WoolworthsWell, does anyone have the guts to stand up to Woolworths and ColesOr are we simply going to let them take over the country?I see Woolworths is now reportedly considering buying a winery – Barossa Valley Estates in the Barossa Valley in South AustraliaWoolworths apparently offered $13 million for Barossa Valley Estates some time ago but was turned downBut since then the winery – which was established as a co-operative by local growers in 1984 - has gone broke and was placed in receivership in JanuarySo Woolworths now has free rein unless someone else is prepared to outbid itThis purchase, if it happens, would enable Woolworths to control the supply of its in-house wine from the vine to the shelves of its subsidiaries - Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Cellarmasters and Woolworths LiquorBarossa Valley Estate produces premium winesIt is a 41 hectare vineyard and has facilities to crush 4,000 tonnes of grapes“For brand owners this is scary” one unnamed veteran wine industry executive said this week“Woolworths are moving further up the supply chain by buying established and well-regarded brands”Meanwhile, the NSW State Government is considering allowing wine to be sold in supermarketsACCC Chairman, Rod Sims, seems to be the only person even interested in putting the brakes on these outfitsColes and Woolworths together already control 70% of the grocery marketAnd they can’t be allowed to buy up the farm as well

The Alan Jones Breakfast show: Highlights

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