Labour will take immediate action to increase competition in the grocery sector, giving New Zealanders more choice and fairer prices at the checkout.
"This election is about the cost of living and who will take real action to get it under control. Families are paying too much for groceries, and Labour has a plan to bring prices down," Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
“A Labour Government will crack down on big companies ripping you off, and we’ll take immediate action on grocery prices.
“The time for reviews is over. Only Labour will make grocery prices fairer and lower your weekly grocery bills,” Chris Hipkins said.
Labour will:
Open up the market by requiring Woolworths and Foodstuffs to run their wholesale supply businesses independently from their retail stores.
Guarantee Kiwi grocers the right to buy their stock from any wholesaler they choose, on fair terms.
Free small grocers like Four Square operators from their restraints of trade, by voiding anti-competitive arrangements that keep their prices high.
Ban junk fees charged to suppliers
Make rebate and data deals more transparent
"New Zealand has lots of supermarket brands, but most are owned by just two groups: Woolworths and Foodstuffs. Together, they control more than 80 percent of the grocery market,” Labour Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Arena Williams said.
“The big supermarkets can favour their own retail stores, meaning smaller shops and independent supermarkets end up paying more. That makes it harder for them to compete and offer you a better deal.
“National promised to fix the cost of living and bring grocery prices down. Instead, mince is up 36 percent since they took office. Bread has jumped 66 percent, butter is up 72 percent, beef mince 36 percent, cheese 31 percent, and milk 33 percent.
“Despite talking big, National has had three years and done nothing. Now, with the election only weeks away, they say what we need is another review. New Zealanders can't eat a review. It's time for real action.
“Only Labour will act decisively. We will open the market so more supermarkets can offer lower prices, giving shoppers more choice and a better deal at the checkout.
“These changes will put money back in people’s pockets. Our grocery plan will deliver lasting change by giving shoppers more choice and ensure fairer prices that last.
“Better now. Fairer grocery prices for the future. Better starts now,” Arena Williams said.
