The latest report from the Monopolies Commission highlights mounting concerns about the increasing dominance of a handful of players within Germany’s food supply chain. This trend, the commission warns, risks reducing competition substantially, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and fewer choices on supermarket shelves. Key factors driving this concentration include aggressive mergers and acquisitions, as well as the growing influence of large retail chains over smaller suppliers and producers.

To illustrate the rising market concentration, the commission points to several critical areas:

  • Retail Sector: Top 3 retailers now control over 75% of the grocery market.
  • Wholesale Distribution: A handful of distributors dominate the supply…