Tesco and Dunnes fined for below-cost selling

Dublin District Court has fined Tesco and Dunnes €20,000 each for breaching the Groceries Order by selling goods at below-cost prices.

The two stores were taken to court following complaints from RGDATA, the organisation representing small and medium-sized retail outlets, about discounted baby food.

Both stores are also facing similar action next month over the cost of nappies.

Competition Authority chairman John Fingleton said yesterday’s ruling made it clear that the Groceries Order was contributing to high prices by preventing retailers like Tesco and Dunnes from engaging in real competition.