The ACCC is asking Australian consumers, farmers, wholesalers, and retailers to share their experiences with Australian supermarkets.
The consumer watchdog has also published an issues paper outlining the topics the supermarket inquiry will explore, which is split into two sections: competition for consumer retail spending between the supermarkets, and grocery supply chains.
Mick Keogh, Deputy Chair of the ACCC, said they know that consumers and suppliers alike have a range of concerns about Australia’s major supermarkets, and this is their chance to have their say.
“We will be using our legal powers to compulsorily obtain data and documents from the supermarkets themselves, but consultation with consumers and grocery sector participants is an important first step in our inquiry.”
In relation to the competition for consumer retail spending between the supermarkets, the ACCC will examine competition between supermarkets and the barriers that new or emerging supermarkets face when trying to enter or expand.
“One of our major focus areas will be the supermarkets’ approach to setting prices, and whether there is evidence to show that a lack of effective retail competition is contributing to higher prices.
“We will conduct a detailed comparison of the price suppliers receive for their goods and the price consumers pay at the checkout, and the profits the supermarkets earn,” said Keogh.
For the grocery supply chain part, the ACCC wants to hear from industry participants about competition within supply chains, trading arrangements, margins, and price transparency, and if supermarket buyer power is impacting suppliers’ commercial viability.
“A lack of competition at any stage of a supply chain can result in inefficient or unsustainable prices across the supply chain.”
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