Case Scenario 3: the Pet Food Industry

Case Scenario 3: The Pet Food Industry.
The pet food industry is composed primarily of six market segments: dry dog food, dry cat food, moist dog food, moist cat food, canned dog food, and canned cat food. Five large firms dominate the market and each has some market share in all segments, and the leading share in at least one segment. The largest firm participates solely in the pet food industry, while the next four firms are actually subsidiaries of some of the world's largest food and consumer products companies. Top management of these larger firms have made public statements that suggest they each see themselves as future leaders of the pet food industry. All five have acquired comparable skills in terms of manufacturing and marketing. Two small firms also participate in the industry, but these players are relatively weak and compete in just two of the six segments; the pet food industry is the only industry in which they operate. Inputs to the industry are basic commodities and there is no real threat of substitute products except across segments and price points. The industry is growing slowly, barely keeping up with the rate of inflation. Barriers to entry are enormous when pet food companies can gain scale economies in production coupled with aggressive marketing, though even then these coordinated actions may only yield average industry profitability. Any firm can increase its market share only to the extent that another firm's share is decreased.
-(Refer to Case Scenario 3) . Members of the pet food industry are likely to experience

A) no competition.
B) little competition.
C) moderate competition.
D) extensive competition.