Watchdog’s bread price fixing probe ‘shocking’ and ‘bizarre,’ analysts say
TORONTO — Allegations of price fixing in the bread aisles of major grocers are “shocking” and “bizarre,” analysts said Wednesday as more companies came forward to reveal they are co-operating with an investigation by the country’s competition watchdog.
Grocer Sobey’s Inc. confirmed Wednesday that the watchdog was present at its offices in connection with search warrants regarding pricing related to commercial bread dating back to 2001.
“They arrived in our Stellarton and Ontario offices (Tuesday),” said spokeswoman Jacquelin Corrado in an email. “We are co-operating to support the investigation and have advised employees internally of the process underway.”
The Competition Bureau said late Tuesday that the Ontario Superior Court in Ottawa granted search warrants “based on evidence that there are reasonable grounds to believe that certain individuals and companies have engaged in activities contrary to the Competition Act.”