The Commerce Commission is taking Foodstuffs North Island and its subsidiary Gilmours Wholesale to court, citing what it labels 'cartel conduct'.

The regulator has alleged that the retailers pressured a supplier into an agreement to redirect supply through them.

Competition lawyer Andy Matthews says it's all allegations at this stage, but New Zealand has very 'broad' cartel laws.

"What it means is - pretty much any agreement with an actual or potential competitor probably has a cartel provision. And it's up to the party who's entered into the alleged cartel provision to demonstrate an exception that the Commerce Act applies."

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The Commerce Commission is taking Foodstuffs North Island and its subsidiary Gilmours Wholesale to court, citing what it labels 'cartel conduct'.
The regulator has alleged that the retailers pressured a supplier into an agreement to redirect supply through them.
Competition lawyer Andy Matthews says it's all allegations at this stage, but New Zealand has very 'broad' cartel laws.
"What it means is - pretty much any agreement with an actual or potential competitor probably has a cartel provision. And it's up to the party who's entered into the alleged cartel provision to demonstrate an exception that the Commerce Act applies."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Andy Matthews: competition lawyer on the Commerce Commission taking Foodstuffs North Island and Gilmours Wholesale to court

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ef01af0c-4e6e-468c-a36d-b31b0080499d/transcript