This outcome is contrary to many people's expectations. Few expect that in a competitive, free market, every producer will become more collaborative and that there will be no visible or felt competition among competing businessmen. The more competitive a market, the more cooperation you see. This apparently counter-intuitive implication is both observed and inferred. This is because people are not harmed by doing what they want to do.
People like to help their neighbors.
Consider a small farmer, one among a million. My friend George, back in the United States, is one such. His harvest is so small, that there is nothing he can do to effect the world price. His neighbor is in a similar situation. Consequently, if George helps his neighbor, his neighbor benefits, and George himself loses nothing on the price he receives for his harvest.