The European Parliament may launch an investigation into supermarkets' abuse of buying power in driving down the prices they pay suppliers.
A total of 438 MEPs have signed a written declaration calling for the investigation, submitted by the Agribusiness Accountability Initiative Forum, the EU Supermarkets Group and the Responsible Purchasing Initiative.
The move could lead to the setting up of a fresh investigation into the grocery sector just weeks after the Competition Commission unveiled its proposed remedies for the UK grocery market.
MEPs said evidence from the European Union suggests major grocers are abusing their buying power to impose unfair conditions on suppliers and force prices down to unsustainable levels.
The Association of Convenience Stores, which lobbied UK MEPs to sign the petition, has pledged to continue discussions with the EU.
A total of 438 MEPs have signed a written declaration calling for the investigation, submitted by the Agribusiness Accountability Initiative Forum, the EU Supermarkets Group and the Responsible Purchasing Initiative.
The move could lead to the setting up of a fresh investigation into the grocery sector just weeks after the Competition Commission unveiled its proposed remedies for the UK grocery market.
MEPs said evidence from the European Union suggests major grocers are abusing their buying power to impose unfair conditions on suppliers and force prices down to unsustainable levels.
The Association of Convenience Stores, which lobbied UK MEPs to sign the petition, has pledged to continue discussions with the EU.
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