A company that operates in several countries through branches, subsidiaries, or franchises, coordinating production, marketing, and distribution across borders. In the food industry, multinationals range from ingredient suppliers and fast-food chains to packaged-food giants with portfolios of global brands. Their scale brings efficiencies in sourcing, research, and logistics, and they shape diets worldwide through advertising and product availability. Critics argue they homogenise food cultures, wield excessive market power, and prioritise profit over nutrition and sustainability. Supporters credit them with investment, jobs, food safety standards, and affordable products. Regulation of multinationals spans competition, labelling, and tax policy.