Highly concentrated markets can be less competitive, leading to higher prices for consumers. Australia’s two largest supermarket chains account for around two-thirds of supermarket sales. This, combined with recent food price increases, has created renewed interest in how supermarket prices and supplier relationships are regulated. This paper outlines the context and current regulatory mechanisms.

This report proposes drafting instructions for a Fast-track Supermarket Entry and Expansion Omnibus Bill, which would rapidly approve retail grocery developments at scale and cut through complex barriers that are preventing new supermarket chains from entering the New Zealand market. This would enable stronger retail grocery competition.

This final report addresses key issues identified in the Supermarkets Inquiry interim report, and analysed during the second phase of the inquiry. The report finds Coles and Woolworths dominate the Australian grocery sector and this is set to continue; and presents recommendations to the government.

The recent period of high inflation has renewed concerns about the state of competition in the Australian supermarket sector, particularly in terms of the dominance of Coles and Woolworths. This paper assesses sales concentration and finds consumers display long lasting inertia in their choice of supermarket.

Many Australian consumers and grocery suppliers have told the ACCC they are concerned that some of Australia’s supermarket retailers have considerable market power and are engaging in practices which disadvantage both their customers and suppliers. This interim report for the Supermarkets inquiry outlines what the ACCC has heard at the halfway point of the year-long...