Pick 'n Pay takes on big bakery suppliers over bread increases

By Tarryn Le Chat
16 February 2007

Pick ‘n Pay is rumoured to take action against major bakery suppliers who allegedly conspired to simultaneously sell bread at an increased price a week before the Christmas period in South Africa.

Nick Badminton, chief executive of Pick n Pay, said that they had strongly supported the deregulation of the previous boards of control, meant to ensure competition.

“This is why, depending on the level of discount we are able to secure from the major suppliers, we often sell bread to consumers at cost, and sometimes even below cost, particularly when prices from go up”, he said.

According to online reports, collusion amongst suppliers flew directly in the face of this intention.

The case has been referred to the Competition Tribunal.