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Italy’s Antitrust Opens Fact-Finding Inquiry Into Supermarket Chains Over Food Price Surge

The review responds to Istat data showing food prices up 24.9% over four years, with written contributions invited by January 31.

Overview

  • The authority will examine how supermarket purchasing power, including use of cooperatives, centrals and supercentrals, shapes pricing along the agri-food chain.
  • Investigators will assess supplier payments for sales services such as shelf placement, promotions and product launches, known as trade spending.
  • The growing role of private-label goods will be scrutinized for its effects on supplier remuneration and final consumer prices.
  • The Antitrust highlights a significant bargaining imbalance for farmers relative to large retailers in the supply chain.
  • Consumer group Codacons, which filed complaints that helped prompt the review, estimates the food price surge added about €1,404 per household annually versus 2021.