The Commerce Commission has today released a paper outlining the preliminary issues it may explore and the proposed
scope for its market study into the grocery sector.
“We expect that the issues we focus on will evolve as our understanding of the sector develops and we want feedback from
consumers, suppliers and retailers to ensure we focus on the right issues,” Commission Chair Anna Rawlings said.
The terms of reference, set by the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, require the Commission to consider the
following matters:the structure of the grocery industry at the wholesale and retail levelsthe nature of competition at the wholesale and retail levels of the grocery industrythe pricing practices of the major grocery retailersthe grocery procurement practices of the major grocery retailers, andthe price, quality, product range and service offerings for retail customers.
In the preliminary issues paper, the Commission has identified a range of potential issues it may explore, including:how intense competition is between grocery retailerswhether features of the sector are affecting the potential for retail entry and expansionwhat impact private label products have on competition at the supplier levelconsumer purchasing behaviour, including how retailers’ pricing strategies and promotional activity affect consumer
purchasing behaviourwhether any changes to the sector that may have emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to affect competition
over the longer term.
In addition to studying the factors affecting competition, the Commission intends to consider competitive outcomes in
the grocery sector including prices, choice, quality and innovation, the margins and profitability of grocery retailers,
and whether there are other outcomes that are not consistent with those expected in a competitive market.
“The purpose of our market study is to look at whether competition is working well for consumers, and if not, what can
be done to improve it. It doesn’t look at prices in isolation. However, if retail competition is working, this will
benefit consumers through the prices they pay for groceries, the quality of groceries being sold, the range of groceries
available and the service that is offered,” Ms Rawlings said.
The paper also seeks feedback on the Commission’s proposed scope for the study. This includes the Commission’s intention
to focus on:the two major grocery retailers, Woolworths NZ and the Foodstuffs Group, due to their high share of retail grocery salesgroceries sold to New Zealand retail consumers, not commercial consumers like restaurants or catering suppliersa sample of key products to keep a focussed analysis of potential competition issues in the sector given the large range
of products sold by grocery retailers.
“We welcome feedback on our preliminary issues and proposed scope from all interested parties. We also intend to engage
more directly with a range of stakeholders, including consumers and smaller suppliers and retailers early in the New
Year.”
The preliminary issues paper features a series of questions that the Commission is seeking responses on. The Commission
welcomes any supporting evidence that submitters may be able to provide with their submissions. The paper can be found here.
Submissions can be uploaded on our website at www.comcom.govt.nz/groceries
Submissions close at 4pm on Thursday 4 February 2021.
The Commission is due to deliver its draft report mid next year and a final report by 23 November 2021.