Press statement

Which? comments on CMA report into unit pricing and competition in the grocery sector

2 min read
Press Team

Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy said:

“Which? has repeatedly exposed inconsistent and confusing supermarket pricing, which could make it difficult for shoppers to easily work out which products offer the best value, so it’s positive to see the Competition and Markets Authority calling for immediate action from the supermarkets on this issue.

“The supermarkets must finally do the right thing by their customers and urgently act on the areas highlighted by the regulator. This includes the need to put unit pricing on promotions, such as on loyalty card offers and multi-buys, and make unit pricing clearer and more consistent.

"The regulator also warns that customers who rely on expensive convenience stores aren't fully benefiting from strong competition between supermarkets. Supermarkets can address this immediately by bringing in a range of budget line products that support a healthy diet to their convenience stores.

"Government must act swiftly on its promise to update pricing rules and close the loopholes that are allowing supermarkets to unnecessarily confuse shoppers, and the regulator must be ready to take enforcement action if the supermarkets don't act to quickly improve their pricing practices.”

ENDS

Which? Affordable Food For All Campaign

  • The consumer champion’s Affordable Food For All campaign calls on supermarkets to do more to ensure own-brand budget line items are widely available throughout all branches – including in smaller ‘convenience’ stores. They should also make pricing and offers more transparent.
  • Almost 110,000 supporters have signed Which?’s petition so far calling on the supermarkets to take action.
  • Alongside the University of Leeds Consumer Data Research Centre, Which? has developed the Priority Places For Food Index which shows where in the UK people are the most vulnerable to food insecurity.