Developments in technology, business models and consumer preferences have led to a shift in the balance of power – from producers to retailers – in the food supply chain over the past half a century. This trend is especially pronounced in Europe, but also in Australia, where the two major chains – Coles and Woolworths – reportedly hold a ‘duopoly’. But great power is not always used responsibly and supermarket chains do use their buyer power to pressure producers for ever lower prices and to transfer various commercial risks. This presentation will address the issue of unfair trading practices in the grocery chain from a comparative perspective. Is the problem competition law? Is there need for special regulation? Special enforcement mechanisms?
Period
30 Oct 2017
Held at
Public Seminar - Unfair trading practices and supermarket power: comparing regulatory challenges in the EU and Australia