AU: Groups says Coles and Wollies pushing own brands
The group says that investigation shows that supermarkets are using copycat labeling and poorer shelf positioning to promote their own brands over those of established companies.
Consumers may be saving some money but it's bad news for independent suppliers' brands, Choice says.
"When two brands compete for space on the shelf and when one of those brands is owned by the supermarket, it's not hard to figure out who the winner is going to be," Choice spokeswoman Ingrid Just said in a statement on Sunday.
"The generic labels are very effective, it is easy to mistakenly pick up generic brand products because they look just like established brands.
"For the consumer who is watching their budget, the rise of generic brands may be a good thing.
"For the shopper who wants an independent product however, their choices become more limited."
Just said shoppers should use people power - if their favourite brands disappear, tell the store or go elsewhere.
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