Competition Bureau investigating price-fixing in the bread aisle

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Some of Canada’s largest grocery suppliers and retailers are involved in an investigation by the Competition Bureau over concerns about price-fixing in the bread aisle.

The Competition Bureau has received search warrants from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice based on evidence that there are “reasonable grounds to believe that certain individuals and companies have engaged in activities contrary to the Competition Act,” reported The Canadian Press.

Loblaw Companies (which owns Loblaws, Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart and other store brands) and George Weston Limited confirmed they are aware of an industry-wide investigation and are “cooperating fully.”

Metro also said it’s aware of an investigation into “supply of commercial bread” involving suppliers and Canadian retailers, and that it’s cooperating with authorities.

Both Metro and Loblaws said they will not provide any further comment at this time.

As for suppliers, Canada Bread Company, a subsidiary of Mexican multinational baking company Grupo Bimbo, issued a statement saying it is cooperating in an investigation into pricing conduct dating back to 2001. The Canada Bread statement said the company “complies with all legal and regulatory standards” and noted “the company has not been charged with any offences.”

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