Help Fair Competition Reach Independents

Now more than ever before, it's crucial that independent retailers are given their fair share of inventory, as Americans face supply chain and inflation issues. The National Grocers Association (NGA) has been working tirelessly with legislators on this issue, taking on the power-buyer national chains that, for decades, have used their influence to muscle manufacturers to get better deals, better packaging, better promotions, and cheaper prices at your expense.

For too long, federal agencies turned a blind eye to these illegal actions, deciding on their own to ignore a long-standing federal antitrust law, the Robinson-Patman Act (RPA). Thanks to NGA’s efforts over the past few years, the tide is turning, but we are in a David vs. Goliath battle against companies that have unlimited resources. 

Watch the video below to see IGA CEO John Ross share more about the importance of NGA's efforts.

The NGA Board of Directors approved a dollar-for-dollar match for all contributions to NGA’s Fund for Fair Competition made through Sept. 1, 2022. They're in the final stretch to maximize our matching contributions and need your help to rebuild their war chest in our fight to level the playing field for independent supermarkets. 

Since September 2021, NGA has achieved the following victories: 

• Revived RPA within the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Today, FTC’s chair and other commissioners strongly support enforcement of this important law.
• Filed numerous comments and statements with the FTC in support of Robinson-Patman, including testimony from NGA and our members.
• Testified before numerous congressional committees, raising the ongoing inequities and challenges in the marketplace that independent supermarkets face.
• Supported the FTC’s 6 (b) investigation into the food supply chain, which we anticipate will yield important information and pull back the curtain on the practices of power buyers at the expense of independent supermarkets. Results of this investigation could come as early as this fall.
• Gained the support of a diverse and bipartisan group in Congress who have called on the FTC to revive and enforce the Robinson-Patman Act.
• Gained the support of the Biden administration, which has publicly called for enforcement of Robinson-Patman and much more.

NGA is entering a new phase in this effort that will require more resources for economic research, legal analysis, legislative lobbying support and more. Every dollar raised for NGA’s Fund for Fair Competition goes directly toward that work, but they cannot keep this up without your support. 

To donate to the fund, click the button below. All donations received by September 1, 2022 will be matched by IGA up to $10,000.