ACCC recommends reforms for supermarkets to improve competition and fairness

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-03-24 07:24:00

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommends 20 measures to improve market competition in the supermarket sector. Woolworths leads with 38% market share, followed by Coles at 29% and ALDI at 9%. Proposed changes aim to enhance transparency, fairness, and supplier relations for a more competitive industry.

ACCC’s final report on supermarkets calls for mandatory pricing data disclosure, urban planning reform, and strict adherence to the Food and Grocery Code. Loyalty program evaluations, consumer complaint handling improvements, and supplier transparency are key areas of focus. Recommendations aim to create a level playing field and benefit both consumers and suppliers.

ACCC emphasizes the need for supermarkets to share promotional discount information, alert consumers of product size reductions, and provide summaries of loyalty program data practices. Measures also include enhancing processes for consumer complaints in remote areas and ensuring uniform standards for accreditation and auditing.

Supermarkets like ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths are urged to provide detailed supply projections to fresh produce vendors and transparent bidding procedures. Transparency in wholesale produce prices and agreements with suppliers is essential. Producers selling through supermarkets must receive prompt order confirmations and clear disclosure of rebates.

Read more: ACCC proposes reforms to boost supermarket competition and fairness