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National Grocers Association Praises House Appropriations Committee for Call to Action on Antitrust Enforcement

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Grocers Association (NGA) has commended the House Appropriations Committee for including language in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget report urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce antitrust laws more aggressively in the food, pharmacy, and retail sectors. This move underscores the need for robust competition to ensure a level playing field for businesses of all sizes and fair prices for consumers. The NGA has been a long-standing advocate for stronger antitrust enforcement, highlighting the consequences of unchecked consolidation in the food and retail supply chain, including higher consumer prices, fewer choices, and diminished access to nutritious food in low-income communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The House Appropriations Committee's Fiscal Year 2026 budget report includes language urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce antitrust laws more aggressively in the food, pharmacy, and retail sectors.
  • The language aims to ensure a level playing field for businesses of all sizes and fair prices for consumers.
  • The National Grocers Association (NGA) has praised the move, highlighting the urgent need for the FTC to ramp up Robinson-Patman Act enforcement.
  • Independent grocers are crucial to rural and urban areas, providing fresh, affordable food and competing on a fair playing field.
  • Unchecked consolidation in the food and retail supply chain results in higher consumer prices, fewer choices, and diminished access to nutritious food in low-income communities.
  • The NGA has been leading the fight for stronger antitrust enforcement, informing policymakers about the consequences of consolidation.
  • Rep. Aderholt is a champion of this issue, with the NGA thanking the Committee and Rep. Aderholt for their leadership.

Statistics:

  • The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2% of the nation's overall economy.
  • NGA members generate around $250 billion in sales, create 1.1 million jobs, and contribute $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes.
  • The NGA represents retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers' associations, manufacturers, and service suppliers.

Sources:

  • National Grocers Association. (2023). About the National Grocers Association. Retrieved from
  • National Grocers Association. (2023). Press Release: NGA Applauds House Appropriations Committee for Include[ing] Language on FTC Enforcement. Retrieved from

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