Labour proposes splitting Foodstuffs and Woolworths from their wholesale arms

Labour would force Foodstuffs and Woolworths to run their wholesale operations independently from their retail stores, if elected in November. The party says the policy would give smaller grocers more places to buy products, and make it easier for new supermarkets to open and grow. Having previously criticised National's plan to pursue splitting Foodstuffs up as just another review, Labour's commerce and consumer affairs spokesperson Arena Williams said Labour would take immediate action. "The big supermarkets can favour their own retail stores, meaning smaller shops and independent supermarkets end up paying more. That makes it harder for them to compete and offer you a better deal," she said.