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Consumer Advocate SLAMS CCPC Report on Grocery Price Gouging

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UPDATE: Consumer advocate Michael Kilcoyne has voiced strong criticism of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) report released on October 19, 2023, which found no evidence of price gouging in Irish supermarkets. The CCPC’s findings come amid rising grocery prices that are straining family budgets across Ireland.

Kilcoyne, chairman of the Voluntary Consumers’ Association of Ireland, expressed his shock, stating, “I am dismayed that that is the conclusion. If it is not supermarkets that are ripping us off, then it is up to the CCPC to find out who it is.” This urgent response highlights the growing frustration among shoppers as food price inflation continues to escalate.

The CCPC acknowledged an increase in food prices but claimed that supermarkets are not generating significantly higher profits compared to their international counterparts. However, they admitted that their investigation cannot examine profit margins throughout the food supply chain. This limitation falls under the jurisdiction of the new Agri Food Regulator, which has yet to be granted the power to compel pricing data from relevant businesses.

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for a thorough investigation into the surging prices in the agri-food supply chain. She criticized the Agri Food Regulator’s inability to act, stating, “Regrettably, the Regulator is unable to do this work because it does not have the power to compel price and market information.” Whitmore further emphasized that despite requests made to the Minister of Agriculture nearly a year ago, no progress has been made.

Amid the CCPC’s findings, Whitmore challenged the report’s conclusions. She pointed out that not all large supermarket chains disclose their profits in Ireland, raising concerns about transparency. She stated, “The government enabled large supermarkets to keep their profits a secret at a time when prices are soaring.”

In defense of consumer transparency, Deputy Whitmore referenced comments made by Tánaiste Simon Harris, who recently questioned why supermarkets are not more open about their profits, asking, “Why wouldn’t they be transparent, what have they got to hide?”

As grocery prices continue to surge, the CCPC’s report has left consumers feeling frustrated and uncertain. The rising cost of living is impacting families across Ireland, with many struggling to manage their budgets effectively.

The situation raises urgent questions about the accountability of supermarkets and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. With the CCPC’s report igniting fresh debates, consumers are calling for greater transparency and action from both the government and the Agri Food Regulator.

NEXT: As pressure mounts on authorities to address rising grocery prices, consumers are urged to stay informed about potential regulatory changes and advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring fair pricing in the food market. The situation remains fluid, and developments are expected in the coming weeks as discussions regarding supermarket accountability escalate.

Stay tuned for more updates as this critical issue unfolds.

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