More grocery competition needed in Canada: government report

GATINEAU, Que. –

Canada’s grocery sector wants higher competitors to assist preserve meals costs down and encourage new entrants, the nation’s competitors watchdog has discovered.

The Competition Bureau examine was arrange final fall to look at whether or not consolidation within the grocery sector is contributing to rising meals prices.

More coming. The earlier story follows beneath.

Canada’s competitors watchdog is anticipated to launch a examine at the moment analyzing whether or not consolidation within the grocery sector is contributing to rising meals prices.

The Competition Bureau introduced the examine final fall as grocery costs rose on the quickest tempo in 40 years.

It stated the examine would look at three broad questions: how grocery sector competitors impacts costs, what Canada can be taught from different international locations which have taken steps to extend competitors and the way governments can decrease boundaries to entry and enlargement within the sector.

Many Canadians purchase groceries from retail chains operated by considered one of three firms: Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro.

Other essential retailers embody Costco and Walmart, in addition to impartial grocers.

The Competition Bureau says when shoppers have extra decisions between grocery shops, they’re more likely to pay decrease costs, acquire higher comfort and be served by larger ranges of innovation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed June 27, 2023.