Vertical market relations in the UK grocery trade: analysis and Government policy
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Article publication date: 1 July 1998
Abstract
The article examines trends in the market power relationship between UK grocery manufacturers and retailers over the past 10‐15 years. It identifies the underlying causes of trends in this area, the implications for consumer welfare, and the legislative framework relating to these relations. Contributory factors to the changed market‐power relationship are relative manufacturer and retailer firm size and market share, individual manufacturing firm market dependence upon particular retailers, information technology, private label merchandise and product development activities, logistics arrangements and other vertical links between manufacturers and retailers. Aspects of welfare economics are examined as a basis for assessing consumer outcomes in this area, and past and present government legislation in the matter is considered, together with some reference to international comparisons. A case is made for some further strengthening of the relevant legislation in the UK.
Keywords
Citation
Stewart Howe, W. (1998), "Vertical market relations in the UK grocery trade: analysis and Government policy", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 26 No. 6, pp. 212-224. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590559810222913
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited