Goods ‘wrapped in up to six times more packaging’

AN investigation into unfair retail services may have uncovered why Ireland’s food prices are the second highest in the EU.

Goods in Irish supermarkets and shops, according to the report, are wrapped in up to six times more packaging than in any other member state. But overall, the investigation finds the problems are mainly caused by big buyers and multi-national chains abusing their dominant position, poor information on special offers beyond local markets and the slow growth of e-commerce.

Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier has promised to introduce new rules in the autumn after he has heard from interested bodies, including ordinary consumers. Half of all retail is grocery and it is dominated by big multi-nationals. In the old EU 15 countries, three years ago just eight companies accounted for up to 80% of the grocery market. In Ireland the figure was 50% and growing. The report found that prices can vary hugely for products, even for an identical product in different outlets that belong to the same company.