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US: Grocers association claims nationwide potato price-fixing

By  |  April 22, 2013

A complaint filed to federal officials by representatives of the nation’s grocers alleges that a potato cartel is fixing prices and driving up costs for consumers. Associated Wholesale Grocers has sued the United Potato Growers of America, the United Potato Growers of Idaho and 20 other defendants. The defendants control about 80 percent of the nation’s potato market. Using that strength, the grocers allege the potato growers colluded to use pre- and post-harvest tactics to reduce potato supplies in efforts to raise prices starting in 2004. According to the complaint, the introduction of the plan at a meeting of potato growers earned a standing ovation.

Full Content: Courthouse News Service

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