Which? response as CMA sets out Autumn update in review of competition in groceries sector
Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy, said:
"The competition regulator's findings that leading brands have raised their prices by more than their cost increases during the cost of living crisis will be shocking for many people who have been struggling to deal with food price inflation. Its evidence reinforces Which?’s concerns that shoppers relying on convenience store branches of the big supermarkets, which rarely stock the cheapest own-brand ranges, may struggle to find more affordable food.
"Which? is calling on supermarkets to ensure they stock a range of budget items to support a healthy diet in all shops, including convenience stores.
"It's positive that the CMA is set to review supermarket loyalty pricing as a recent Which? investigation found these deals aren’t always as they seem. In September we asked the regulator to look at whether supermarkets could be hiking ‘regular’ prices to make it appear that loyalty scheme customers are getting a better deal than they really are.
"It’s also good news that the regulator plans to look more closely at infant formula prices, where consumers have more limited choice and ability to switch to cheaper own-label products."
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Notes to editors:
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.