NGA Applauds House Appropriators for Directing FTC to Strengthen Antitrust Enforcement in Food, Retail, and Pharmacy Markets

Washington, D.C. - The National Grocers Association (NGA), the national trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, praised the House Appropriations Committee for including language in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget report urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce antitrust laws more aggressively within the food, pharmacy, and retail sectors. The reportaccompanied the Committee's approval of legislation that funds the Federal Trade Commission's budget.

The Committee language underscores the need for robust competition to ensure a level playing field for businesses of all sizes and fair prices for consumers.

"The inclusion of this important language is a clear recognition of the pressing challenges that independent grocers and their customers face when market power is concentrated in the hands of a few dominant firms," said Chris Jones, chief government affairs officer at NGA.

"Independent grocers are pillars of their communities, particularly in rural and urban areas where they often serve as the only source of fresh, affordable food. But they cannot compete on a fair playing field when discriminatory practices tilt the market in favor of the largest national chains. This directive highlights the urgent need for the FTC to ramp up Robinson-Patman Act enforcement so that independent grocers and pharmacists can compete on fair terms."

For decades, NGA has led the fight for stronger antitrust enforcement, informing policymakers that unchecked consolidation in the food and retail supply chain results in higher consumer prices, fewer choices, and diminished access to nutritious food in low-income communities. This latest action by House appropriators reflects a growing consensus on the importance of fair competition in sustaining our nation's local economies.

"This is a small victory not just for independent grocers, but for consumers everywhere who rely on competition to deliver lower prices and more choices," Jones added. "We thank the Committee and our champion, Rep. Aderholt, for their leadership on this issue and urge the FTC to use every tool at its disposal to ensure fairness for Main Street businesses," he concluded.

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About the National Grocers Association

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers' associations, manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit https://www.nationalgrocers.org.