Nisa-Today’s Comments On Competition Commission Groceries Final Report

30/04/2008

Nisa-Today’s chief executive officer, Neil Turton, has commented on the Competition Commission’s Groceries Final Report released this morning:

"The report is a missed opportunity. Many of the key issues affecting the diversity of the retail sector have not been addressed and the report is weak in the way in which it tackles the dominance of the ‘Big Four’ supermarkets that control 80% of the market.

However, the report is not a clean bill of health for the national supermarket chains. The Competition Commission Inquiry in 2000 identified problems within the grocery market. This report also identifies that the market is not as effective as it could be. The proposed supplier Ombudsman, whilst a potentially good move, must be substantial, effective and robust in order to work. Suppliers must have confidence in it.

Despite the disappointing nature of this report, at Nisa-Today’s we believe that, through this investigation, consumer awareness of the value of independent retailing and consumer concern over national supermarket dominance is now greater than ever. We will continue to work with the Association of Convenience Stores and Federation of Wholesale Distributors in requesting a cross-departmental Government plan of action to promote sustainable and diverse retailing in the UK.”

For more information please contact Becky Campbell (Becky.Campbell@nisa-todays.com).