Foodstuffs has applied to merge its North and South Island operations. But this move will only further concentrate market power and the biggest losers will be New Zealand consumers.
Bree Hurst, Queensland University of Technology; Carol Richards, Queensland University of Technology; Hope Johnson, Queensland University of Technology, and Rudolf Messner, Queensland University of Technology
A Senate enquiry has found both suppliers and customers of our supermarkets are struggling. Regulators have to find a way to rebalance the market, which doesn’t make these groups bear the cost.
Both are measures of profitability, but the disparity between return on investment and return on equity grows larger as a company relies more heavily on borrowing.
Carol Richards, Queensland University of Technology; Bree Hurst, Queensland University of Technology; Hope Johnson, Queensland University of Technology, and Rudolf Messner, Queensland University of Technology
Proposed toughening of the food and grocery code of conduct is long overdue. However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will need to be well resourced to properly regulate the sector.
Peter Martin, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
We really are being charged more than we used to be. If the government is concerned about price gouging, it could try this bold idea: offering its own low-cost bank loans.
Woolworths promoted itself as a place where “goods are so cheap and shopping easy and pleasant” when it opened 100 years ago. Australia’s biggest grocer has moved away from its humble beginnings.
Australia’s Soft Plastics Taskforce has been under pressure to fill the vacuum left by the demise of REDcycle. But this time the small trial announced for Melbourne has the potential to succeed.
Profits, not social justice, appear to be why the big grocers are dropping support for Australia Day. But creating a distraction when they’re being criticised for high prices is also possible.
Supermarket pricing is a big story but let’s forget the media coverage, the politician sound bytes and the corporate PR for a moment. What are ordinary Australians saying about supermarket pricing?
Why wait until a Senate inquiry to explain how supermarkets come up with the prices in their stores? There’s an opportunity now for the big supermarkets to be more transparent on pricing.
The budget retail chain was hoping for a white knight but now it looks like the business will be split among companies including its main high street rivals.
Jon Wardle, Southern Cross University and Amie Steel, University of Technology Sydney
‘One-stop-shops’ that offer health services, advice and information can be great for self-care. But what about when big corporate players enter the game?