Media Centre

Retailer market dominance issue

AFGC calls for an Ombudsman have resonated strongly, especially AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell's comments that: “If these current ‘price wars’ continue, the profitability of Australia’s food manufacturing sector, as well as farmers, will be eroded and the result could be a significant loss of both processors and producers”.

The Ombudsman also spearheaded AFGC’s 2012-13 Federal Budget submission, listing a range of industry reforms and indicatives. Read submission here.

Supermarket Ombudsman press coverage

The story ran strongly across all major newspaper newspapers on 30 Juanuary, including The Financial Review and The Australian:

http://www.news.com.au/business/coles-next-salvo-in-grocery-battle/story-e6frfm1i-1226259061962

Food fight 'a super fruit and veg beat-up'‎ The Australian

Discounting is the new retail reality Sydney Morning Herald

Coles' discounting offensive riles ag groups‎ Beef Central

Coles' next salvo in grocery battle Adelaide Now

Grocers caught in supermarket crossfire Brisbane Times
Fears for farmers in food fight Herald Sun

MPs concern over supermarket wars

Broadcast coverage

Kate Carnell appeared on top-rating the Radio National breakfast show with Fran Kelly this morning. Listen here:

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/2012-02-01/3803830

Geoffrey Annison was also interviewed by WIN-TV on the issue which was broadcast Australia-wide last night, including in key food and grocery regional areas.

Minister Kim Car ignites supermarket debate

Since being highlighted by Industry Minister Kim Carr at AFGC's Industry Leaders Forum on November 2, the retailer market dominance issue of Coles and Woolworths has received widespread discussion and media coverage.

Over the past four weeks, AFGC has continued to attract strong media attention about the ongoing concerns of retail market dominance issue, discounting, private label growth and "copy-catting" of branded products. Several of these issues were also outlined in AFGC’s 2020: Industry at a Crossroads report.

AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell also participated in a live “chat” about “What is really happening in our supermarkets?” on the SMH from on Monday November 28. She interacted with online bloggers and answered questions about this issue. Read more

A summary of AFGC related media coverage on the supermarket issue is provided below:

Giant's "copycat" foods sent packing

Shoppers caught in supermarket food fight

Coles and Woolworths bullying us, say suppliers

Glen Times - Coles and Woolworths bullying us, say suppliers

Trend to private-label groceries is no bargain for manufacturers

Startup Smart: News Wrap

Sting in the tail of technology push by supermarket giant

Its war - but how low can they go?

Australian Retailers Squeeze in More Private Brands

Heinz slams inundation of supermarket's home brands

AFGC welcomes Carr's comments on abuse of supermarket powers