The Federal Cartel Office today approved Edeka’s acquisition of 178 Tegut stores, subject to certain conditions. Edeka has agreed not to acquire 24 additional stores over the next four years. Rebalance Now, Oxfam Germany, and Forum Fairer Handel have criticized the decision. Market concentration in the supermarket sector continues to rise, with negative consequences for consumers, the agricultural sector, and small businesses in the supply chains.
A new study by Rebalance Now and Misereor shows: A few corporations are increasingly controlling agricultural supply chains. This drives up prices, puts small farms at a disadvantage and encourages unfair trade practices. We are therefore calling for stricter scrutiny of large mergers and better rules against unfair trading practices.
Sharp rises in food prices are a burden for many people. At the same time, farmers are under high price pressure and many producers are complaining about unfair trading practices. The Monopolies Commission is currently investigating food supply chains and market concentration in the sector. Where does the process stand today?
