I came to the realization that I couldn’t think of an example of when vertical integration isn’t just an older name for enshittification. Apple owning an app store, Amazon being a marketplace and seller, etc. What examples of vertical integration aren’t bad? Are there any?
A lot of chain restaurants/franchises own and operate a fairly deep food distribution system. It ends up being good for consumers as having large and knowledgeable ingredient buyers generally helps maintain high food quality standards.
Part of the problem with Chipotle’s issues with food borne illness came about because they lost access to McDonald’s supply chain.