Le Groupement Mousquetaires, a prominent player in French grocery retail, has publicly criticized Mars for halting deliveries to its stores amidst ongoing price negotiations.
The retailer, responsible for the Intermarché and Netto chains, asserts that the US food giant’s actions “go against the very principle of commercial negotiations.”
In response, Le Groupement Mousquetaires has displayed posters in its outlets labeled Mars attaque, aimed at informing customers about Mars’ request for an “unjustified” price increase. Similarly, it has utilized social media platforms to convey this message.
Currently, both parties remain engaged in discussions, which are expected to conclude on 1 March.
Every year, France’s leading retailers and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers engage in negotiations to establish product pricing.
In a statement sent, Le Groupement Mousquetaires highlighted, “While commercial negotiations are still ongoing, Le Groupement Mousquetaires regrets the strategy adopted by Mars to impose unjustified price increases that are unrelated to market reality.”
“By stopping deliveries, this approach – which is aimed at unilaterally imposing 100% of the requested price increase – goes against the very principle of commercial negotiation.”
Furthermore, the retailer emphasized that one-fifth of French households “are now struggling to make ends meet” and expressed confidence that a reasonable pricing approach would lead to a favorable resolution in these negotiations.