A Commerce Commission investigation into supermarket practices is looking more likely.
Shane Jones.
Labour MP Shane Jones.
Photo: RNZ
The Prime Minister John Key has said he will support an inquiry into the treatment of suppliers by supermarket chains, given the importance of the industry to New Zealanders.
In Parliament on Wednesday Labour MP Shane Jones accused the Countdown supermarket chain of demanding retrospective cash payments from some suppliers, to make up for lost profits - and he has lodged a complaint with the Commerce Commission.
The Commerce Commission said it was considering the complaint, and was encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
The Food and Grocery Council said any suppliers that do come forward should be given anonymity.
Progressive Enterprises, which owns the Countdown stores, strongly denied the allegations and invited any