Why Aussie consumers are losing the supermarket wars
While there is no silver bullet, the ACCC has some recommendations to improve competition in the sector, make a difference for consumers and give suppliers fairer bargaining conditions.
Australia’s supermarket sector plays an important role in supplying food and groceries across our vast continent but is dominated by Woolworths and Coles, which act in ways that can disadvantage both consumers and suppliers.
The major chains claim competition is fierce in the sector, and that specialist retailers such as Bunnings and Chemist Warehouse, and online retailers such as Amazon, are significant competitors. However, supermarkets continue to account for 85 per cent of expenditure on groceries, with “one shop” convenience a key factor for consumers.
