Dutch Consumer Watchdog Investigates High Supermarket Food Prices

The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has launched a comprehensive investigation into supermarket pricing following concerns that grocery prices in the Netherlands are higher than in neighboring countries like Germany and Belgium. The inquiry will analyze profit margins of food suppliers, including major brands, and supermarkets themselves, as well as compare prices across borders to identify market issues contributing to elevated prices. The ACM is also targeting misleading pricing tactics, such as artificially inflated reference prices used to exaggerate discounts. Should the investigation uncover anti-competitive practices or price manipulation, the regulator may propose legislative changes and take enforcement action against violations. Results from this investigation are expected by summer 2026, aiming to improve market functioning and protect consumers. Additionally, the ACM has paused a separate probe into educational tools due to capacity constraints, planning to resume it in early 2026.