Mount Everest or on a dive boat in the middle of the Caribbean. It always amazes us that these 5 products rule the world.
When we come home to Canada they are sold in our liquor stores, our supermarkets, and even on the shelves of our mom and pop corner stores.
Who owns these companies? Who runs these companies? And how do they get their products to the middle of a barren desert, through an untamed jungle, to the heart of an Indian bazaar, or up a rugged mountain?
5 Companies Found Everywhere in the World
While many discuss oil companies dominating the market, we assert these 5 products listed below have truly taken over the planet.
1. Coca Cola
Coke is undeniably the most universal drink in the world. Everyone knows the name Coca Cola.
Although some insist that tea (after water) is the number one choice of beverage globally, there are numerous varieties of tea across different cultures. Countries have their own brands and types of tea, yet they do not possess a soft drink more popular than Coca Cola.
We have ventured to the most remote places in the world, and Coca Cola is consistently available wherever we go.
For instance, consider the Sudanese desert.
Even without a common language, during our bicycle journey from North Africa to the South, we simply yelled, “Coca Cola?” upon entering a village.
As a result, locals would look up and point us towards an old shack selling warm bottles of Coke.
No other product matches Coca Cola’s global reach; it is universally recognized and beloved for its taste.
2. La Vache Qui Rit aka: Laughing Cow Cheese
Having visited over 100 countries, we discovered that even in places where cheese is not a dietary staple, Laughing Cow Cheese makes an appearance everywhere.
Whether at local markets or in upscale stores, the delightfully packaged Laughing Cow invariably accompanies us, even in French supermarkets that boast superior cheese selections.
From remote villages in Asia to fine supermarkets in Europe, La Vache Qui Rit remains a popular and tasty snack.
Interestingly, our craving for cheese intensifies the longer we spend in isolated regions, making us eagerly anticipate our next triangle of this delicious treat.
3. Nescafé
We have explored some of the world’s finest coffee-producing nations, such as Indonesia and Ethiopia. Our home countries often pay hefty premiums for exquisite coffee sourced from Java, Sumatra, Costa Rica, and Kenya.
So why is it that we are often served Nescafé during our travels?
It would seem reasonable to assume this trend is confined to developing nations, yet even places in Europe like France, Spain, Andorra, and Italy—known for their exceptional coffee—serve Nescafé in some hotels and restaurants.
Nescafé has successfully penetrated markets worldwide, even among the most discerning coffee drinkers.
4. Pringles
Do you ever crave a taste of home?
When tempted by the local Masala flavor or hot tamale chips, don’t fret—good old Pringles are always nearby, whether in a small shop with homemade chips or in a large supermarket.
While deliciously exotic flavors are available, you can typically find classic and sour cream and onion varieties of Pringles on the shelves, all at premium prices.
It’s remarkable how much profit they make, as many countries even introduce their unique flavors of Pringles to cater to local tastes.
5. Carlsberg
Every country we visit seems to offer its own local beer. We have enjoyed various local brews like Tiger, Chang, Cristal, and Dos Equis.
However, Carlsberg stands out as a brand that has penetrated nearly every market globally.
It frequently appears alongside local beers on drink menus, consistently priced higher. Tourists and even affluent locals often choose Carlsberg over the local options, a testament to its widespread appeal.
Do you have any products that you’ve encountered repeatedly during your travels?
We have definitely noticed other products too:
- Fanta and Pepsi are popular soft drinks,
- Lays Potato Chips are becoming increasingly common,
- Lipton’s Tea continues to make its mark,
- Dairy Milk chocolate has gained popularity as well.
Nonetheless, we have consistently found the 5 products mentioned above to be ubiquitous wherever we venture.
They tend to show up in the most secluded locations as well as in luxurious destinations, establishing themselves as the cornerstone products of our global consumer landscape.
Note: This observation is based on our travels and is not scientifically validated; however, we have indeed encountered these 5 items all around the world.
