The Commerce Commission has commenced a market study into factors that may affect competition in the grocery sector following publication of terms of reference for the study by the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
"The price and quality of groceries have an impact on all of us. Groceries are a major expense for households, with more than $22 billion spent at New Zealand supermarkets and grocery stores in the past year", Commission Chair Anna Rawlings said.
"New Zealand has one of the most concentrated retail grocery sectors in the world. If retail competition is working, our study would expect to see grocery retailers competing to win customers based on factors such as price, quality, choice, and service. Our study provides an opportunity to consider whether competition in the sector is working for the benefit of New Zealand consumers, and if not, how it could be improved."
