Major grocery chains are resisting the request of Choice for over 3000 individual product prices from stores across their networks as the consumer group readies itself for a July 1 re-launch of the controversial site. Choice has previously announced that consultancy firm SMS Management & Technology would help the consumer group with the $13 million task of rebuilding the troubled Grocery Choice website. The site was first introduced last year after an ACCC Grocery Price Inquiry found the sector... ...Read more »

Consumer group Choice is still planning on a July 1 launch for the revamped GROCERYchoice website despite facing resistance from some retailers who are not keen to provide lists on a weekly basis. Choice recently announced that consultancy firm SMS Management & Technology would help the consumer group with the $13 million task of rebuilding the troubled Grocery Choice website. Currently, the site focusses on 61 broad regions, with prices updated on a monthly basis. This has been criticised as... ...Read more »

Grocery food prices could retreat by up to 15 per cent in some cases, according to an agricultural expert, as lower fuel costs and strong overseas harvests force the price of food staples down from the record highs of last year. Dairy and meat prices could be among those to decline, according to Mick Keogh, an agricultural expert at the Australian Farm Institute. Mr Keogh advised that the economic deterioration has reduced farming costs, while northern hemisphere harvests had been very good. “Certainly... ...Read more »

The ACCC report into the state of competition in the grocery sector was released to mixed reactions yesterday. Federal Government “I believe that our action plan, combined with the broader reforms that are already in train to further strengthen competition policy, such as the amendments to the misuse of market power provision and the criminalisation of serious cartel conduct, will ensure that the grocery market remains competitive,” the Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, said. “The introduction... ...Read more »

The planned two-week national truck stoppage, which began at midnight, has already led to panic amongst some consumers but appears unlikely to lead to major food supply shortages. Mick Pattell, a spokesman from the National Road Transport Forum – one of the organisers of the shutdown, hopes the public gets behind truck drivers and is keen for government action. “Hopefully the government will come to the table fairly quickly and not allow this to happen to the public,” he said, according... ...Read more »

The ACCC Grocery Price Inquiry held it’s last planned public hearing in Melbourne yesterday, with Metcash the final company to be put under the spotlight. Metcash, Australia’s largest wholesaler, was questioned on a range of issues, which have already been highlighted throughout the preceding months. The ACCC was particularly interested in the strength of price competition provided by independent grocers to the major supermarkets. ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel, questioned Metcash CEO,... ...Read more »