Main Street Competition Coalition Urges DOJ to Investigate Retail Buyer Power in Meat Markets
Agricultural producer groups and independent food retailers jointly developed recommendations on purchasing practices that affect producers, competition, and food affordability
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the Department of Justice's expansion of the meat antitrust inquiry into eight large retailers, the Main Street Competition Coalition (MSCC) has urged the agency to examine how dominant retailers' purchasing practices affect American producers, independent grocers, and food prices as part of its expanded beef-pricing investigation.
Jointly developed by MSCC's agricultural producer groups and independent grocery members, the letter asks the DOJ to investigate discriminatory wholesale pricing, costly retailer-imposed production requirements, and whether savings from lower-cost beef imports actually reach consumers.
"From the farm to the grocery store, Main Street businesses are bringing to the DOJ a shared concern that dominant retailers can dictate terms across the food supply chain, with consequences for businesses and consumers alike," said Chris Jones, MSCC Executive Director. "Our members developed these recommendations together to help investigators examine how that power operates and who bears the costs."
The coalition urges the DOJ to coordinate with the USDA and the FTC to examine potential violations of the Robinson-Patman and Sherman Acts that may be suppressing competition and driving up consumer costs.
About MSCC: The Main Street Competition Coalition represents independent businesses and agricultural producers working to restore competitive markets across the American economy.
Media contact: Chris Jones | chris@cenmarkstrat.com
