Here's the main and only reason that the food industry matters: it came about by serving the customer. That's us, all the hungry people. Check out this set of facts about the origins of some big names:

Coca Cola began as a medicinal tonic for common ailments, meant to be an occasional consumption.

The original McDonald's french fry was cooked in 7% vegetable oil and 93% beef tallow. Not the healthiest, but much more natural than today's hydrogenated seed oils.

Kellogs was founded by a man who studied science, health and wellness extensively. Now they are under investigation for violating consumer protection laws.

Do I want to eat foie gras every day? Of course I do. Do I? Of course not. I might die faster than the birds if I did that.

Somewhere along the line, these businesses turned themselves from an occasional good thing into an everyday bad thing, all in the name of profitability.