A quadopoly – reforming supermarkets in Australia

Supermarket shoppers in Aotearoa are aware what a duopoly is – that’s what we have here with the two big supermarket chains. Australia has a quadopoly (if that is a word).

This Guardian article informs of a new report into supermarket power in Australia. The government commissioned report identifies “a heavy imbalance in market power between suppliers and supermarkets in Australia’s heavily concentrated supermarket industry”. Heavy penalties for anti-competitive practices are anticipated if the report’s recommendation’s translate into statute.

Here in Aotearoa, we have a similar problem with our duopoly. A suggested remedy has been enabling a third supermarket to foster more competition. You may be aware of the problems the Warehouse has had attempting to purchase Sanitarium products at similar costs to the two big supermarket chains.

But if we add a third supermarket chain, we will still be one short of a quadopoly. Will we have to add another, and another?

There is another way. Anything we can do to purchase food more directly from the producers will grow a more regenerative food system. And we have some wonderful farms and gardens in Te Tai Tokerau producing a wide range of meat, dairy, vegetables and fruit. The more you purchase from producers at places like the Whangārei Growers Market, the more you will supporting local food production and bypassing the supermarkets. You will find yourself eating less processed food and probably experiencing better health.

I would like to think that we are at peak supermarket now, and we will be creating shorter food webs that generate all sorts of benefits for the environment, the climate, the local economy, and our health. Please share your ideas on ways that you are doing this.